In this article: Pet Food Companies Commercial Cat Food vs Natural Food Recalls Prescription Diets Summary Pet Food Companies Imagine the pet care aisle at your local supermarket, the shelves stacked with eye-catching cans, sachets, boxes and bags of kibble. At first glance, the unlimited choice can be overwhelming and it's hard to know where to begin if you're a new parent. Let's take a closer look.... Some of these brands might sound familiar: Whiskas, Sheba, Royal Canin, Cesar and IAMS. Did you know that they're all owned by the same company - Mars Petcare? Yes, I am talking about the same Mars that brings us the chocolatey likes of Maltesers, Milky Way, Galaxy and others. Here are some more brands that you'll probably have heard of: Felix, Go-Cat, Gourmet and Purina. These fall under Nestlé Purina Petcare, the same guys that bring you your morning coffee. As of 2012, Purina has a 23.1% share of the global pet food market; while its largest competitor, Mars, has a 23.4% share. That's almost half of the pet food market swallowed up by two companies. To really put into perspective the scope of these businesses, Mars and Nestlé are amongst the ten companies that control almost every large food and beverage brand in the world! (Source: Wikipedia ) I'm not here to bash commercial cat foods - well, not entirely - as they've allowed me and millions of others to keep cats in our homes for over a hundred years, not to mention those rescued by shelters. It's also fair to say that the quality of some brands is better than others, and we're seeing a lot more natural and grain-free options on the shelves. However, it's often the case that grains are replaced with vegetables which, in theory, doesn't make them any better. Visit The problem is that while times have moved on, the quality of food has deteriorated - both human and animal - largely due to modern processing methods and factory farming. In order to keep pet food shelf-stable, it's heated to extreme temperatures numerous times, causing the destruction of vital nutrients - not to mention the overload of additives and preservatives. Fortunately, people are more informed than they were a decade ago, and with some major pet food recalls during that time, it's sparked a new wave of fresh food for cats and dogs. What perhaps began as a fad has proven popular with owners, who report major improvements to their pet's overall health. Many are starting to make the transition to fresh food, which consists of high-content meat recipes that can be served raw or gently steamed. However, there remains a lot of confusion about what is and isn't the best diet for our feline fur babies. Related post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! Commercial Cat Food vs Natural Food Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to survive. Typically, a wild cat's diet from natural prey would consist of 55% protein, 43-44% fat and 1-2% carbohydrates. Why is it, then, that the minimum guideline for protein set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation  is a measly 26%? Added to this, most standard pet foods don't specify which parts of an animal they contain, with terms such as "meat derivatives" or "animal by-products" commonly used on packaging labels. I've seen actual meat contents as low as 4% - which begs the question, what's the rest made up of? By-Products By-products are simply the leftover bits from human food production and can either be named or unnamed. Pet food manufacturers will happily rave about their "chicken liver" by-products, which are highly nutritious for cats; but they're less forthcoming about the cost-saving chicken heads and feet. It's like the difference between a pink juicy breast out of your fridge and a bag of frozen chicken nuggets. The European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) is the trade body that represents the pet food industry in Europe - yes, Mars PetCare and Nestlé Purina Petcare have their fingers in this pie, too, as company members. Manufacturers in the UK are often legally required to follow the FEDIAF's guidelines and code of practices to ensure materials meet the high safety and quality criteria, as well as providing all of the nutrients our pets need. It clearly states that " members must use by-products of the human food industry that come from animals slaughtered under veterinary supervision ". This includes beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, rabbit and game. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the USA equivalent to the FEDIAF, with a few differences. The AAFCO requires that all ingredients used in pet food must be safe and suitable for consumption - the "clean" parts of "slaughtered" animals. So, does this mean we can disregard reports of pet food manufacturers using roadkill; restaurant and supermarket refuse; unwanted cats and dogs from animal shelters; dying or diseased farm and zoo animals; and worst of all, euthanised pets from veterinary clinics? Recalls Evanger's In February 2017, a US pet food company, Evanger's, recalled five dog products after traces of pentobarbital - a drug used by veterinarians to euthanise cats and dogs - was found in the food. A total of four Pugs were affected, one of whom sadly died. Related article from AlterNet: There Could Be Dead Dogs and Cats in Your Pet's Food While the source of the contamination remains "unknown", Evanger's blamed their meat supplier and subsequently cut ties. The Food and Drug administration (FDA) investigated but no legal action was taken because, technically, no laws were broken. In fact, the FDA published this article which implies that small amounts of pentobarbital in pet food is no big deal: Report on the Risk from Pentobarbital in Dog Food How is that possible when our pets are protected by the AAFCO and FEDIAF? Because, pet mums and dads, the regulations put in place to ensure your pet's food is safe to eat, free of contaminants and truthfully labelled aren't legally binding! It turns out that there are a lot of loopholes that manufacturers can use to get around these rules, which you can read more about here: Pet Food Regulations Don’t Protect Dogs ( or cats! ). The FDA did state, however, that the meat from Evanger's supplier didn't bear an inspection mark from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, and so wouldn't be considered human-grade - despite Evanger's claiming otherwise. Upon further inspection of two of Evanger's production facilities, the FDA reported several issues including mould and condensation dripping into open cans of meat; and no refrigeration storage for raw meat. This wasn't the first time the pet food manufacturer had been pulled up for unsanitary conditions. According to reports , problems began as early as 2006 when local residents complained of unpleasant odours emanating from one of the company's facilities. A health inspector is said to have observed open containers of chicken as well as flies, maggots and refuse. Later in 2011, testing found that a lamb and rice mix contained beef rather than lamb; and a duck-based product had no duck at all. I'd like to say that the February 2017 pentobarbital case was a wake-up call for Evanger's; however, in that very same month, horse DNA was discovered in tested samples of their Hunk of Beef canned dog food. Could this explain exactly how pentobarbital seems to be working its way into pet food? From Gizmodo : “ For pentobarbital, or any barbiturate, to get into pet food it means that animal products are being included that do not come from carcasses that entered USDA-inspected slaughterhouses. The carcasses must have been killed using barbiturates (or possibly treated with barbiturates shortly before being killed). This would be most common for ‘pet’ animals, particularly horses. There are renderers that will pick up dead animals from farms and basically cook them down to make new products. It’s a way of recycling, albeit a somewhat distasteful one .” Problems aren't limited to the quality of food either. The owners of Evanger's were arrested twice between 2010 and 2013 due to accusations of utility theft and bribery! The list of disgraces from this company is an endless one, but you don't have to take my word for it. The lawsuit is available online for all to see: Village of Wheeling v. Evangers' Dog & Cat Food Co., 2012 Unfortunately, this is only one pet food company that has been named and shamed out of hundreds more. In fact, the drug pentobarbital has been found in over 27 brands of pet food. Manufacturers, suppliers and regulatory bodies are failing our pets and the animals that are being slaughtered to feed them. Here in the UK, we may have some rigorous safety laws in place, but that doesn't prevent the importation of low-grade meat and/or food products from overseas manufacturers. The use of genetically modified crops, for example, is prohibited by many nations - yet they still allow GMO animal feed to be imported. Fold Hill Foods In June 2021, a number of cat food products sold by Sainsbury's, Pets at Home and Amazon were recalled following an outbreak of pancytopenia , a severe reduction in major types of blood cells that affected over 500 cats. More recent research is thought to have linked this to high concentrations of mycotoxins, produced by certain moulds that grow on animal feed or the grains that are used to produce it. The Food Standards Agency was unable to confirm a link between the outbreak and Fold Hill Foods, but investigations are "ongoing". AVA Pets at Home recalled four specific products of their own range of dry cat food, AVA, after three cats became ill, although more reports began circulating. Clinicians at the Royal Veterinary College in London suspect the cats became ill as a result of thiamine deficiency (a B1 vitamin). This can cause seizures, twitching, imbalance and nausea in cats. If you're seeking more proof of negligence, here's some detective work that will turn your stomach. Viewer discretion advised! Watch on YouTube: What's REALLY In Your Pet's FOOD?? Fillers Aside from dodgy meat and mysterious by-products, pet food is almost always bulked out with carbohydrates in the form of grains, cereals, vegetables and corn - also known as fillers. This is particularly the case with dry food (kibble) and can make up almost half of the formula. Some research suggests that cats are able to metabolise certain types of carbohydrates, if processed correctly, to an efficiency of 90-100% in most cases. It's further stated that an upper limit of 50% calories from carbohydrates in a healthy cat's diet is acceptable. Related post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Food Bad for Cats As a society, we rely on science for almost everything - which means we're inclined to believe it. What if the people behind this research are the very people who are selling you the less than nutritious slop on the shelves of your local supermarket? Mars Veterinary Health is composed of pet healthcare services and provider networks. The Companion Fund, to which they've invested hundreds of millions of dollars, focuses on pet technology and pet care. What does this mean? Simply, the companies providing our cats with sub-par foods are the same companies that formulate extortionate "prescription diets" to treat health conditions that have been caused or exacerbated by those sub-par foods. Moreover, Mars owns the largest chain of veterinary clinics and hospitals, making it easier than ever to recommend their own products. If you thought recalls stopped at meat, you may want to check out this Midwestern Pet Foods recall that affected five brands of cat and dog food products. Food was believed to be contaminated with fatal levels of aflatoxin mould, which forms on corn, grains and legumes. It can cause serious illness or death. Prescription Diets Also called specialist diets, these are especially formulated for cats with health conditions and contain a slightly different balance of nutrients to standard foods. They're used as a support or treatment for digestive problems, urinary health, food sensitivities, kidney care, diabetes and many others. Hill's, Purina and Royal Canin are leading brands in the UK for prescription diets - two of which we've already covered. Dr Michael W Fox, BVetMed, PhD and DSc Animal Doctor, gives an eye-opening glimpse into the subject here: Pet Food and Feeding Issues The article relays an account from feline specialist veterinarian, Fern B Slack: " The pet food industry currently owns a substantial portion of the veterinary industry worldwide.... Veterinary hospitals are not profitable. Prescription diets are .... If a pet food company manufactures a specific brand of prescription diet AND owns a veterinary hospital cooperation, they can control which prescription diets are sold or recommended ." As for the poor quality food ingredients: " The pet food industry, because of its extreme profitability, has a huge incentive to justify the use of such ingredients and the financial means to do so, through a frightening number of channels ." Some of these channels include: advertising, sponsorships and discounts to companies, vets and breeders that use their products. Vets don't have much in-depth training when it comes to nutrition and are heavily influenced (even trained!) by the pet food industry. As mentioned previously, pet food companies can afford to support nutritional research. This means they can control the questions that are asked and filter the answers that are allowed to be published to both the public and veterinary world. Feline specialist veterinarian, Fern B Slack, continues: " A number of veterinary researchers who were developing data that would support the concept of a prey-model diet have, in the past few years, begun to receive funding from pet food (companies) . Some subsequently stopped work on prey-model diets, and some began to promote a nutritional approach exactly opposite to the one they had been developing ." " Since my hospital opened 5 years ago, and began teaching people to feed prey-model diets, our experience has been amazing. We do not have a single diabetic patient in the practice. Very few overweight cats. Minimal gut disease ." " Vets seem to remain blind to the ethical failings of the pet food industry for the simple reason that nearly all hospitals sell food. This creates a significant income stream, which is a direct conflict of interest. A much larger and much more insidious conflict of interest is created when the very foods sold by vets create disease states that bring the pets back into the hospital for more diagnoses and treatments ." It's important to recognise that my aim isn't to turn anyone off feeding their cats a diet that was prescribed to them. I would never encourage anyone to go against the advice of a vet - although you have every right to raise your concerns - nor am I suggesting that prescription diets are no good. What they are, it seems, is a solution to a problem that (in many cases) could just as easily be solved - if not avoided completely - by a more species-appropriate diet than the one that's shoved in our faces through TV, the media and supermarkets. I can use my own experience as a perfect example of this. Wild Freedom Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks made from 100% animal protein. Choice of flavours include Chicken Heart, Beef Liver and Lamb Lung. Completely natural with no additives. Drax transitioned to a urinary diet a little over a year ago after the vet found that he had crystals in his pee. Dry food is the biggest culprit, as cats require high amounts of moisture in their diet. Dehydration causes a build-up of waste materials in the bladder, which can ultimately turn into stones that require surgical removal. Other contributing factors include changes to the pH of urine, obesity and stress; but it wasn't until completing my Diploma in Feline Nutrition that I learned about another potential cause. Drax loves fish, in fact it's the only fresh food that he'll entertain (in moderation). At the top of his favourite meals list is the Seriously Good Fish a la Carte in Jelly range from Pets at Home. Apart from the jelly, this stuff looked and smelled like human-grade fish, but the quality wasn't the problem. Crystals, also called struvite stones, are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are high in magnesium and phosphorous - precisely what I'd been feeding Drax. Whole grains are also high in these minerals, which are used as fillers in a lot of pet foods. Dr Michael W Fox highlights some of these issues in his article on GMO Pet Food Ingredients : " Corn can cause cystitis - bladder inflammation - in cats, even epilepsy in dogs; and soy causes gas and indigestion in many dogs and cats.... The high cereal content in pet foods contributes to dogs