If you love cats and would like to help The Cat Protection Society encourage responsible pet ownership and to help us look after the cats and kittens at our Shelter, then you have come to the right place.
Prepared by Natayla Dundovich Animal Behaviour Consulting
Cats have feelings just like us. Some cats like cuddles, others don’t. Sometimes cats are in the mood for pats and sometimes they just aren’t!
Can you remember a time when a grown up pinched your cheeks or ruffled your hair?
Maybe someone has hugged you when you didn’t really want to be hugged? How did it make you feel?
The way we touch cats can make them feel happy, scared or angry. Even though we speak different languages, we can still ask if our cat wants to be touched.
Step 1
Encourage your cat to come to you. Wiggle a toy, call their name or make a kissy noise.
Step 2
Hold out your fist. If your cat…
They are saying “Yes please!”
Step 3
Scratch them for the count of 3 somewhere they like (most cats like being scratched under the chin, around the neck and head)
Step 4
Now stop! What is your cat saying now? If your cat…
Step 5
Every so often, stop touching and see what your cat says. This helps you to know when to keep going and when to finish.
SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT DOESN’T WANT TO BE TOUCHED
It’s a good idea to avoid rubbing your cat’s belly or picking them up.
Respect your cats space just like you respect your human friends space. This teaches them to trust and love you. You’ll probably notice they want to be with you even more!
Cats are predators. Their instincts tell them to stalk, wiggle, chase, pounce and bite! Like you, cats need to play to be healthy and happy.
TIP: Always play with your cat using toys (never hands or feet). Never touch them on their belly or when they are flicking their tail – these are times they might bite or scratch you
Cats are predators. Their instincts tell them to stalk, wiggle, chase, pounce and bite! Like you, cats need to play to be healthy and happy.
TIP: Always play with your cat using toys (never hands or feet). Never touch them on their belly or when they are flicking their tail – these are times they might bite or scratch you
Try…
*Laser lights should be used with caution and are generally not recommended
Teaching your cat to ‘hunt’ for their food at home is so much fun! Instead of feeding them in a bowl…
Did you know that we train pet cats the same way we train lions at the zoo? Cats LOVE to learn and are very intelligent. Find a reward that your cat really likes (most love treats) and teach some of these tricks…
Cats need quiet time too, especially in busy homes. We should make a sanctuary for our cat to use as their ‘bedroom’.
What things help you to have quiet time in your bedroom?
Some of the things your cat might like in their bedroom include;
When cats are in their bedroom, we leave them alone. It’s important that they can have some alone time every day. They should always be able to retreat to their bedroom when they want to. Having a sanctuary helps cats to be more confident and friendly.
We are always looking for toys and blankets that our cats and kittens can play with whilst at our Shelter. We have included patterns / instructions for some of the items that are extremely popular at our Shelter. You may like to make these at home for your cat or bring your craft in to donate.
Happy Kids. Happy Cats. Cats can help teach children compassion for living things and can help encourage a sense of responsibility
