The Way of Cats

When we have an active cat, no matter what age, we know to leave them toys to keep them amused. But we shouldn’t neglect cats who may not be as physically active. They still enjoy mental activity, and we should consider providing them with some.

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Cats became the incredibly efficient predators they still are today by not only developing their athletic abilities, but also their cognitive ones. The ability to outthink their prey is just as important as being able to pounce on it once it appears. Like us, sometimes the cat wants to hang out, but they don’t want to be bored.

Consider the environmental possibilities for when we leave in the morning. A window which looks out on a tree full of birds or sidewalk full of people can keep them as happy as a human with a sixpack and a Twilight Zone marathon.

Optimize their viewing opportunities by placing a small table, or hanging a handy cat shelf on their favorite window. It can be easy to tell their favorite window; it has the curtains pushed aside or the blinds rumpled. Work with them by making this window more cat-friendly. Take away the porcelain, raise the blinds, tie back the curtains. They don’t mean to mess with our stuff, but the lure of something to watch is powerful.

If we have boring windows, we can come up with other stuff for the cats to watch. If we already like fishtanks, we know the powerful lure they hold for our cats. Secure the tank with a sturdy cover to prevent attrition from ruining ratings. Create a place where the cats can watch in comfort, and they will not feel moved to make their own.

If we already have other small pets, such as hamsters or lizards, we should consider creating a cat proof environment so they can star in Cat TV. Using a fishtank, placing the cage inside a larger and sturdier one, or securing a narrow barred cage into a bookcase are all ways the cats can enjoy these small pets safely. They don’t mind being stared at, as long as precautions are taken, and then we can enjoy watching them too.

A bubbling fountain can offer a similar fascination, but be aware the cat will take this nature feature literally and probably drink from it. Wash it out regularly, and skip any chemicals in the water.

A decorative mobile, hung near a vent so it will keep moving, can be another source of interest. Put a few inches of water in the bathroom sink and leave some floating toys there. Hang a crystal in a place where sunlight will dapple the wall at certain times of day.

And of course, there are cat videos they can watch on our television.

The cat is extremely sensitive to even the smallest movements. When we see them seemingly staring at nothing, they have actually been caught by a flick of light from a dust mote in the air. So it really doesn’t take much to fix the cat’s attention and provide them with an object for study.

Cats like to think. This is illustrated by Mr. Bond’s love of ambush, which is so great that he will watch a toy, waiting for his opening, far longer than a human’s patience in manipulating the toy. We have come up with battery operated toys to let him indulge his fondness for watching and planning.

Our older cats might be even more mentally active than they were when their energy kept them distracted and busy. Coming up with ways to amuse them might not be obvious.

But it is important.

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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.