and cats developing stones or calculi in their lower urinary tracts." Another type of bladder stone found in cats are calcium oxalate stones. While struvites can often be dissolved by prescription diets, calcium oxalates need to be surgically removed. These are usually seen in cats with high blood and urine calcium levels, and chronic kidney disease. They can also develop in urine that's highly acidic - which is concerning, given that urinary food is formulated to lower pH levels in order to dissolve struvites.... Could this be why cases of calcium oxalate stones in cats has risen from 10% to 40% in recent years? Even more concerning, if you look at the majority of urinary diets, every brand uses salmon as a main ingredient. Another issue for cats with bladder stones is excess calcium. The bones in fish are small and soften when cooked, which is why you might spot a few mixed into fish-based cat foods. Fish is also a common allergen and has a high risk of bacterial and environmental contamination. Of course, the ultimate goal isn't to remove every trace of these minerals from a cat's diet as they have many important functions. The focus should be on providing a nutritionally balanced, high-quality diet and only using supplements for the purpose they're intended, rather than a substitute for the loss of vitamins and minerals during processing. I can't think of a single reason why prescription diets should be as expensive as they are. You're not paying for better quality, you're paying for the same bog-standard food with adjusted nutrient contents and the word "prescription" slapped on the packaging to make it seem more justifiable. This is merely an example of how prescription diets work and, more importantly, how they might be avoided. There are many other health conditions that can be triggered by a poor diet, particularly gut-related issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease. More on this topic can be found in an article by Dr Lisa Pierson: Prescription/Therapeutic Diets To summarise, prescription diets can be lifesaving for cats with chronic illnesses or disease. It's not always possible to reverse or treat conditions by feeding natural food alone, as much as I wish that was the case. Animals, just like humans, can become sick for any number of reasons: age, genetics, abnormalities and pure bad luck. If your cat has an underlying health condition - like crystals - then you should only consider changing their diet under the guidance of a vet, who can monitor their health to check they're not deteriorating. I'd also advise working with a veterinary nutritionist, if possible, to get the perfect balance of nutrients for your individual kitty. Just because someone tells you that a particular condition is "common" amongst cats, or any animal, doesn't mean to say it's "normal". Visit Summary If all of this has left you with the urge to empty your cupboards and throw every last sachet, can or bag of kibble into the bin, it's probably the best thing you can do for your cat. The biggest issue for most is budget, particularly in the current climate. Depending on kitty's stubbornness levels - an issue I can relate to - transitioning to new food can be expensive as well as time-consuming. Here are a few pointers to get you started: First and foremost, no more kibble for kitty! Try swapping out the carb-loaded junk with a quality wet food. Research different brands on their websites. Keep up to date with recalls from the FSA (UK) or FDA (US). "Premium" is just a label - check instead for "human grade". Ensure animal protein is the first ingredient listed. Only choose products with named meat/by-products (e.g., beef, chicken liver). Minimum (ideally zero) fillers such as wheat, corn, soy and gluten. What's your take on commercial pet food for cats and dogs? Have you made the transition to a fresh diet? Share your stories and experiences in the comments!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Are carbs good or bad for cats? Do carbs cause obesity and diabetes? Can cats eat grains and veggies or are they just cheap fillers? The old carbs debate is getting kind of.... old.... but pet food manufacturers and veterinary nutritionists are no closer to reaching an agreement. Why? Feline nutritional needs aren't as extensively researched as the domestic dog, which has been around for an estimated 30,000 years longer than cats and represent a larger share of the market. So too, cats are obligate carnivores with unique dietary requirements - this doesn't mean they can only eat meat, but they do need meat to survive. Many studies are carried out or financed by pet food companies themselves, plus they own a large portion of the veterinary industry. Based on these factors, I wonder how transparent they are in relation to the answers they provide to the public? Nevertheless, there seems to be a lot of focus on carbohydrate digestibility and metabolism rather than the actual benefits. Not to mention the long-term health effects, which is what we'll be covering in this article. Take a deeper dive into commercial pet foods and the companies behind them in this eye-opening post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? In this article: Types of Carbohydrates Carbohydrates and Energy Grains and Veggies Carbohydrate Digestibility Dry Cat Food Grain-Free Diets Other Health Conditions Summary Helpful Tips Types of Carbohydrates While the carbohydrate debate is ongoing, one thing everyone can agree on is that there are "good" carbs and "bad" carbs. Sugars (s ucrose, fructose, glucose) are known as simple carbohydrates, such as those found in fruit. Cats struggle to digest sugars, therefore they're considered to hold no biological value. Contrary to popular belief, cats are lactose intolerant, which is why you shouldn't give them milk. Fibre , an indigestible complex carbohydrate, can aid digestive transit and the excretion of hairballs. You can get specialist food with added fibre for this very reason. Wild cats would get fibre from the bones, fur and partially digested plant matter from the stomachs of their prey. Starch is another complex carbohydrate that the body converts into glucose to provide energy to the cells. It's easier to digest than sugar and can be found in grains and vegetables. Starch is necessary in dry foods as it acts as the "glue" that holds the ingredients together. It gets a little more complicated because starch can be broken down further into types that are (supposedly) beneficial for cats and those that are less so. Regardless of ingredients, the key word is "moderation". Carbohydrates and Energy “ Carbohydrates are one of the three categories of macronutrients, alongside fats and protein, included in diets for animals and act as the main energy source for pets .” - Royal Canin We already know that isn't strictly true, given that cats would be getting as little as 1-2% carbohydrates from prey in the wild. In fact, fat provides twice as much energy per gram as carbohydrates and protein, hence why it makes up a fair chunk of their natural diet. The main purpose of starch, as quoted by pet food companies, is to provide energy in the form of glucose. Yet cats are very special in the sense that they can synthesise their own glucose in the liver - given enough protein, of course. Premium dry cat food with 80% fresh meat and offal. Kibble is gently air-dried to preserve nutrients. The grain-free recipe contains a small amount of fruit and vegetables, with no preservatives, colourings or flavourings. Some would argue that the addition of carbohydrates allows cats to conserve protein for other vital functions, but it still seems unnecessary when they're efficient at utilising fat as one of their primary energy sources. This is assuming that a natural, prey-model diet is the healthiest option for cats - which some vehemently dispute. The domestic cat has adapted in many ways, but their physiology remains the same. No amount of studies have proven otherwise, as we explore in the next example. Grains and Veggies “ Grains, commonly referred to as ‘cereal grains’ are the edible seeds of specific grasses and include wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats and rye. To expose the most nutritious, digestible elements of grains or cereals, the raw ingredient is ground and heated in the manufacturing process. This removes the less digestible outer shell and leaves the nutrients that cats and dogs need. ” - Royal Canin This is a perfect example of refined grains that have been processed to remove most of the fibre, vitamins and minerals. Pet food companies use them because they're more easily digested by cats, which further emphasises that they have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates. Unrefined grains (whole grains) are those that haven't been processed or stripped of the nutritious parts, which you've likely seen advertised as a healthier option. Whole grains may provide more nutrients and fibre but are generally less digestible. The main reason for this is due to a low activity of the enzymes, amylase and glucokinase, that cats use to break down carbohydrates. Cats have a short digestive tract that's designed to process animal protein quickly and efficiently. Visit Another factor to consider is the processing methods, themselves. While refined carbs are better digested, it involves heating ingredients at high temperatures. This can be problematic for a number of reasons: Degradation of those "high-quality" nutrients, hence the mass supplementation used in commercial foods. This is in addition to the processing that kibble has to go through during manufacturing, which also helps to prolong shelf life. Heating fats and proteins together with sugar produces compounds known as AGE's (advanced glycation end products) that can cause oxidative stress. This damages the cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and lifelong diseases. The heating of seed oils, which are high in polyunsaturated fats, has a similar effect. All things considered, it would seem as though unrefined grains are both a healthier and safer option - provided your cat tolerates them. Carbohydrate Digestibility Not all studies on carbohydrate digestibility disclose which processing methods are being used or whether they are, in fact, feeding test cats the same food that they're putting on the shelves. In Royal Canin's digestibility chart below, we can see that they're using dehydrated meat and meat meal as a comparison against wheat gluten and soy, neither of which replicate a cat's natural diet. As both are heavily processed, it's simply the worst of two evils. These results don't mean that plant proteins are more digestible than animal protein. It shows that processed plant protein is between 3-11% more digestible than processed animal protein in this particular study. It's claims like this that mislead owners into thinking the food is better for their cats than a natural diet. More to the point, we have zero information about how many cats were tested or the age, breed and health status of each cat involved. Carbohydrate studies have been criticised for deficiencies in the methods used, with small sample sizes and reliance on pet owners' observations on health and body condition. The duration of studies is important as it can take a long time to see the effects of nutritional deficiencies and accompanying health conditions. Dry Cat Food Carbohydrates and Protein Dry food has a much higher carbohydrate content than wet food at around 30-40% - not that you'll find this information on the packaging. Since cats don't need carbohydrates in their diet, there's no legal requirement for them to appear on the label. Find out everything you need to know about calculating carbohydrates in this step-by-step guide: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Protein can be as low as 26% according to pet food regulations set by the FEDIAF, which is just enough to maintain basic bodily functions. This is less than half of what cats would be getting in the wild, so while it may seem as though your kitty is surviving on commercial food, that doesn't mean it's thriving as much as it could be - or that it won't have a shortened lifespan due to years of unseen damage. Even worse, it's not always specified how much protein comes from animals as opposed to plants. These numbers speak to the excessive use of carbohydrates in pet food. Pack'n Pride Freeze Dried Cat Treats are made with 100% chicken breast. Feed as a reward, soak in water to get a fresh chicken cube or use as a food topper. No preservatives, grains or by-products and great for sensitive stomachs. Contaminants Dry food is often contaminated with bacteria; mycotoxins from fungi/mould that grow on grains; and storage mites. These little critters and their faeces can cause allergic reactions in cats. There are many more pet food recalls involving dry food than wet food - just look at the 2021 mycotoxin case that was linked to the deaths of over 500 cats in the UK. To make things worse, regulating bodies allow a certain level of mycotoxins to be present in food (both animal and human) with so-called "safe limits". Since pets are fed the same food on a daily basis, they're more susceptible to illness than humans. Processing Dry food is processed using heat pressure, whereby fat and moisture are extracted from the dough that makes up kibble. Remember, fat is a source of energy so it has to be replaced with carbohydrates. Additionally, a layer of fat may be sprayed over the kibble pieces, along with preservatives and flavour enhancers to improve palpability. If you have a kibble addicted kitty, this is probably a huge reason as to why! More about how dry pet food is made can be found on the FEDIAF website. The fat sources used in commercial pet foods are vaguely mentioned, if at all. As with protein, we often have no way of knowing whether they're animal or plant based. Vegetable oil is commonly used for its omega-3 fatty acids, but cats are unable to convert the omega-3 found in plant sources to the usable form found in animal sources (DHA). Ingredients Let's look at the ingredients from the Royal Canin digestibility chart. Soy Like all legumes, seeds and grains, soy contains phytic acid (or phytate) which may reduce the absorption of nutrients and block the enzymes needed to digest protein, leading to potential liver damage. Another disease that's thought to be related to soybean is hyperthyroidism, which causes an increase in a cat's metabolic rate. Symptoms include increased appetite, weight loss and restlessness. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease of cats in the USA, and while the exact cause is unknown, evidence from studies suggests that diet plays an important role. Wheat Gluten and Corn Gluten Gluten is a protein found in certain grains that bumps up the overall protein content of food, further disguising the lack of animal protein. Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight, and first place should always go to meat. Corn has been linked to inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract, also known as cystitis. While there are many non-dietary causes of feline lower urinary tract disease, studies show that the high cereal content in pet food is a contributing factor for cats and dogs developing bladder or "struvite" stones. Grain-Free Diets Based on all of the information above, it's no surprise that many opt for a grain-free diet under the assumption it's healthier. However, "grain free" doesn't necessarily mean "carbohydrate free". The grains used to bulk out cat food are usually replaced with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and peas; lentils and berries. This means they can contain as much, if not more carbs than grains; and they're usually higher in calories. Most veterinary nutritionists argue that grain-free diets are little more than a marketing tactic, but perhaps the most significant benefit is avoiding those dietary allergens. Wheat, corn, gluten and soy are common culprits; although some would argue that the biggest factors influencing digestibility are ingredient quality and processing methods. Other Health Conditions Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Some conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, require a low-protein diet to limit the amount of work the kidneys have to do, in which case carbohydrates are necessary. Vets may prescribe a renal diet - although these are questionable - and some experts suggest feeding a higher quality animal protein to compensate for the reduced amount. If cats don't consume enough from their diet to fulfil their daily protein calorie needs, they start to break down their own muscle mass, resulting in muscle wastage and weight loss. If you have a kitty suffering from CKD then this article by Dr Lisa Pierson is essential reading: Feeding Your Cat: Kidney Disease It's also important to feed cats wet food, as hydration is essential for proper kidney function. Kibble isn't a direct cause of kidney disease, but it can contribute to conditions that increase the risk. Dehydration Cats are not driven to seek out water because they should get most of it from prey. If your cat is on a dry food-only diet then you might notice that it's persistently thirsty. Even if they consume a lot of water, they still won't be getting as much as if they were eating wet food as well. Inadequate water intake can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to dietary allergens and digestive problems. As mentioned, UTI's and bladder stones are common in male cats, but there's another reason why kibble may not be the best choice. Carbohydrates are alkaline which creates a perfect environment for struvite stones to form, whereas meat is acidic. If, like me, you have a kitty on a urinary diet, you may know that food is designed to be more acidic in order to dissolve struvites! Periodontal Disease Pet food companies claim that the abrasive surface of kibble helps with dental hygiene, but since when have crunchy, crumbly biscuits been good for anyone's teeth? They're more likely to get stuck around the gums and cause a build-up of plaque and tartar. Compare this to chewing on flesh and bone, it's not hard to see which is the better toothbrush. Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and IBD (irritable bowel disorder) can be related to food that's hard to digest, and there are many reports of cats showing improvement with the removal of dry food. I've said it before and I'll say it again: stinky poops are not normal, but this doesn't necessarily mean your cat is in need of a special diet. There are other, more serious causes of gut problems; it's important to keep a record of symptoms so your vet can perform the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes the cause is unknown, so changing a cat's diet (under the guidance of a vet or veterinary nutritionist) may be a good option. Wild Freedom Freeze-Dried Cat Snacks made from 100% animal protein. Choice of flavours include Chicken Heart, Beef Liver and Lamb Lung. Completely natural with no additives. Impaired Protein Absorption High amounts of carbohydrates causes food to move through the digestive tract faster than normal, decreasing protein digestibility. Furthermore, refined carbohydrates feed the "bad" intestinal bacteria, which creates an overgrowth in the colon. This bacteria breaks down dietary protein, leading to the production of ammonia which puts pressure on the liver to eliminate. In relation to intestinal bacteria, remember those smelly poops we talked about? This can be due to the overpopulation of bad bugs diminishing the good bugs' ability to survive. The result being flatulence, cramping, vomiting and diarrhoea - which over time can lead to inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions. Obesity and Diabetes Obesity is often associated with carbohydrates, yet pet food companies state that these conditions are more likely a result of inactivity or overfeeding. There's an element of truth here, but it could be argued that low energy levels are a result of low-quality food - at least in part. The consumption of glucose from carbohydrates leads to a spike in blood sugar, which in turn causes high insulin levels - more than the pancreas (the insulin-producing organ) can handle. This extra pressure on the pancreas can lead to degenerative conditions like diabetes over time , which is precisely the issue I raised at the beginning of this article. Furthermore, the overconsumption of carbohydrates causes fat cells to convert glucose into fat and store it for later use, eventually leading to weight gain. Conversely, low insulin levels signal fat to be taken out of storage and used as energy, the result being that reducing carbohydrates has shown to lose weight in both animals and humans. Shop Premium Cat Food → Special "weight loss" foods and those tailored to indoor cats   are usually lower in fat, since this contains the most calories, and higher in protein to maintain lean muscle mass. However, the increased protein is either marginal or plant-based, which bumps up the carbs and so the cycle continues. Alternatively, cats may end up losing weight as well as muscle mass, which makes owners think the food is "working" . I found this out the hard way with my own chunky monkey, and the only thing that lost weight was my wallet. To avoid making the same mistake, here's some advice from a professional: Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats Some studies suggest that carbohydrates aren't a risk factor for cats developing diabetes, but in what quantities are test cats being fed and for how long a duration? Surely it'd be more viable to study the effects that a natural diet has on diabetic cats to see if the condition is reversed - which it often is, according to this revealing article by Dr Lisa Pierson: Feline Diabetes When considering the different types of carbohydrates, it can be helpful to know their effects on blood glucose as not all will be the same. Starches with a high glycaemic index raise blood sugars quickly and are considered to be even worse than sugar! Potatoes, which are found in a lot of grain-free pet foods, and refined grains are examples of starches with a high GI. Low-GI food, such as whole grains and legumes, are digested slower and result in a smaller increase in sugar. Yet we know that whole grains come with their own set of problems. Summary So, the ultimate question is: do grains and fillers deserve their bad rep? It's fair to say that carbohydrates can provide a source of energy and fibre in moderation ; however, this is nothing that can't be offered by a prey-model diet that doesn't need to be processed or contain a bunch of harmful ingredients that potentially lead to disease states. The benefits of a high-moisture, high-protein diet for cats are unquestionable. We don't need studies to tell us what biology shows us. By comparison, all of the information we have on carbohydrates is mixed, uncertain and extremely limited. Perhaps the real question you should ask yourself is, why risk it? Visit Prey-model diets refer to fresh food consisting of 100% animal products including meat, muscle tissue, organs and bone. There are, as of now, a limited amount of   fresh pet food companies   that cater to felines, which is just as well because we can't all be board-certified nutritionists! The biggest issue for most is budget, as meat is far more costly than plants. For a lot of pet parents, the commercial option is affordable and easily attainable. While it's not perfect, wet food is much closer to what cats should be eating, with high moisture and protein levels; and usually a small amount of carbohydrates. Once cats start eating kibble, it can be difficult to transition them to anything else. Related post: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips Helpful Tips As we know, the most common grains in cat food are wheat and corn. Unless specifically labelled as whole grain, they're likely to be refined. Either way, it's recommended to avoid foods that contain these ingredients, along with soy and gluten, due to the issues mentioned in this article. Some unrefined grains that veterinary nutritionists approve of include: Brown rice (as opposed to refined white rice). Whole grain oats. Whole pearled barley. This list isn't extensive but already rules out a lot of cheaper food on the shelves. If you're on a tight budget, personally, I'd rather feed my cats cheap wet food than cheap kibble - at least you don't have to worry about water intake. If your cat is able to digest whole grains, we know they're generally safer and more nutritious than refined grains in small amounts . It always concerns me when the ingredient list on pet food is as long as a child's Christmas list, especially when there are more plant based than animal based. Grain-free diets rely on vegetables as supplemental protein, and we know that potatoes have a high glycaemic index. Sweet potatoes are slightly better, or you can look for lower GI ingredients such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and spinach. Peas are also common, but make sure pea protein isn't a main ingredient. A high-quality recipe should be made with a named source of animal protein (poultry, beef, fish) as the primary ingredient. Animal fats are just as important and further reduce the need for plant-based products. Look for chicken fat or salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Example Foods *Carbohydrate contents are estimated based on calculations from the crude amount of protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture. Lily's Kitchen Chicken Casserole Dry Food Ingredients: Fresh chicken (65%), chicken liver (5%) , potato (21%) , egg, chicken gravy, flaxseed, cellulose, minerals, prebiotic (fructoligosaccharides 0.7g/kg), Italian cheese, seaweed, carrots (0.02%), cranberries, bilberries, parsley (0.02%), fenugreek seeds. Analytical Constituents: Protein: 27% Fat: 17% Fibre: 3% Lily's Kitchen is a great example of what we want to see on a pet food label, with fresh chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients, and at a whopping 70%. The carb-loaded potato comes in at number three (21%) with a small amount of herbs, fruit and vegetables. The recipe does contain cheese, which isn't great for our lactose-intolerant cats; and cellulose which they struggle to break down. Lily's Kitchen comes with a high price tag due to the fresh meat content, which is rare to see in dry foods. Yet there's a catch: if we look at the guaranteed analysis, the overall protei n content is only 27%. This is an important factor to consider when reading a cat food label. Carbohydrates are around 36-38% but the high meat content makes it a good trade off - if you can afford it! Whiskas 1+ Chicken Ingredients: Cereals , meat and animal by-products (including 4% chicken in the light brown kibbles*), oils and fats, vegetable by-products, minerals, vegetable protein extracts, various sugars, vegetables (including 0.5% dried carrots, equivalent to 4% carrots, in the orange kibbles and 1% dried peas, equivalent to 4% peas, in the green kibbles*). Analytical Constituents: Protein: 30% Fat: 12.4% Fibre 1.8% Whiskas is pretty bog-standard but makes a great comparison to Lily's Kitchen in terms of transparency. The first ingredient is cereal - not meat - so I'd avoid it straight away. None of the animal-based ingredients are named, apart from a measly 4% chicken (which only applies to the light brown kibbles). This is followed by more unspecified oils, fats and vegetable by-products. While the overall protein level in the guaranteed analysis is higher than Lily's Kitchen (30%) t here's no way of knowing how much is animal based vs grains and vegetables, let alone what those mysterious "by-products" are. Carbohydrates are an estimated 37-40% but, again, we're left guessing what that actually consists of. PURINA ONE Adult Chicken Dry Cat Food Ingredients: Chicken (17%) (including bone, meat, skin), dried poultry protein, wheat (16%) , corn , soya meal , wheat gluten , animal fat, corn protein meal , dried chicory root (2%), corn grits , minerals, digest (with added heat-treated Lactobacillus Delbrueckii and Fermentum powder 0.025%), yeasts. Analytical Constituents: Protein: 34% Fat: 14% Fibre: 2.5% Purina has a wide range of products that cater for all budgets and dietary needs, including specific health conditions. It places emphasis on its high-quality ingredients and is considered a mid to premium brand, which makes this product all the more disappointing. We get off to a good start with 17% chicken (bone, meat and skin) and dried poultry protein; however, this is succeeded by a string of wheat, corn, soy and gluten - everything we don't want to see! Considering the price tag, there are much better ingredients that could have been used. The 34% protein content and animal fat is a plus, although some of the protein comes from grains, and it has an equal amount of carbohydrates at 34%. thrive Complete Adult - Chicken & Chicken Liver With Veg Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver , brown rice , tomato, pumpkin, water, vitamins and minerals. Analytical Constituents: Protein: 9.5% Oils and fats: 2% Fibre: 0.2% Moisture: 82% Finally, let's look at a can of premium wet food. On first impression, I love the short ingredient list and chicken/chicken liver as the first and only animal-based protein. This is followed by brown rice , low-GI tomato and pumpkin. You'll notice that there's an extra line for moisture in the analytical constituents, which makes the protein, fat and fibre levels look miniscule. Comparing wet and dry food is like apples and oranges, so we have to remove the water content for a closer comparison. After calculations, it looks more like this: Protein: 52.78% Oils and fats: 11.11% Fibre: 1.11% Moisture: 0 Carbohydrates: 26.67% The protein level is much closer to a cat's natural diet where they'd be getting around 55%, but still higher in carbohydrates (26.67%) than I'd like to see - most wet foods contain an average of 5-15%. This could be due to the inclusion of vegetables. However, the added value of quality animal protein and by-products, along with gentle processing methods and no additives or preservatives - all of which can degrade the quality of wet food - is better than opting for crappy ingredients just for a lower carbohydrate content. This is why it's so important to research brands and individual products to inform yourself of how ingredients are sourced and processed. For example, air-dried kibble is more nutritionally dense because it isn't blasted under extreme temperature. Of course, it's not all about ingredients - there's a whole other section that lists all of the additives such as vitamins, minerals and preservatives used. There are pros and cons to everything, hence why a varied diet is best, as well as monitoring what any individual cat best tolerates. Since low-carb diets tend to be higher in fat a and therefore higher in calories, portion control is extremely important. That's why I've come up with this helpful guide: How Many Calories Does My Cat Need? If your budget doesn't stretch to a fresh food diet, there's nothing wrong with supplementing commercial food with a homemade recipe, as long as it's formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. You can choose your own vegetables and/or grains according to those "good" starches we spoke about - or even better, stick to 100% animal products and supplements. Have you tried a grain-free diet? Do you have any great low-carb products to recommend? Are you thinking about transitioning your cat to fresh food? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Redirected aggression is one of the most common types of feline aggression and can severely damage the bond with other cats and their human guardians. While many relationships can be rebuilt, it takes a lot of time, effort and patience and often results in owners rehoming their beloved furries. Finding a solution can be challenging depending on the cause and severity of aggression; and whether it's directed at other cats or humans. According to the ASPCA , aggression is the second most common feline behavioural problem seen by animal behaviourists. It's taken less seriously than dogs due to a cat's smaller size, but we should note that they have a lot more weapons, with claws as well as sharper teeth. These can cause deep puncture wounds, infections, abscesses and other complications. In this article: Understanding Redirected Aggression Other Causes of Redirected Aggression Signs of Aggression Cat to Human Aggression Redirected Aggression Between Household Cats Separation and Reintroduction Other Tips Summary Understanding Redirected Aggression Imagine a scenario: Cat A is perched on its favourite windowsill observing the scenery when a stray cat strolls brazenly across the lawn. The sight of an intruder on its territory causes Cat A to leap to attention, puffing out its fur like a blowfish. At that moment, Cat B walks into the room and spots Cat A in a heightened state of arousal. It's easy to see how this might cause a terrible miscommunication, since Cat B thinks it's the source of Cat A's aggression and responds by acting defensively - possibly hissing or growling. Cat A, who's already irritated by the stray, decides to lash out at its housemate in a classic case of redirected aggression. This is just one scenario of many and typically happens when an overstimulated cat is unable to reach the source of the fright or whatever has triggered them. Since it can't respond to the stimulus, it displaces or redirects that behaviour onto the nearest available target. Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser contains a low concentration of valerian and essential oils to work with a cat's natural calming mechanisms when tackling stress and anxiety. Ideal for most pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds. In simple terms, you could describe it as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's not unheard of for cats to attack their human guardians either - it's important to remember that this isn't a logical response, but survival instinct taking over. Sometimes there can be a delay between the initial arousal and the aggression, from minutes to hours, so the attack seems unprovoked. For example, your cat was startled by a loud noise and hid under the bed. Unaware of the noise, you find your cat some time later and try to pick it up or stroke it, only to receive a painful swipe in return. This is simply a reflex as your cat is overloaded with adrenaline and hasn't had enough time to calm down. Other Causes of Redirected Aggression Seeing or smelling an unfamiliar cat is a common cause of aggression in multi-cat households, but there are some other triggers to be mindful of. Sudden loud noises like fireworks, thunder or car engines popping. New environments such as moving house and renovations. Travelling, vet visits, etc. Introducing new pets, people or babies. Seeing or being approached by other animals, especially dogs. Illness or pain. Shop Pet Furniture → Furthermore, I've had the privilege of connecting with many cat parents through this blog who've shared their own experiences with redirected aggression. Some of these include: Accident or trauma, whereby one cat suffers a minor injury and takes it out on another resident cat. Owner shouting at their cat and provoking an attack. Building work on a house, causing one cat to start attacking another. Fireworks scaring cats into growling or hissing at humans. In case you're new here, I have my own story regarding redirected aggression that you can read about here . Aggression looks very similar in cats regardless of the cause, so it's crucial to understand exactly what you're dealing with in order to find the best solution. Learn more about the different types of feline aggression in this detailed post: Aggressive Behaviour in Cats: 8 Types and Causes Signs of Aggression As touched on above, most of us can spot an angry feline whether we know what caused it or not. If two or more cats are tearing chunks out of each other then you know there's a problem, but some behaviours are more subtle. Recognising the signs through body language, postures and vocalisations can significantly reduce the chance of it escalating into a full-blown attack. Some common things to look out for include: Flattened or pinned back ears. Tense facial expression. Wide or slitted eyes. Direct stare with another cat. Fluffed up fur (piloerection). Low or lashing tail. Hunched, rigid posture. Arched back. Hissing, growling or yowling. Pacing. This is only a general list as there are some noticeable differences between defensive and offensive aggression that will tell you if an attack is intentional or the cat is simply frightened. For example, a dominant cat might stand with an arched back and fluffed up coat to make itself look bigger and more menacing. It could even charge at its opponent if it thinks it has no other choice. A submissive or defensive cat will be in a more crouched position with its head and tail tucked in. It does this to make itself look small and non-threatening in order to avoid an unwanted interaction - clever, right? If you're experiencing conflict between two or more cats, then determining if there's a bully and a victim will help a great deal when managing and, hopefully, solving the problem. If you spot any of the signs above then it's advisable to remove any other cats from the vicinity as quickly as possible. For more tips and advice, see this dedicated post: Cat Body Language: Signs of Aggressive Behaviour in Felines Daintry Cat Calming Spray combines feline pheromones with the natural soothing properties of cedarwood to reduce stress and anxiety. Use around the home or spray onto carriers prior to travelling. Aggression and Stress It's also easy for owners to confuse aggression-related signs and symptoms with those caused by stress, especially as the two go hand in hand. It's suggested that stress or anxiety is a cat's emotional response to a perceived threat, and aggression is the behavioural outcome. We have to remember that a cat's survival instinct is part of their evolutionary DNA, and the "fight-or-flight" mechanism can be the difference between life and death. Cats don't want to fight; it's usually a last resort. For redirected aggression to occur, they must be very stressed indeed. Learn more here: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment Cat to Human Aggression Cats will rarely attack humans if properly socialised, so when this behaviour happens out of the blue, there's likely to be an external stressor. Similar to the example scenario above, aggression can be redirected onto people if you disturbed the cat while it was stimulated or tried to approach it. Think about it this way: how many times have you snapped at someone when you're in a bad mood, worked up or flustered? You might not claw their eyes out (even if you really want to) but the fact remains that adrenaline can make us do some crazy and uncalled-for things. It's crucial to remain calm and not add to your cat's stress by shouting at or punishing them. This can escalate the situation, further damaging the cat-human bond and putting yourself at risk of physical injury. It can also cause cats to start associating the negative feeling with their owner, provoking more attacks as well as conflict between other resident cats. Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. They help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying and excessive vocalisation. Here's what you should do to minimise distress: Unless you or your cat are in immediate danger, leave kitty alone to cool off in its own time. Trying to soothe it may cause further arousal and that's when a cat lashes out, if only to escape the situation. Ensure there are plenty of hiding places (cat beds, huts, boxes, underbed spaces, wardrobes, etc). Provide elevated surfaces like cat trees and shelves - think of the wilderness where they'd climb trees to keep a lookout and escape predators. Avoid actions that cats may consider as threatening: grabbing, yelling, making direct eye contact, shutting inside a room (it's easier to remove yourself than a raging furball with claws!). Keep a towel handy so that if you need to restrain your cat, you're both protected. You can use whatever you have nearby to block an attack - a cushion, newspaper - preferably anything but your hands. If you're the target of repeated attacks, try to redirect their focus onto a toy to burn off excess energy. Make sure you use a long-handled toy like a teaser wand to keep a good distance between you and kitty. Reward positive behaviour with treats and ignore the negative - this means ending the play session if necessary. Always let the cat come to you and don't worry about losing your precious bond. If they want attention then you'll know about it - they are felines, after all! For a deeper understanding of a cat's body language and how they interact with other cats and humans, this post is essential reading: How to Read a Cat's Body Language, Behaviour and Communication Redirected Aggression Between Household Cats   Redirected aggression, along with territorial aggression, is one of the most likely causes of fighting in domestic cats and commonly triggered by an unfamiliar feline. If you're lucky then it might be a one-off attack in response to the stimulus, but it can become a more long-standing issue, especially if the target cat retaliates. They may continue to fight whenever they see each other and no longer wish to share a territory. Health The first step when dealing with any kind of aggression, whether it's directed at other animals or humans, is to take your cat for a health check-up. I know - getting your cat to the clinic can be a challenge in itself - but if the solution is as simple as a course of medication, isn't it preferable to weeks or months of stress for the whole family? If you need more vet-related tips and tricks, I've got you covered: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress Establish the Trigger Assuming your cat doesn't have any medical issues, the next step is to establish the source of fear, stress, anxiety or frustration so you can remove it. This isn't always possible, since we can't simply ask them what the problem is, but if you're observant then they'll show you in their behaviour. If kitty keeps hanging around a particular window, door or cat flap then you should be on the lookout for a four-legged intruder. In which case, you might want to invest in a suitable cat deterrent or other precautions on the off-chance a stray is urine marking outside the house. If your cat acts skittish or hides whenever there's a noise that wouldn't ordinarily bother them, it could be trauma from a memory of a similar experience. They can be on alert for hours or days after a triggering incident, and I've witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of aggression between two sibling cats that had previously got along. In that time, I've learned that prevention is better than intervention. Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting Physical Conflict Cases of redirected aggression are almost impossible to predict or prevent, which is what makes it so difficult to solve, and we usually don't know there's a problem until the initial attack. Here are some things you can do when dealing with conflict: If cats are hissing, growling, yowling or staring at each other, place a piece of cardboard or a cushion between them to block off eye contact. My boys would do everything they could to see around the obstacle just to continue their disagreement, but it should give you a chance to usher them into separate rooms. Try distracting with a toy and leading cats away from each other - it helps if you have another person so you can work on both cats. If cats have engaged in a physical fight and you need to intervene, remain calm and don't try to separate them with your hands. Use a long-handled object such as a broom or throw a towel over them before handling. Keep offending cats separated until there's no visible tension. Confine cats indoors so you can monitor their behaviour and prevent aggression from extending beyond their domestic territory. The last thing you want is kitty getting into scraps with a neighbourhood rival and bringing more problems back to the home. Xemz Interactive Feather Cat Toy features a rotating feather that randomly pops out of the holes at different time intervals. The toy starts when cats pass the infrared sensor and has an auto shut-off time of 5 minutes. When my cats were going through their aggressive phase, there were many instances where I had to break up physical altercations. I never advise using hands, but I often did because it was all I could think of in the moment. Fights can break out at any time, and if you're reading this then it's probably happened to you too. While they've never lashed out at me, I noticed that Drax started glaring at my hands and giving some serious vocal warnings. I took this as a firm " Back off, b*tch! " and I sure as hell paid attention. Visit Observation, recognition and understanding go a long way in communicating with your cats, especially where aggression is present. You wouldn't get between two humans beating each other to a pulp, the only difference with cats is that a giant human looming over them increases the fear they're already experiencing. As a last resort, rather than grabbing cats with your hands, stepping between them or using a leg might be less intimidating. When doing this, I found that my cats naturally backed away from me so one could run off and I was able to prevent the other from chasing; but this really depends on the temperament of your cats. As far as standard practice goes, never use body parts! You can find more advice in this dedicated post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Separation and Reintroduction If the fighting persists, you may have to start the separation and reintroduction process. This is a proven strategy recommended by experts and used by animal behaviourists all over the world. There are several stages that cats must go through: Separation Cats are separated for a minimum of 24-48 hours with no visual contact. Cats are rotated around different rooms or areas of the home so they can swap scents and reacclimatise to each other in a neutral setting. Reintroduction Feed cats on either side of a door or baby gate covered with a blanket to maintain the no-visuals rule. Begin by leaving bowls several feet away from the door or barrier and gradually move them closer over the following days. Start allowing visual contact by opening the door a crack or raising the blanket by an inch. If cats display aggressive behaviour such as hissing or swatting, go back a step and continue the process until they're comfortable seeing and eating next to each other. Finally, remove the barrier and use toys, play or treats to distract the attention away from the other cat. This helps to build positive associations and aids the bonding process. For a more in-depth guide where I break down each stage and share my own personal experiences, head over to this post: How to Reintroduce Cats After a Fight in 6 Steps From my correspondence with other parents, the separation process lasts an average of two weeks. This is by no means a set timeframe and each situation will be unique to your cats. In my case, it was closer to six months before they could be left alone unsupervised. Other Tips Territory It's not unusual for cats to become more territorial as tension builds in the home. To reduce competition, you want to ensure there are enough resources for the number of cats you have: food and water bowls, litter trays, beds , toys , etc). They should be spread around the home, and you can add extra territory with cat trees, wall-mounted shelving, ramps and other kitty furniture. Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources Doing this will also ensure that you're prepared for any unexpected outbreaks, so you already have a space set up for each individual cat. For example, we know that Bonfire Night and New Year attract a lot of fireworks. Prepare a safe room in advance and invest in a calming diffuser or spray like Pet Remedy , which is suitable for most domestic pets. If your cats are extra skittish, you might consider separating them prior to a stressful event so that if one is triggered, they won't have any opportunities to fight. Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households. Calming Products There are lots of products on the market that claim to reduce aggression, many of which are discussed or reviewed on this blog. As touched on above, pheromone diffusers and calming prays replicate the chemicals that cats release during scent marking to create familiarity, reassurance and safety within their environment. They target most stress-related behaviours including scratching , urine spraying , overgrooming, conflict and tension. Calming supplements made from natural, drug-free ingredients are a good short-term option and have less undesirable side effects than traditional medications, but you should always consult with a vet for the most suitable treatment. Read my review of two well-known brands here: Calming Supplement Reviews: ZylKene and YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats (Tried and Tested) Herbal calming treats can be used as an alternative to supplements. You might also have seen collars and spot-ons that release essential oils, such as valerian which is known for its calming properties. Take caution when using anything that changes the smell of your cat, as this could cause them to be more aggressive towards one another. Summary There are no guarantees that damage can be reversed, even if cats were bonded for many years before the aggression started. I understand and empathise with how crushing this is for parents, and I'm always here for a chat if you need it! Your vet is also a valuable source of advice and will be able to refer you to a qualified behaviourist, if you decide to go down that route. In the event that cats can no longer tolerate living together, rehoming may be considered as an option; but there are lots of practical steps you can take to avoid this. You know your situation - and your cats - better than anyone. Do's Don'ts ✓ Seek veterinary advice. ❌   Shout at or punish cats. ✓  Recognise signs of aggression. ❌   Grab or separate cats with hands. ✓  Leave cats to cool off in their own time. ❌   Attempt to soothe an angry cat. ✓  Establish the trigger or source of aggression and remove it (if possible). ❌   Force cats to interact with each other or share a space if they don't want to. ✓  Use distraction techniques with toys and reward positive behaviour. ✓  Provide hiding places and elevated surfaces. ✓  Separate cats if necessary. Mentioned Products Yaheetech Cat Tree Tower Bojafa Teaser Wand Venture Extra Tall Baby Gate Have you experienced redirected aggression towards yourself or another household cat? Get in touch or share your story in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. 