If you own a cat you probably already know that they can be very sensitive creatures with plenty of quirks. They might have a preferred sleeping space, food type or even a favourite human they choose to spend more time with. Cats can also get stressed very easily which can lead to health issues down the line. If you own or are thinking of owning a cat, it’s important to know that there are seemingly simple things to humans that they actually might find very stressful, like where they eat their food.
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Stress in cats
Stress is more common in cats than you might think. They can be elusive and often will hide their stress well until it becomes overwhelming for them. When a cat is stressed, they may well not show it as you might expect humans or even dogs to display signs of unease. For example, cats are more likely to remain still or go off alone to hide. Stress might also manifest in other ways such as over grooming; where they obsessively lick themselves and pull out their own fur.
Some cats might even develop what we call feline lower urinary tract disease. This can cause urinary issues and even lead to urinary obstruction. This disease is actually less likely to be the result of a urinary tract infection which many people first assume, but much more likely to be caused by stress. Which just goes to show how sensitive cats can be to the world around them.
Cats can be social animals but are not obligately social like their canine counterparts and they are actually solitary feeders. Whereas dogs in the wild might hunt and feed as a pack, cats will choose to eat alone. So, if cats are expected to eat with others or even other animals in their home, this might actually feel very unnatural to them and will actually often cause negative emotion.
Where is the best place to feed your cat?
When considering the best place to put your cat’s food bowl, you should think about the overall environment your cat is living in. Is it a multi-cat or multi-animal household? If there are multiple animals in the house it is much better for them to be fed apart from each other. This will allow your cat their own space at mealtimes.
Also consider passageways in the house around the feeding areas. Will one cat have to pass an area where another cat sleeps in order to get to their food? We know cats are territorial and this crossing of paths might feel threatening or intimidating to them. Cats will also prefer to eat in a quiet area, away from doors and ideally not in a corner. This is so they can see their surroundings and feel more safe, especially if there are other animals around that might be interested in their food!
Cats like to feel in control. Therefore, being high up where they can see what is happening down below is helpful for them. One caveat to this is that older cats or those suffering from osteoarthritis might find it difficult jumping up onto counters. Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat’s mobility. And let your vet know if you think your cat is struggling to jump up. They may benefit from pain relief and there may be some adjustments you can make around the home to help them get around.
It seems obvious, but food bowls should be kept away from litter tray areas; no cat will want to eat near their toilet! Cats also prefer to eat away from their drinking and sleeping areas, so try to keep these separate too. A ceramic, shallow bowl is best to feed your cat from. Metal and plastic bowls can harbour smells which they can find off-putting.
What if you have cats that don’t get on at home?
If you have more than one cat and think there is tension around mealtimes, try to keep their eating spaces away from each other. But if finding the space is an issue you could try pheromone products. These are products that you can plug into a wall socket that emit ‘friendly’ pheromones which can make cats feel more secure and encourage positive emotions. They may be beneficial in certain situations but will not force cats to get along; it’s not possible to establish a good relationship between cats that was never there to begin with.
What to do if your cat goes off their food or starts showing odd behaviours
Although cats may find certain eating situations stressful, it will often take a lot to make them stop eating, as eating is a survival instinct. You might notice your cat is unhappy with their eating set-up if they choose to eat at quieter times like at night when no one else is around, or if they retreat or hide around feeding times. However, if your cat stops eating or eats significantly less than normal, you should speak to your vet as there may be an underlying problem that needs addressing. It is also crucial to see your vet if your cat is showing signs of over grooming or urinary problems especially as this can be an emergency.
If you think your cat is stressed or struggling to get on well with other animals in the house, your vet will be able to advise on supplements, medications or animal behaviourists.
Plenty of cats can live happily with others and enjoy peaceful and stress-free mealtimes. It might take a while or a few tries to find the right fit; but having a happy, healthy feline friend that can enjoy their mealtimes is completely worth it.
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