Essential Feline Resources - Houseplan Exercise

This exercise will encourage you to understand resource placement from the cat’s point of view, based on their needs. However, Every cat is an individual and you may get a cat who wants something completely different!

1) Choose a house to explore: a desirable houseplanor a houseplan with potential for problems 2) Rollover the resources placed in the house

A box in a bedroom

A cardboard box is an ideal hiding place for a cat and another option for them to sleep in. It is important to cut two holes into the box to provide a dual aspect which will allow the cat entry and exit points.

Litter tray under the desk:

A study might be an ideal quiet room and already has a space under a desk which you can place a litter tray.

Cat bed in the airing cupboard:

Airing cupboards are warm and allows the cat to hide, please remember to keep the door open if you allow your cat to sleep in there.

Cat bed in or on top of the wardrobe:

This is a great place for a cat to feel hidden and is a good viewing point, but make sure it's accessible especially for older cats who may find it harder to climb. Try placing a chair or other item of furniture next to wardrobes or high window sills.

Scratching post near where your cat sleeps:

When a cat wakes up they often have a scratch to maintain their claws, placing a scratching post by their bed will allow them to do this. It can help to place a scratch post near to your sofa or your bed which may prevent them scratching where they shouldn't.

Cat bed on or under a spare bed:

Placing resources in a room that is used less often, like a spare bedroom or study will give a cat a retreat they can escape to when they need some peace and quiet.

Covered litter tray in the bathroom:

A covered litter tray can give some cats more privacy and a bathroom can be a quiet room. A covered litter tray will retain smells and therefore should be cleaned more frequently than an open tray. You may also keep cleaning products in the bathroom, but ensure these are safely stored out of your cat's reach.

Scratching post in the dining room:

Cats often scratch near entry and exit points as a territorial marker. They often leave long vertical scratch marks as a visual sign and have scent glands on their toes that leave a scent signal.

Cat tree by the sofa:

When a cat wakes up they often have a scratch to maintain their claws, placing a scratching post by their bed will allow them to do this. It can help to place a scratch post near to your sofa or your bed which may prevent them scratching where they shouldn't.

Cat bed on your sofa next to the cat tree:

A cat bed can be anything cosy, an old jumper or cardboard box, just ensure they are easy to get to and they have plenty of choice as they will rotate sleeping areas and need somewhere they feel safe.

Covered Litter Tray under the stairs:

Quiet, private areas like this are ideal places for litter trays, beds or feeding bowls. They allow the cat to feel safe.

Water bowl in the downstairs toilet:

1 resource per cat + 1 means you may have to find inventive places for food and water bowls, you can also try different containers for the water, some prefer ceramic bowls or simply from the sink!

Water bowl and food bowl in the kitchen:

If you do need to have both the water and food bowls in the kitchen, try and keep them apart.

Scratching post by the cat flap:

cats scratch to mark their territory at entry and exit points so try placing a scratching post by the cats flaps.

Areas marked with red tape are unsuitable places for a cat to sleep, eat, drink or toilet:

These areas are often small but busy areas for humans or other cats in the household. Cats prefer accessible, private and quiet areas to sleep, eat, drink and toilet, so by a door or on top of a washing machine is not suitable. In the centre of a room or by a window/patio doors/conservatory means the cat will need to be aware of what is going on all around them and could easily be overlooked by other cats or people.

Lots of resources (water bowl, food bowl, scratching post, litter tray and a cat bed) all in one place:

Cats prefer their resources to be spread around the house, especially if there is more that one cat in the household, not all together even if this might seem ideal to the owner. Even if your cat appears happy with this arrangement, you may find that given the choice they would prefer their resources in separate locations.