6 Cat Enrichment Ideas: Climbing Areas, Cat Trees & Scratch Posts Horizontal Shelves & Perches Safe Places, Boxes and Tunnels Toys , Games & Puzzles Catios & Outdoors Sensory Stimulation Enrichment isn't just for indoor cats , it's beneficial for every domestic feline because even those that have the freedom to roam are a world apart from their natural habitats. Not everyone has the luxury of a woodland in their back garden or living smack bang in the middle of the countryside. Built-up towns and cities don't provide the same opportunities that a cat would get in the wild, so it's a case of tapping into one's creativity to stimulate as many of those feline instincts as possible. Cats are born hunters, which means they love to engage with and explore their environment. The home setting comes with many limitations for an indoor cat, whether you live in a one-bed flat or 100-metre skyscraper. It's not uncommon to see some level of stress and/or behavioural issues in our feline friends, as is evident from the flood of anxiety remedies on the market - yes, I'm looking at you, Feli way ! Toys and play are great for stimulating a cat's predatory instincts and physical exercise, but enrichment goes way deeper than that. It focuses on their environment and senses to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. Related post: How to Play with Cats of All Ages: Motivation Tips and Tricks 1. Climbing Areas, Cat Trees & Scratch Posts Cats are natural climbers, but that doesn't mean all cats like to climb; just that they can if they want to, which usually involves surfing the kitchen counters or trampling over your new sofa. In the wild, they'd be using their powerful leg muscles and agility for escaping predators and hunting. This allows them to climb vertical surfaces like trees with ease. This can be hard to imagine when we look at our lazy (and in some cases, chubby) domestic cats, but oftentimes they've lost touch with their abilities because they have no need for them. Cat trees come in all sizes, from small one-seaters - which are great for kittens and senior cats - all the way up to ceiling height. Conlun Cat Scratcher Box features 2 holes for playing and a double-sided corrugated cardboard scratcher that can be used as a base or removed. Scratch posts, mats and boards give cats a chance to use their muscles, stretch their limbs and bodies; as well as sharpening claws and marking territory. Even if your kitty doesn't have a passion for climbing, there's still a lot you can do to get them moving. PawHut Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree has multiple levels with two ramps, two condos, two hammocks, a cat tunnel, hanging pompoms and scratch posts for multiple cats to zoom up and down. 2. Horizontal Shelves & Perches As well as hunting and climbing, cats love to explore and observe their surroundings. In fact, they're sometimes known as "scanners" in the sense that they use multiple senses to scan their environment and create a mental map, of sorts. This way, they can quickly detect if something changes and react accordingly. If you have a kitty that seems to hate closed doors or blocked off areas, it's because they need to be familiar with every corner of their territory to ensure there are plenty of escape routes, safe places and access points. My Drax goes through the trouble of pushing open every door in the house, multiple times a day. In short, cats would make fantastic security guards! The point here is that even if you have an inactive or low-energy kitty, it's essential to provide a variety of different levels for observation purposes. As well as vertical surfaces, horizontal platforms can provide a fun kitty climbing frame while adding extra territory, thus minimising problem behaviours such as inter-cat aggression . PawHut Cat Stand with a large polyester bed, jute scratching posts and two hanging pompoms. Stands at 42cm and made from sturdy particle board with a wide base to prevent toppling. Wall-mounted shelves and ladders can be installed in a few simple steps (pardon the pun) but these won't be suitable for every home, particularly rented properties. Window hammocks are a great alternative as they use suction cups that stick to the glass, so you could apply multiple hammocks to a single window. For more budget-friendly options, you can turn furniture you already have into cat beds by placing a blanket, towel or basket on top of drawers and units; with a stool to climb up if necessary. Placement also helps, such as positioning a sofa or coffee table in front of a window for some outdoors viewing. PawHut 4PCs Wall-Mounted Climbing Shelves includes a plush hammock, nest, jumping platforms and scratch posts for smaller areas where floor space is limited. 3. Safe Places, Boxes and Tunnels It's important to remember that cats are also prey to larger animals in the wild, so their first response to danger is either running or hiding. Physical conflict is usually a last resort, but as with any creature, some are cockier than others! Cats feel a sense of safety and security in small enclosed spaces, which you might have noticed in their obsession with cardboard boxes. Cat huts, tents and tunnels provide a cosy retreat from noisy humans and other household pets. You can even get wall-mounted huts for height advantage. Underbed spaces, wardrobes and homemade blanket dens can all be utilised without costing you a penny. Related post: 10 Best Types of Cat Beds PetSafe Blue Egg-Cersizer and SlimCat Orange Dispenser Toys can be filled with treats or kibble that falls through the holes when batted around. Holes are adjustable to make it easier or more challenging. Toys help to slow down feeing, tackle obesity and stimulate natural hunting instincts. 4. Toys, Games & Puzzles It goes without saying that providing a variety of toys  to suit your cat's age and preferences is essential for mental and physical stimulation. Puzzle feeders or treat dispensers and interactive toys provide more of a challenge and encourage natural hunting behaviours. Obstacle courses can be made using tunnels, huts, ramps and different level platforms if your home allows for it. If you have the space, a cat exercise wheel is perfect for felines that love to run. A very simple game that combines play and mental stimulation is to get a large box, fill it with balls of screwed up paper and toss in a handful of treats for some foraging fun. This stimulates all of the senses at once while promising a tasty reward! For more budget-friendly ideas, check out this fun-filled post: DIY Cat Toys That Are Cheap and Easy to Make: Step-by-Step Guides 5. Catios & Outdoors If you decide to let your indoor cat experience the outside world, there are plenty of safe ways to do this. For example, using a harness to "walk" your cat for some fresh air and exercise, even if it's just a few laps around the garden. Make sure cats are harness trained first, as safety is paramount to an enjoyable experience for both kitty and their guardian. Cats aren't dogs and should never be forced into activities that cause fear or distress. Related post: Best Harnesses for Cats and Kittens Keeping cats indoors remains a topic of debate and is even frowned upon by some, but there's a lot to consider and each case is unique to your individual cat and/or circumstances. Heavily built-up areas, busy roads and neighbours with dogs can be a potential death trap, especially for nervous kitties that run from danger. Injured or missing cats is a parent's worst nightmare - and I've experienced both. MEWOOFUN Cat Window Hammock featuring powerful suction cups and a stainless steel frame that can hold a weight of up to 18kg. Double-sided fabric makes it suitable for all seasons and it can be folded up when not in use. Catios are becoming more popular with parents that want to give their cats some outdoor space without the risks. This is an enclosure constructed from a wooden frame and mesh wire that can either be added as an extension from a door or window; or self-contained with a gate. Larger catios can be kitted out with shelving, cat trees and huts for extra enrichment, but it's an investment that not all can afford. I highly recommend Omlet for their customisable and secure catios, balcony enclosures and outdoor cat trees. If your garden is suitable, fences can be adapted with wire tops that are installed at such an angle that cats are unable to jump over. These can be helpful for preventing strays from entering the garden, limiting the chances of aggression or territorial behaviour. This can also be a risk with window gazing, so be sure to keep an eye out and close any curtains overnight. Related post:   The 6 Best Cat Deterrents for Gardens and Yards 6. Sensory Stimulation Visual Visual enrichment is particularly beneficial for indoor cats that don't get to experience any wildlife. YouTube is my go-to, with thousands of live footage nature videos and cartoon animal games. You could also set up a bird feeder outside of a window for cats to observe, but not for too long or they might get frustrated. Visit Sound Hearing is a cat's super sense, with the ability to hear frequencies of up to three times higher than a human, at a distance of four to five times further away! Similar to videos, cats may enjoy listening to the sounds of wildlife while they're resting to mimic what they'd hear in the wild. If possible, open a window or install a cat-proof lock or screen to prevent escape. You could also play reiki healing music to soothe and relax. This is a sound therapy composed of gentle melodies and vibrations set at cat-specific frequencies (hertz) for energetic healing. Scent Smell is more than a super sense but a cat's primary form of communication. This is how they greet each other (humans, too!) and mark their environment as safe and familiar. New odours encourage cats to explore, so you can start by placing blankets or objects already covered in their scent in different areas of the home to boost security. Substances such as catnip and silvervine stimulate a cat's pheromone receptors when sniffed for a healthy dose of euphoria. Related post:   Silvervine for Cats: Powder and Stick Reviews (Tried and Tested) Taste Taste is a matter of preference and cats will often show aversion to unfamiliar foods, but with a bit of enticing, their curious nature might get the better of them. Offer different flavours and textures of food, treats or snacks (in moderation) and specially-formulated cat milk for something different. Cat grass is also great for chewing. Pack'n Pride Freeze Dried Cat Treats are made with 100% chicken breast. Feed as a reward, soak in water to get a fresh chicken cube or use as a food topper. No preservatives, grains or by-products and great for sensitive stomachs. Touch Touch is something that both cats and humans can benefit from - who doesn't love bonding time with their furries? Showing affection through petting and brushing can be mutually rewarding, but some cats like to pick and choose when they want human contact. The 3.0 Cat Self-Groomer allows cats to pamper themselves at their own leisure or when you're away from home. It's designed with ABS plastic bristles for gentle massage as cats rub against it, helping to remove and collect loose hair. It can be mounted on walls or corner surfaces and contains a catnip compartment to attract cats. You can also offer toys with a variety of textures, such as soft toys and feathers that mimic natural prey. Paper bags (with handles removed) are great for hiding in and cats seem to love the rustling noise, too. For more ideas on how to support your cat's physical and emotional needs, check out this post: Holistic Cat Care: Natural Support for Feline Health and Wellbeing Mentioned Products PawHut Floor to Ceiling Cat Tree PawHut 4PCS Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves 3.0 Softer Cat Self-Groomer Catit Senses Grass Planter Do you have indoor or outdoor kitties? Have you come up with any creative enrichment ideas that you'd love to share? Let us know in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I am not being paid to promote any of the companies mentioned in this article. Opinions are my own and all information is based on extensive research. Personalised or custom diets for pets are becoming more and more pawpular, and my only question is: what took so long? Health-conscious humans have been following diets to meet their specific requirements ever since the means became available, whether through the advice of a nutritionist or their own research. As much as we love our four-legged friends, we can't all be experts in feline nutrition - and that's okay, because now there are companies that will take care of the hard work for you and deliver scrumptious meals straight to your door - yum! We're officially living in a culture of pet-obsessed parents, with people spending up to equal amounts of money on their fur babies as they do their human babies. With the cost of living soaring, it seems that our furry friends are becoming substitute children for many. Before we take a look at these pet food companies, let's delve into the benefits of fresh grub and how it weighs up against off-the-shelf cans and kibble. In this article: What is Fresh Pet Food? Benefits of Raw and Cooked Food Can I Make My Own Cat Food at Home? What Do Tailor-Made Fresh Pet Food Companies Offer? More How Much Does It Cost? KatKin Fresh Cat Food Company Other Raw and Fresh Cat Food Companies Summary What is Fresh Pet Food? It's exactly what it says on the tin - only there is no tin! Think of the difference between heating up a jar of Uncle Ben's Chilli Con Carne (now Ben's Original - hey, I'm old!) to making your own chilli at home. That means choosing your own vegetables, beans, spices and using REAL meat. You know exactly what's going into the mixture because you picked the ingredients. Nothing is processed and there are no nasty chemicals or preservatives to make the food last longer. Fresh food companies usually fall into two categories: raw and cooked. A raw diet can include uncooked meat, fish and internal organs with ground bone for calcium. This best replicates what cats would consume in the wild from natural prey, where the combination of meat, muscle tissues, organs, bones and fur provides all of the nutrients a cat needs for optimal health. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be added to raw food to ensure that nutritional requirements are being met. Cooked food usually contains steamed meat and organs, as well as all of the added supplements. This eliminates bacteria while preventing the destruction of nutrients under high temperatures. Benefits of Raw and Cooked Food Freshness As a pet parent, we want to ensure our furries have a healthy lifestyle and food is a huge part of that. This isn't always possible with your standard commercial foods, as much as it hurts our wallets. More expensive brands such as Purina, which places emphasis on its high-quality ingredients, offers food for all types of cats in different stages, including those of a specialist nature. Amongst their range you'll find diets formulated for hairball control, dental health, sensitive digestion, urinary care; as well as food for indoor , pregnant and senior cats. This sounds like an ideal solution, although we should be questioning whether certain conditions would have presented in the first place if cats were given the correct diet. Nevertheless, the "quality" of ingredients in commercial food is irrelevant when they lack the most important factor: freshness. Given that cat food is a meat product, you can imagine what goes into it to provide a shelf life of up to a year or more.... Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? Minimal or Zero Processing The natural vitamins and minerals in raw foods are degraded when cooked, which is why fresh cooked food is gently steamed and then frozen. The processed stuff as found on the shelves of your local Asda is cooked at high temperatures several times! The loss of nutrients has to be replaced, which is where artificial substitutes come in. Some experts believe that poor ingredients and/or processing methods are the primary cause of digestive disorders, along with many other health conditions that we wouldn't normally associate with diet. Skin and eye problems, allergies, urinary tract disease, immune system dysfunction; and those involving internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, liver and pancreas. Free from Additives As mentioned, certain vitamins and minerals may be supplemented in fresh food, but in much lower quantities as the nutritional value is preserved. Products are typically 60-100% meat and contain a healthy dose of amino acids and fatty acids, but cats can easily become deficient in some areas. More importantly, there are no artificial flavourings, colourings or thickeners as seen in gravy-based foods. By-Products If you've ever looked at a cat food label, you might be familiar with the terms "animal by-products", "meat derivatives" or "meat meal". Exactly which parts of animals are used - the nutritious parts or less nutritious parts - is as much a mystery as the livestock itself, how it was sourced and what conditions it lived in prior to being processed - there's that dreaded "p" word again! No Fillers Commercial dry food or kibble is considered to be even lower quality as it's bound together with fillers, which are high in carbohydrates. Cereals, grains, corn and root vegetables all contain starch - this is necessary to make the dough before it's processed at those high temperatures we spoke about. This makes it more digestible for the carnivorous kitty, but the destruction of nutrients is unavoidable. Cats that only eat dry food are also at risk of dehydration, as they require both high moisture and high protein contents. Carbohydrates To expand on the above, the addition of carbohydrates to a cat's diet is a cause of much controversy in the scientific community. Some veterinary nutritionists argue that they're hard to digest, serve little biological value and contribute to obesity and diabetes. Pet food brands claim they're easy to metabolise, a good source of energy and not linked to obesity or diabetes.... It's a complex subject and must take into account the type of carbohydrates being used and in what quantities - and of course, processing methods. If we're trying to replicate a cat's natural diet, we should view them as what they are: obligate carnivores. In the wild, a cat's diet would typically consist of 55% protein, 43-44% fat and 1-2% carbohydrates, which they obtain from the stomach contents of their pray - a small amount of partially digested plant matter. To put this into perspective, the minimum guidelines as set by the  European Pet Food Industry Federation is 26% protein - less than half of what they'd be getting naturally! This is where those extra carbs come in, as the body breaks them down into glucose to provide energy. Yet, cats are able to synthesise their own glucose in the liver. Note that when comparing wet food to dry food, we have to convert percentages to a "dry matter basis" by subtracting the moisture content, which can cause further confusion amongst pet owners. That's why I've made this dedicated post: How to Calculate Carbohydrates in Cat Food and Understanding Dry Matter Basis Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 Some would argue that using carbohydrates as a source of energy saves them from having to make it themselves, but there are other concerns. The heating of seed oils at high temperatures, along with heating fats/proteins and sugar together, produces compounds that cause oxidative stress. This damages the cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, premature ageing and lifelong diseases. The ultimate question isn't whether cats are able to metabolise some types of carbohydrates, or what the potential consequences of consumption may or may not be. Research is limited and doesn't take into account the long-term effects on a cat's overall tissue and organ health. Carbohydrates are simply not necessary - at least, not in the high quantities as seen in commercial pet food - and a cheap alternative to animal protein. Related post: Cats and Carbohydrates: Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats? Pros and Cons of a Fresh Food Diet This article is more geared towards the benefits of fresh food rather than the dangers of commercial food, which is another topic in itself. Raw meat isn't entirely risk free, particularly if it's prepared at home; but a reputable fresh food company will have taken every precaution when it comes to food hygiene and safety. Below are a some factors to consider when choosing the right food for your cat. Bear in mind that a poor diet isn't always about obesity; there are many other signs to look out for that might indicate cats aren't getting all of the nutrients they need. Low energy, increased hunger, lack of appetite, smelly or inconsistent poops, skin problems, dandruff, poor coat quality and behavioural issues, to name a few. Pros Cons ✓ Natural ingredients with no preservatives, colourings or flavourings. ✕ Raw food can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which also carries a risk to the owner handling the food. ✓ Mimics what cats eat in the wild which can help to alleviate digestive issues, allergies and/or intolerances caused by commercial foods. ✕ Some raw meats can harbour parasites such as toxoplasmosis and trichinosis. ✓ A healthy balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients. ✕   Higher costs, particularly as you may need to try many types and flavours to find your cat's preferences. ✓ Usually composed of human-grade food. ✕   Switching a cat's food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if not done gradually. ✓ Cats may have more energy and require less meals since the protein in meat is higher quality. ✕   Don't cater to specialist diets (urinary, diabetic, etc). ✓ Shiner coat due to fatty acids. ✓ As cats are able to use more of what they eat, they'll poop less and it'll be drier - less pong for us! ✓   Transparency regarding ingredients and meat sourcing. Can I Make My Own Cat Food at Home? Homemade cat food recipes are readily available online for both wet and dry food, but most are meant for supplemental feeding only - it's not all about the protein! Cats require a healthy balance of fats, vitamins and minerals that must be obtained from their diet. A lack of taurine, for example, can lead to heart problems and blindness. Homemade recipes usually consist of meat or fish, organs (such as liver), eggs and supplements. Small amounts of vegetables or grains are optional, but to me it defeats the purpose. It is, however, a good starting point for transitioning cats away from commercial food onto a raw or cooked diet - especially where budget is an issue. Pack'n Pride Freeze Dried Cat Treats are made with 100% chicken breast. Feed as a reward, soak in water to get a fresh chicken cube or use as a food topper. No preservatives, grains or by-products and great for sensitive stomachs. The main advantage of using fresh food companies is that you don't have to worry about getting the correct balance of nutrients and/or portions sizes, and they should have some pretty rigorous safety practices in place. Unless you're a veterinary nutritionist, you shouldn't be inventing your own recipes - and be sure to check those you find online. For anyone who is considering taking on the fresh food challenge, I highly recommend Jess at caticles.com for recipes and general advice. What Do Tailor-Made Fresh Cat Food Companies Offer? Whether you're preparing your cat's food at home or using a company, fresh food is an excellent way to maintain control of the ingredients so you know exactly what's going into it. It may come as no surprise that the majority of personalised pet foods are formulated for dogs, but there's a growing number of companies that cater exclusively for felines. By using these companies, you're paying for food that's not only created for cats but customised to your pet's specific health needs and physiology. This is achieved using factors such as age, breed, weight, sex, flavour preferences; and any health concerns, such as allergies. Pet parents are usually required to fill out a questionnaire with all of the necessary information, and the food is made to provide the exact levels of vitamins and minerals they need. As with anything, you want to make sure you're choosing a reputable pet food company - which doesn't necessarily mean looking for the highest prices. Use this handy checklist of what to look for in a quality fresh pet food service. ✓ Food is nutritionally balanced according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation standards (FEDAIF). ✓  Food should be sourced from reputable suppliers and manufacturers . ✓  Companies adhere to the strictest hygiene practices and batch test meat for contamination. ✓   Cat food should be rich in animal protein with a good amount of fat. ✓   Transparency regarding meat contents with no "animal derivatives". ✓   No fillers (grains such as rice and wheat). ✓   A variety of meal options with different types of meats, textures and flavours to suit your cat's preferences. ✓   Cater for a cat's specific requirements with portion guidelines. ✓ Formulas are prepared by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not all companies will tick off every mark on this checklist, but the most important factor (aside from quality) is the sourcing, testing and handling of the meat itself. Raw fish in particular has a high risk of bacterial contamination and should only be fed to cats in moderation, regardless of how it's prepared. Reviews count too, so check for any customer feedback or refer to Trustpilot where people love to share their opinions. Also search for in-depth blog articles with tried and tested reviews, including original product photos. How Much Does It Cost? Pricing for fresh cat food will vary depending on your chosen meal plan and package, but you can expect to pay roughly £50+ per month (per cat) to cover all of their daily meals. As a comparison, the average cost of feeding a cat in the UK is estimated at £36 a month in the current climate. On a yearly basis, you could be spending £150-£200 more if you wanted to make the transition to fresh food. As mentioned, you could cut these costs by preparing your own cat food at home. Unless you're following a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and have a good grasp of your cat's specific health needs, it's best to feed homemade food alongside canned food to ensure nutritional needs are being met. Though fresh pet food is in high demand, it's still somewhat of a luxury and makes up a very small percentage of the pet food market. This could change with growing competition and more affordable options, such as a kibble alternative to wet food. With pets becoming a bigger part of our lives and families, naturally, we're spending more money and the food industry will adapt to follow the trends. We've already seen it with things like improved litter, supplements and interactive toys - I want to cry every time I look at my Amazon balance! It makes sense for pet food to follow suit, considering it's the most basic need of any animal. Most companies will offer new customer discounts, regular offers or monthly subscription packages at a slightly lower cost. Not only does this help to save the pennies, but by using a subscription service, you don't have to worry about forgetting to stock up. Make sure it fits your budget and, if not, there are plenty of premium brands on the shelves that are a step up from your bog standard budget ranges . KatKin Fresh Cat Food Company Labelled as the UK's first and leading fresh food brand for cats, it makes sense to use KatKin as an example of what potential customers - and converts - should expect to receive from a tailor-made service (other brands may vary). What does KatKin offer? KatKin is essentially a kitty meal delivery service offering food made from 100% premium quality meat. They create a personalised plan for your feline based on factors such as age, size, weight and health conditions. All recipes are perfectly proportioned for your cat's daily nutritional needs. Ingredients are sourced in the UK and conform to the UK Welfare of Farmed Animal Regulations.   Visit How is food prepared? KatKin's meals are prepared in the company's human-grade kitchen in Park Royal, London. Every recipe is tailor-made to your cat's needs by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Meat is steam-cooked to eliminate bad bacteria while preserving nutrition, then frozen to lock those nutrients in. Food is high in moisture, exactly what cats would be getting from natural prey. The nutritional value of KatKin food exceeds  the standards set by the FEDIAF. There's also an impressive range of flavours including: fish, turkey, lamb, beef, duck and pork, with a combination of meat and internal organs. KatKin is already ticking off some of the points on that handy fresh food checklist! Benefits KatKin is rated 4.6 / 5 based on over 11,000 Trustpilot reviews - another tick. According to the KatKin website, customers report many health improvements to their cats such as: Less poop (and pong!) Return to a healthy weight. Thicker and shinier coats. Restored energy and playfulness. Less digestive issues and diarrhoea. Reduced food allergies. Eliminating gingivitis. Disadvantages KatKin is one of the more expensive fresh food companies, which is to be expected considering their high levels of meat protein. Not suitable for specialist diets.   Food Storage Fresh meals need to be stored in the fridge and freezer, unlike commercial foods which are blasted at hot temperatures to make them shelf stable for years. Subscription Process While I haven't purchased KatKin meals for a tried and tested review - which I'll go into a little further on - I have been through the subscription process to get a feel for ease of use and the like. Filling out the questionnaire was simple and only took a couple of minutes. As well as the standard questions, it was nice to see dropdowns for how fussy an eater your cat is; activity levels and stomach sensitivity. I was pleasantly surprised when KatKin informed me that I could save up to £17 a month in comparison to Drax's standard urinary food. Note that just because this estimate is cheaper for me doesn't mean it will be for you. Specialist or prescription diets are expensive, much more so than your average cat food. Which makes it even more of a shame that fresh foods aren't suitable for my kitty needs - huge bummer. Pricing As taken from the KatKin website, prices start from £1.89 a day which totals a minimum spend of just under £60 per month. Currently, you can try the first 14 days with 20% off, which is a good deal to get started. Start your 14-day trial with 20% off → Delivery Food is delivered for free to your door on a 28-day cycle. You can access your subscription from your online account to adjust your cat's menu, change delivery dates, pause your box or cancel the subscription. At this time, KatKin only delivers to England, Scotland and Wales. This is due to the nature of fresh food and because KatKin meals are frozen, they need to arrive on your doorstep within 48 hours. Customer Service KatKin claims that their experts are available seven days a week to help you make the switch to fresh food, offer general advice and answer any questions. I haven't dealt with the company directly but have heard good things about the personalised customer service. For more information about the brand, recipes - and a few home truths about big cat food companies - visit the KatKin website. All things considered, it looks like KatKin sets the bar pretty high in terms of standards, quality and overall service; however, it's not the only option for cat owners in the UK. Whether you're looking for a lower price range, want to try a raw diet or explore a more eco-friendly alternative, there are several other brands that might satisfy your requirements. To help you make a decision, I've put together a brief summary of some highly-rated, UK-based fresh pet food companies. Other Raw and Fresh Cat Food Companies Blink!   