18/07/2022
🐈⬛ Domino wants you to know that ALL cats need a safe place, not just timid cats. A safe place is somewhere that is comfortable, warm, private, secure and often raised off the ground. This helps the cat by providing them with seclusion (cats don’t always want our company), control over their environment, perceived protection and an opportunity for withdrawal. Easy access to and from safe places should always be available by providing multiple entry and exit points. They should always be placed away from other resources such as food, water and litter facilities.
Cats are natural climbers and they like to rest comfortably from a high place to observe their surroundings. There are many simple ways we can provide high resting places in the home:
🐾 Tall scratching towers are available in a myriad of structures, which can provide raised platforms and enclosed resting areas. We recommend fixing them to the wall for security and stability.
🐾 Freestanding cupboards and wardrobes have large areas where a thick, comfy blanket or a bed with a raised edge can be placed to make a great hiding spot. Placing a piece of furniture nearby allows a halfway platform for ease of access.
🐾 Shelving constructed specifically from a non-slip surface allows access to elevated spaces in the home and offers an opportunity for us to be very creative.
Providing private hideaway places for the cat to withdraw from daily social demands and busy household activities, is vital for their wellbeing. We can provide these by:
😺 Making space available under our beds.
😺 Moving the sofa away from the wall so cat can get behind it.
😺 Placing cardboard boxes on their side to give easy floor access with the additional security of a roof and a perch.
❗️ It is vital cats aren’t disturbed when they are using a private area❗️
🛏 Provide an assortment of open and covered beds in a variety of draught free, sunny, quiet, communal and raised locations so the cat has the choice to rotate between them and relax. Avoid washing beds too often, so the cat always has a familiar scent on their bedding. Beds don’t need to be purpose bought - most cats are perfectly content with the back of the sofa, their owner's bed or a chair. Adding a comfortable blanket will make them even more appealing. 🛏
The cat flap can be the greatest challenge to the cat’s perception of safety in their home. For cats with outside access, a cat flap facilitates access to the outdoors, but it also facilitates access for invaders into their home. Installing a microchip cat flap can prevent unwanted visitors. Ensure valuable resources, such as food, are not placed near to the cat flap to reduce the attraction of intruders to the home. 🚫
We would love to see a photo in the comments of your cat in their safe place! 📸 🐈⬛