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It almost sounds too simple to be true. But recent research suggests one small change to how you feed your cat has a big effect!
Ever looked at your cat and thought, there’s a little lion in there…trying to get out?!
Well, it turns out you might be right! Because they have more in common than just the near endless napping. And it’s all about how they like their meals…
Recent research by the highly respected Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has found that a lifestyle that lacks stimulation and excitement is one of the biggest triggers for anxiety and all the furniture scratching, aggression and random weeing we see and struggle with.
Put simply, sleeping all day and then walking over to the same bowl of food is boring. Without having to find their food, cats feel less complete and content. And act out in their frustration. Cue the fights, the weeing and the destruction.
So what can you do? Well, it’s all about awakening that little lion!
Making a game out of meal time is shown to significantly reduce those unwanted, anxiety based behaviours. Quite remarkable. Basically, if you awaken that play and hunting instinct, they’re so much happier.
So why not try this...
Instead of just giving them their treats, get their attention and flick the treats across the floor. The movement will make them run and pounce on it. In their mind, they hunted that treat. Cue accomplishment!
When you’re going to be out of the house, place Calm + Collected treats around the house for them to find. This activates their sense of smell and adventure. They’ll be occupied and ultimately calmed by the activity.
For their main meal, consider a food puzzle. They’re a great time occupier and self-esteem builder.
But maybe we're not that different after all? For them, finding food is like an occupation. By making it easy, we take away their job and their passion. They feel like they're living without purpose. I can't wait to hear how things change around your home with some kitty work life balance!
