Basic resources
Food
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feed several small meals a day
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food bowl separated from the water bowl
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Puzzle feeders are great for overweight or bored cats
Litter Tray
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placed in a quiet, well ventilated and accessible area
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cleaned and scooped daily, washed weekly
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unscented, clumping litter preferred
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as large as possible with easy access (eg arthritic cat needs low sides and wide base)
Reinforce Confidence
provide Feliway to mark areas and new objects as safe and secure
Structural Features
Climbing opportunities
Scratching post
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near entry and exit points and/or next to resting and sleeping areas
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vertical grooves and height are preferred (high enough to fuly stretch)
Resting area
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provide several throughout the home
Hiding places
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boxes, baskets, cupboards with door left open
Outdoor access
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free and easy access to outside where possible
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consider microchip cat flaps (to keep neighbouring cats out)
Social Contact
Playing sessions: with the owner on a daily basis, if the cat wants to
Petting sessions: daily, if the cat enjoys
Activity & Stimulation
Toys: regularly rotated to provide novelty
Radio or television: on when the cat is home alone
Multi-Cat Needs
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feed in private (separate rooms/floors in multi-cat homes)
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multiple resources (food and water bowls, litter boxes) distributed in different locations to avoid competition for access
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enough climbing, hiding and resting areas for all cats
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facial pheromones (feliway diffuser) to decrease overall tension and help cohabitation
Information provided by Ceva