Cat Furniture Is Necessary for A Healthy, Happy Cat
If you reside in a suburban area or in the countryside, then you probably allow your cat to go outside, in which case cat furniture is not a necessity. However, if you do not allow your cat to venture outside or you live in a city and your cat stays inside all the time, then you and your feline friend can both benefit from cat furniture.
Why Your Cat Needs Cat Furniture
Following are some reasons an indoor cat needs furniture of its own.
- Scratching – A cat naturally likes to scratch. Most people think that when a cat scratches it is trying to sharpen or trim its claws. What it is actually doing is shedding its claws. When a cat scratches your furniture or a scratching post, it leaves the outer layer of the claw behind which encourages new growth.
- Romping and climbing – Your cat’s natural instinct is to jump, climb, hide, and chase. To survive in the wild cats need to hunt and kill prey. This natural behavior still dominates how your pet cat acts indoors.
- Napping – cats sleep up to sixteen hours a day. Therefore, they love a safe and warm place to sleep rather than a loud or stressful place.
Although indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats, in order to be healthy and happy an indoor cat requires a good amount of exercise and daily challenge. Cats love to scratch, jump, play hide and seek with pretend friends, and between playtimes take extended naps on high perches.
If you are tired of your kitty cat romping on and shredding your expensive furniture, then consider providing it with some cat furniture. Fun, functional pieces of cat furniture will help entertain him on his own furniture and keep him off of yours.
Because your cat has certain instinctual needs, if you do not meet these needs with the appropriate cat furniture, you can count on your cat scratching your sofa because he has nothing else. If you don’t furnish a nice, warm place for your cat to sleep, he will curl up in your comfy bed around your warm face.
To meet your cat’s innate needs you are not required to furnish it with elaborate designer furniture pieces. However, the following are some items that will make your life and that of your cat a little less stressful.
- cat scratching post
- cat perch
- cat tree
- cat bed
Types of Cat Furniture
Like many products today, there is also a wide selection of different pieces of cat furniture. Your choice will depend on the kind of cat you own and the amount of space available in your house. Understand that it’s not necessary to provide a giant cat tree; a small tree will do just as well.
The quality of your cat’s furniture is actually more important than the size. Not realizing the purpose of cat furniture, many cat owners buy furniture for their cats to merely sleep or lounge around on. Since your cat will repeatedly scratch and climb on whatever kind of furniture you get, quality – not looks or size — is what you are after.
- Cat scratching post – If you can only afford one piece of cat furniture, a scratching post is the most important for the well-being of your cat. A scratching post keeps a cat’s nails healthy while promoting great exercise. It encourages your cat to stretch and exercise its arm, leg, and back muscles that help it to run and jump. In addition, a post decreases stress while allowing your cat to mark its territory. A scratching post also allows your cat to take out aggression it might otherwise direct toward you.Of course, the design as well as material and size determine the price, but do not compromise when it comes to size. The pole needs to be long enough and the base wide enough to accommodate your cat’s body weight.
- Cat perch – Because cats love to climb up high, purchasing a cat perch that allows your cat to climb to the highest part of the room provides your cat with needed stimulation. Perching high above its surroundings also gives a cat security knowing what lies around it. However, acquiring a separate perch is not necessary if you buy a cat tree.
- Cat tree – Most cat trees satisfy multiple needs. They have elevated perches, usually feature a scratching pole, and some include a cat condo where your cat can hide and also sleep. Some trees also include hanging toys.
- Cat bed – If you decide to provide a cat bed, you will need to keep it clean and free of bugs like mites, fleas, and ticks.
Maintaining Your Cat’s Health: Flea and Tick Prevention
While ensuring a comfortable and stimulating environment is important, it is equally crucial to maintain your cat’s health, especially if they are indoor cats. A critical aspect of this is flea and tick prevention.
Even if your cat stays indoors, it is not completely immune to flea and tick infestations. Fleas can hitch a ride on your clothes or come in through an open window, while ticks can fall off other animals and find their way into your home. Fleas and ticks not only cause discomfort and itching but can also lead to serious health issues like flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, and diseases like Lyme disease or cytauxzoonosis.
To prevent these pesky parasites, regular use of preventive measures is recommended. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best flea and tick prevention products suitable for your cat. Options include spot-on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. Regular grooming and checking your cat’s fur for signs of fleas or ticks are also beneficial.
Remember, the key to successful flea and tick prevention is consistency. It’s not just a one-time solution; it requires a year-round commitment to keep your feline friend healthy and parasite-free. By implementing these preventative measures, you can ensure your cat’s indoor environment remains safe and enjoyable, free from the worries of external parasites.
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