Choose from a wide range of recipes containing 65% meat and fish fillets, with a blend of vitamins and no cereals or grains. Similar to KatKin, meals are slow cooked to retain nutrition and their prime cuts of meat come with a higher price tag than some other brands. Small boxes start at £30, but you can get a subscription trial pack for just £1! Dry food pouches are also available in selected stores across the UK. Bella & Duke Meals are made from raw, human-grade meat, bone broth and natural oils. There are no added vitamins or minerals as food is tailor-made to meet your cat's specific dietary needs, then frozen for freshness. There's less protein content than KatKin and only four flavour options, but starting prices are slightly lower. All recipes are developed by nutritionists and checked by vets. Bella & Duke are RawSAFE UK Pet Food certified and were awarded Manufacturer of the Year 2023 by Pet Industry Federation. Poppy’s Picnic The brand started out as a fresh dog food company before launching Purry Power , which makes high-quality raw cat and kitten food that comes in meatball shapes. Their range is limited to three meal recipes and one pack of sprinkles; however, every recipe contains at least 90% meat and animal ingredients. The brand has been featured on Dragon's Den , This Morning and boasts some award-winning meals. Lovebug Lovebug meals consist of a low-cost, insect-based, dry kibble formula. Food is nutritionally complete and considered to be eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. Although primarily made from natural ingredients, it has been artificially fortified with added vitamins and minerals. It's not as fresh as wet food but a good natural alternative for cats that don't like eating wet/raw food. There are also no flavour or customisation options - one bag suits all.   Summary Whatever food you choose for your pets - commercial, homemade, fresh, raw or eco-friendly - I hope this article provides some tips and advice to help you make an informed decision. Cats appreciate variety, so mixing it up will prevent them from growing bored of their food. If you decide to make your own batch of scrumptious meaty goodness, remember to supplement it with commercial foods so cats are still getting all of the nutrients required. The homemade option is a great lower-cost alternative to fresh pet food companies. This is something I'm trying myself, given my notoriously awkward cats. With one on a urinary diet for struvite stones and the other addicted to kibble - both of which would rather starve than look at a piece of fresh meat - it'll be a long road to making any sort of transition! While there are hundreds of thousands of cats that live out their days on a commercial diet, that doesn't mean they're healthy. We can see evidence of this in the abundance of prescription diets, supplements and behavioural remedies on the market - not to mention mass obesity. Food is the source of life, from tissues to the bones and vital organs - including the brain. Insufficient nutrients can affect the mind as well as the body! A final important point to note, transitioning cats to new food should always be done gradually to allow an adequate amount of time for their sensitive stomachs to adjust to new nutrients - we don't want any vomiting or diarrhoea! I recommend seeking advice from a vet to make sure it's the right decision for your furry. For more tips on introducing cats to new food, check out this informative post: How to Change a Cat's Food with 10 Tasty Tips Have you made the tasty transition to fresh food already? What are your experiences and, more importantly, did your kitties approve? If you think any other brands are worth a mention, let us know in the comments or get in touch!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Is your cat refusing to eat its new food? Do you have a bin overflowing with half-empty sachets and tins? Are you spending a fortune on prescription diets with so much waste that you might as well be flushing money down the toilet? Changing a cat's food can be a challenge for fussy eaters, as I discovered when my boy, Drax, was diagnosed with having crystals in his wee and I had to switch him onto a urinary diet. This can be especially problematic in multi-cat households with a Mr or Miss Greedy in the mix - if kitty won't eat its new food then one of its housemates will! Specialist diets are the most common reason for making the transition, but these tasty tips can be applied to any type or brand of food that you want to start feeding your cats. For tips on raw feeding, you might want to check out fresh food companies like KatKin who offer personalised advice. Related post: Fresh Raw and Cooked Cat Food: Tailor-Made Nutrition Sent to Your Door! Head to my TRIED AND TESTED top 10 tips for how to change a cat's food: Mix Old Food with New Layer Foods Mash and Heat Add Treats or Toppers Encourage Tasting Offer Different Flavours and/or Textures Use Clean, Suitable Bowls Make Sure Cats Are Hungry Avoid Creating Food Aversion Feed Separately from Other Cats Also in this article: Can New Food Cause Vomiting and Diarrhoea? How Long Does It Take Cats to Adjust to New Food? Can Normal Cats Eat Another Cat's Prescription Food? These 10 strategies are guaranteed to encourage cats to try new food - sometimes getting over that first hurdle is all it takes. If you're thinking that cats will eat anything if they're hungry enough, you clearly don't know cats. One of the main causes of anorexia seen in catteries and shelters is not giving them the right food - that is, food they're not used to eating or simply don't like. While it never hurts to get a health check-up, especially where cats seem to have lost their appetite or gone off their usual food, oftentimes they won't eat simply because they're not hungry. 1. Mix Old Food with New Before we start mixing, any abrupt changes to a cat's diet can lead to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Cats are sensitive creatures and new food should be introduced gradually in small amounts to minimise stomach upsets. If sickness persists then go back to their current food until it's cleared up or try another brand. You could first try offering a few spoonfuls of regular and new food in separate bowls. If your cat refuses the new food then it's time to start mixing. Visit * It's generally advised against mixing different brands of specialist or veterinary prescribed foods based on the ingredients and how they function together. In order for diets to work, it has to be done consistently in the same way as administering medication. Do your research, stick to manufacturers' guides and find a balance that works for your cat. Days 1-2: Feed 3/4 of regular food with 1/4 of new food. Days 3-4: Increase amounts to half and half. Days 5-7: Increase further to 1/4 regular and 3/4 new. Day 8 onwards : Feed only new food. The aim is that by the end of week one, the transition to new food is complete; but this is just a guideline demonstrating the MINIMUM amount of time it should take. In Drax's case, this timeframe wasn't only optimistic but completely far-fetched. I had to use much smaller ratios than those stated above, less than a spoonful of new food per portion to begin with. Taste doesn't matter much to cats as they only have around 470 taste buds, but there's no deceiving the feline nose! Don't be afraid to start with just a couple of chunks or kibble pieces - the process will be longer and there'll be greater wastage - but your cat will be happier in the long-run. 2. Layer Foods You can use this in combination with mixing, depending on how fussy (or greedy) your kitty is. Layering new food on top of regular food forces cats to eat through it in order to get to the good stuff. Not all will fall for this trick, but encouraging them to approach and inspect their bowl is a good starting point. 3. Mash and Heat If you're feeding wet food, mix with a splash of warm water and heat for a few seconds in the microwave. Bringing out the aroma helps to make food more appetising to a cat's incredible sense of smell, and in the wild they'd be munching on fresh prey rather than something at room temperature. Apologies to my fellow veggies out there, but if you don't like it then don't get a cat! Grain-free Cosma Jelly Snacks come in single servings for moderation and to lessen wastage. Includes tasty chicken, tuna or salmon in a light jelly. 4. Add Treats or Toppers Bury treats in the food or use a topper. These usually consist of dried sprinkles or a paste/jelly that comes in individual sachets, which can be given as a snack or drizzled over food. Drax enjoys these Cosma Jelly Snacks that come in a variety of flavours including chicken, tuna and salmon - although he does have a habit of licking it off the top and leaving the rest. Another good option, Ciao Churu Treat Tubes are available in a mixture of chicken or seafood recipes. Both are best for wet food as they have the same texture, which also matters to cats. If you're looking for the option of a dry food topper, these Cat Sprinkles are available in chicken, chicken-liver and turkey. If, like me, you have a sneaky topper scoffer then you can start mixing it into the food or offer it as a reward after eating. 5. Encourage Tasting Wipe or smear a little bit of wet food onto your cat's paw (or crumble up some dry food and make a paste with a drop of water). This will encourage them to lick it off while grooming to get that initial first taste out of the way. I also used my finger to dab some food onto Drax's lips, but only attempt this if you trust your cat - and more importantly, if kitty allows it! Nine times out of ten he'd eat the rest, even if it was just a few mouthfuls. 6. Offer Different Flavours and/or Textures Offer a variety of textures and flavours, wherever possible. Rotate every other day to avoid boredom, but not too often or else they'll soon learn that if they refuse to eat one thing then something different will take its place. This may be difficult with specialist diets because the range of flavours is, to put it bluntly, crap. Most urinary food comes in a choice of chicken or salmon regardless of brand. How would you like to eat the same two meals every day, Mr Purina? If companies are going to charge a fortune for their products, at least make them appealing. Most brands have both wet and dry food available, as well as different textures such as pâté which offers some variety. Thankfully, Drax will scoff almost any kibble going once he's adapted to the new tastes and smells. It's also worth highlighting again the importance of texture: that is, food that's too sloppy, too dry, too crunchy, too soft, large chunks or small chunks. Drax only started eating his urinary food when it was mashed into the size of minced meat, and both of my boys go for smaller kibble pieces. Cats have preferences, too! 7. Use Clean, Suitable Bowls As obvious as it sounds, use a clean bowl for every mealtime so there are no lingering pongs - this will turn cats off even more. If someone served you a mouldy banana then you're not going to look at bananas in the same way for a good few days. In fact, why not blow your kitty's mind by offering a different shape or style of bowl? Wide, shallow dishes are best to avoid whisker fatigue; and raising it off the ground helps to reduce neck strain. A comfy kitty will be more inclined to eat, and a new bowl may provide a distraction from putting the same food down. Some cats prefer to have their food and water bowls kept apart, so you can try separating them. Set of 3 cat food bowls made from quality, non-toxic melamine. Bowls have a shallow design and tilted angle to prevent whisker fatigue, with anti-skid silicone pads underneath. 8. Make Sure Cats Are Hungry Cats are more likely to eat when they're hungry, such as after a play session or set mealtimes. More often than not, they'll pester for food out of boredom or just because they can. No grazing and no naughty snacks! To keep this momentum going, offer smaller portions to keep kitty coming back for more. This will mean more regular feeding, but it's a temporary measure and may work better for fussy eaters. Visit 9. Avoid Creating Food Aversion Food aversion can be caused by forcing cats to eat or starving them into submission, both of which create negative associations with food. Never try to physically restrain or syringe-feed a cat because, chances are, you'll be the one that suffers. With the exception of medical intervention, and unless your kitty is facing a life-or-death situation, there's no reason why you should be force-feeding an animal. Take away uneaten food rather than leaving it to go stale - that's gross for everyone. Cats will be fine without food for 12 hours, but remember that just because they've built up an appetite doesn't mean they'll eat whatever's put in front of them. Leaving them for days at a time poses a serious health risk, so if they're refusing to budge then it's best to reset and start over. 10. Feed Separately from Other Cats As touched on previously, if you have a shy cat or one that's bullied by greedy companions, give it a private room to eat at its own pace. Fortunately, Simba wouldn't touch wet food with a thirty-foot barge pole so there was never any competition in our house. He's extremely particular about his kibble too, although he did develop a liking for Drax's urinary food! Can New Food Cause Vomiting and Diarrhoea? Vomiting and/or diarrhoea after eating can happen for a number of reasons, particularly where new diets are concerned. Sometimes food doesn't agree with a cat's sensitive stomach, but the more common cause is that it's been introduced too quickly. A gradual transition allows the digestive system to adjust to unfamiliar nutrients over a number of days or weeks. Vomiting can also be a result of cats eating too fast, if they're in competition with other housemates or particularly fond of their new food - which is great for you, but not so much for kitty! Poor ingredients can be a factor with some cheaper brands, so be sure to choose a quality and nutritionally-balanced diet. This is the equivalent to humans eating a freshly-cooked meal in comparison to processed junk. Food intolerance and allergies can also upset a cat's stomach, in which case it's best to try a different brand. Most issues can be solved with a temporary return to old food until vomiting stops and poop returns to normal. Blood work and other tests can help to diagnose any allergies, intolerances, bacteria or other things that may be causing sickness in cats. If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 48 hours, consult a vet for advice. Related post: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress How Long Does It Take Cats to Adjust to New Food? While the minimum amount of time it should take cats to transition to new food is one week, the maximum time is more difficult to predict and will depend on your cat's resistance levels and gut sensitivity. Allow at least 14 days if your cat is being fussy, as it may be feeling unwell without the obvious signs of vomiting or diarrhoea. We've all eaten something that didn't agree with us and, in some cases, never looked at that food in the same way again. Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 It also depends on how big a change the diet is: for example, swapping dry food for wet food is more likely to create aversion IF your cat is particularly fussy. Try to keep textures and flavours the same or similar to old food in the first instance, and if this has no effect then switch things up by offering something different. Be prepared to give kitties at least 3-4 weeks to adjust, although this is by no means a set timeframe. Introducing new food is more likely to go smoothly if taken slowly - in our case, four weeks was closer to four months. Even now, Drax would rather eat a regular meal to his urinary diet; and I'm still working on getting Simba off the kibble! Can Normal Cats Eat Another Cat's Prescription Food? In short, yes, it is safe for normal cats to eat prescription or specialist foods; but it shouldn't make up their complete daily diet. The ingredients in these foods are adapted to suit the condition: for example, urinary food has lower magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contents, which are associated with the formation of urinary stones. Cats are unlikely to become deficient because they have abnormally high levels of these nutrients in the first place, whereas a normal cat may develop deficiencies over time. A few mouthfuls won't hurt but if it's persistently stealing another cat's food and eating none of its own, then separate mealtimes are a good idea. An alternative solution might be investing in a microchip feeder, which is a bit like an upgraded food dispenser that releases food to an authorised pet by recognising his or her microchip. Owners in the UK must get their cats microchipped by law, but it's also possible to attach them to collars. A basic option, the Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder works for both wet and dry food. The lid only opens for authorised pets based on their microchip or RFID collar tag (supplied). Just be conscious of any changes to your cat's health and if you suspect new food is the cause, consult your vet. Enough of the theory work, it's time to get practical by trying these easy strategies for introducing cats to new food. Smell and familiarity are everything to our feline friends, so don't be surprised or concerned if there's a lengthy adjustment period. With persistence and encouragement, cats will eventually get used to new food. It largely depends on their stubbornness levels - as with anything cat related, work on their time instead of your own! Mentioned Products Churu by INABA Cat Treat Cat Sprinkles Cat Food Topper Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Did these tasty tips work for your cat? Do you have any tips or advice of your own? Share in the comments!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. All photos are my own and previously unpublished. I am not affiliated with Pet Remedy or being paid to promote their products. Pet Remedy Products: Calming Plug Diffuser Calming Spray Calming Wipes Calming Kits Pet Remedy was founded in 2000 as a new way of tackling stress and anxiety in pets. Products are made and developed in England, UK, and exported to 21 countries worldwide. Pet Remedy is available to buy in Pets at Home and other pet store chains; and online from Amazon, eBay or direct from the brand's website . It's stocked by thousands of veterinary practices and rescue organisations, which is a testament to the quality and effectiveness of their range. Pet Remedy is available as a plug diffuser, calming spray, wipes and battery atomiser. Go to review ⇨ Calming Plug Diffuser ✓   Best for long-term use. Go to review ⇨ Battery-Operated Atomiser ✓   Best for small areas. Go to review ⇨ Calming Spray ✓ Best for stressful events. Go to review ⇨ Calming Wipes ✓ Best for travelling. What Is Pet Remedy? Pet Remedy is clinically proven to work with pets' natural calming systems by mimicking GABA, a natural calming agent present in all mammals, birds and reptiles. When a pet becomes anxious or stressed, the active ingredients in Pet Remedy help to trick fired-up nerve cells into thinking they're getting a message from the brain to calm down. The effects are immediate and, unlike feline pheromone products , they can be used on other pets and animals. Benefits include: Helping animals to feel safe in unpredictable situations and environments. Making animals more aware of their surroundings and receptive to owners so you can focus on calming their behaviour, which makes it ideal for training. Aiding decision making and emotional resilience to cope with stressful events. Improving social connections with other animals. Remember, Pet Remedy is only a support mechanism that helps to calm excited nerves. It won't eliminate underlying or external issues, and there's still a matter of learnt and reactive behaviours to deal with. Visit Ingredients Products contain a low concentration of valerian, vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils, which are safe for cats. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that's renowned for its calming and relaxing effects. People have been using valerian root for centuries to reduce feelings of nervousness, tension and to improve sleep. This means that a lot of formulas are too potent for cats and can sedate rather than calm. Pet Remedy sources their oil from Europe, where their valerian plants are grown organically using pig manure as fertiliser. Diffusers deliver a slow, constant release which is gentle on a cat's metabolism, while sprays and wipes are pH neutral and water based. Pet Remedy and other cat-calming products should not be used in place of veterinary treatment. You should always take your pet for a health check-up to rule out illness or disease. 1. Pet Remedy Calming Plug Diffuser Diffusers should be plugged in where cats spend most of their time so the calming solution can slowly release into the surrounding area. Key points: Easy to use. Covers up to 60 m ² (large room). Only 5 watts - cheap to run. Lasts up to 60 days. Refill bottles available. Review Having used this diffuser for a couple of months when tackling aggression between sibling cats - along with several other brands - it's worth noting that Pet Remedy shouldn't be confused with or compared to a pheromone-based diffuser. While both can be used in similar situations as a safe and effective way to reduce stress, they function in different ways and you should choose the product that's most suitable for your cats. Chances are, you won't know what works until you try - and that means giving products enough time to see the full effects. In my experience, Pet Remedy is most likely to benefit nervous or excitable cats; and during periods of increased stress (fireworks, travelling, etc). It's reported to be great for reducing fear and associated behaviours, including hiding and excessive crying. If your kitty is exhibiting problem behaviours on a regular basis, such as urine spraying or using your sofa as a scratch post, it may respond better to pheromones. These mimic the chemicals that cats naturally release to make themselves feel safe and secure within their environment, so there should be less need for territory marking or fighting. This is ONLY a guideline as each cat will respond differently - or in some cases, not at all. Related post:  Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) That being said, Pet Remedy diffuser did seem to promote relaxation when placed in the cats' sleeping areas. It didn't stop the fighting and I can't say that I noticed a difference in aggression levels, generally speaking. I'd usually confine the boys to separate rooms after a physical fight, each with a diffuser to help them calm down. Overall, I can live without Pet Remedy, but having a pheromone diffuser has played a crucial role in reducing tension and conflict. Other people claim that Pet Remedy helps in multi-cat homes (where aggression isn't present) simply by creating a more harmonious environment. Customer feedback is positive in regards to value for money with diffusers lasting up to two months, while opinions are mixed on effectiveness. The most negative point seems to be the smell, but this should be expected with essential oils. While there definitely is an earthy, herbal kind of aroma, it's only around the diffuser itself and by no means unpleasant. I guess it depends on your nose, but I happened to find it rather soothing - even if cats don't! For locations where a plug socket isn't available, you might find the Pet Remedy Atomiser more suitable. Operated by 3x AA batteries, it delivers a metered dose every 30, 60 or 120 minutes. It's suitable for a small 10 m ² room, which is much less than the diffuser and at a significantly higher cost. A 250ml bottle lasts up to 8 weeks and refills are available. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 Based on 7,000+ Amazon reviews. 2. Pet Remedy Calming Spray The calming spray is great for travel and in the home. Just a couple of squirts is all you need for bedding, cat trees, problem areas (where cats scratch or urinate) and carriers prior to a vet visit . You should avoid spraying directly onto pets so they don't associate the spray with stressful situations. It can be used to aid bonding between cats by spraying a little onto your fingers and gently rubbing around muzzles, under the chin and top of the chest. This helps with scent swapping as well as calming. You can also spray onto harnesses or leads when walking an anxious cat or dog. Key points: Starts to help instantly. Easy to use trigger spray with generous 200ml. Lasts for 2-6 hours depending on the individual pet. Water-based, pH-neutral formula is safe on pets' skin and coat. Can be used in conjunction with plug diffuser. Review I'll be honest and say I'm never without a Pet Remedy spray, even if I don't use it too often. The convenience over a diffuser wins it for me and, as mentioned, most of my plug sockets are taken up by pheromone diffusers. My boys are incredibly skittish and have been known to get hissy with each other, so I'll spritz some Pet Remedy around for an extra level of calm. The most use it's had is during fireworks, and there's a noticeable difference to how quickly they get over the trauma. Simba actually sleeps through the quieter ones! The 200ml bottle is larger than other calming sprays on the market and you don't need much to see the effects. Which will be a relief for some because, yes, it does come with the classic Pet Remedy aroma. It's more pungent than the diffuser when first sprayed, but if it does what it's supposed to then the smell is a small price to pay for happy cats. Customers claim the product works well in conjunction with the Pet Remedy diffuser and is very effective for travelling, settling pets and generally making stressful situations more bearable. For more recommendations, check out these 6 Best Cat Calming Sprays ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 Based on 5,000+ Amazon reviews. 3. Pet Remedy Calming Wipes Wipes are an alternative to Pet Remedy Calming Spray and can be used in the same manner by wiping over bedding, carriers, harnesses; or tying to a basket when travelling. They're also good for use in veterinary clinics and grooming parlours to wipe down surfaces. The main advantage over a spray is that you can rub wipes over your hands before handling a nervous animal, and there's less risk of spooking it than with a spray trigger. Key points: Single use. Eco friendly. Made of viscose and 100% compostable and biodegradable. Review Admittedly, I didn't go out of my way to purchase these calming wipes but got a couple of freebies with the plug diffuser. The individual sachets are handy for carrying around and keep wipes moist for longer than a large pack. As far as wipes go, they're a decent thickness and seemed to do everything the spray does - apart from sending my two wimplings running from the room, which is a bonus. Customers appreciate the portable option and say the wipes are ideal for keeping in cars for travelling and walking pets. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 Based on 1,000+ Amazon reviews . 4. Pet Remedy Calming Kits Other Pet Remedy offerings include a range of grooming products; massage brush; heat pad; bandanas and calming kits for different situations. Kits are great value for money and come highly recommended. Party Season Survival Kit Keep your pet calm and relaxed during party seasons including Bonfire Night, New Year and other noisy celebrations. Includes: 1 x Plug Diffuser 1 x 15ml Calming Spray 3 x Calming Wipes Extra Value 120 Day Starter Pack This kit contains everything you need to get started and is best value for money. Perfect for settling pets into new homes or environments; stressful situations and anxiety-related behaviours. Includes: 1 x Plug Diffuser with 2 refills. 1 x 75ml Calming Spray 12 x Calming Wipes Calming Kit Another great pack ideal for travelling with pets or testing out products. Includes: 1 x Plug Diffuser 1 x 200ml Calming Spray 1 x Mini Calming Spray 12 x Calming Wipes When it comes down to it, choosing the best Pet Remedy product will depend on a combination of factors including behaviour, situation and circumstances. If you're still unsure then purchasing a kit will give you some options as well as saving a few quid! Information accurate from December 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating. Have you tried Pet Remedy? Which product worked best for your cats? Comment to share your opinions and experiences.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: Separation Site Swapping Distraction Reintroduction How Long It Took to Reintroduce Cats Progress Update Summary Reintroducing cats after a fight can be challenging and scary, for humans as well as cats, but following the 6 steps as outlined in my previous post gives the best chance of a positive outcome. Read it here: How to Reintroduce Cats After a Fight in 6 Steps I prefer the term "positive" to "successful" because it's easy to associate success with failure, and not everything is so black and white. It's only natural to want cats to return to their former selves, to rebuild friendships and bonds with other sibling cats. The harsh reality is that your kitties may never get along, but tolerance and avoidance are both positive outcomes, especially when we consider the solitary nature of cats. If they can share a space and settle any disputes without it turning physical then there's every chance that, in time, they'll reach a new version of normality. Once they realise the other cat isn't a threat to themselves or their resources, managing aggression becomes much simpler. Following a case of redirected aggression between my boys , I'm no stranger to the separation and reintroduction process. Applying this strategy to your own situation is one thing, but sometimes it helps to hear about other people's experiences - whether for good or bad - as there may be things you can resonate with and learn from. This article is about delving into the details and sharing a more personal account of what can be a long and complex process. I've been there, I've seen it and, more importantly, I've done it! Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting Separation The purpose of separating cats is to give them a chance to cool off and allow any adrenaline to leave the system. This is less likely to happen if they're bumping into each other every five minutes, which presents an opportunity for the dreaded stare-down. Aggression doesn't always have to be physical - in fact, fighting is often a last resort - so it's crucial that we break this cycle. Related post: Cat Body Language: Signs of Aggressive Behaviour in Felines Where fighting is persistent or cats are at risk of injuring each other, it's recommended to keep them separated for a minimum of 24-48 hours (this was enough for my boys). In cases of severe aggression, I've heard of people keeping cats apart for 2 weeks or more. We humans are so caught up with timeframes in our daily lives that we forget cats work on a schedule all of their own! Pet Remedy Calming Spray provides a natural way of tackling stress and anxiety in cats, dogs and other small animals. It contains a blend of valerian and essential oils and can be sprayed on bedding, blankets and carriers prior to a vet visit. The hardest thing for me as a parent was shutting the boys in separate rooms. What if they forgot each other? What if it made things worse? What if they hated me? Blocking off areas of the house was as inconvenient for me as it was for two cats that are accustomed to having free access to every room on every floor. No one likes disruption to routine, including our furry friends. I was fortunate to have an upstairs and a downstairs so they each had space to roam, but that didn’t stop “Needy” Simba from crying at every door or barrier he came across. It was worse overnight because they'd slept in my room ever since they were kittens. Shutting Drax in the dining room was heartbreaking but, as the more laid-back and independent of the two, it was making the best out of a bad situation. That first night without him was a sleepless one, not just for me. Simba wouldn’t settle and kept going to search for his brother, even when they couldn’t stand to be around each other. Neither understood what was happening, just that everything had changed. I hated it, but I also hated lying awake in fear of when the next fight would break out . There should be no visual contact during separation - a mistake I made more than once. With a dining room door made up of glass panels, it gave perfect opportunity to engage in the "stare-down" I mentioned earlier. I was alerted by the familiar sounds of hissing and yowling so covered the lower panels with paper, but this didn’t stop Drax from jumping onto a stool so he could see over the top of it. I added more paper thinking I’d outsmarted them, but they soon figured out that they could still see each other if one went halfway up the stairs and peered through the banister.   Why?!  Why did they always insist on looking for each other? I felt like tearing my hair out, but this is a perfect example of two cats that aren’t ready to share the same space. Site Swapping Site swapping involves rotating cats around different rooms or areas of the home so they can spread their scents and pick up the scents of other cats. This might seem strange if they've been living together for months or years prior to this, but it's all about creating a neutral environment where they can reacquaint with each other in a positive way. In the previous post, we discussed things like swapping blankets, bedding and toys if site rotations are difficult. I used both methods to ensure there was always something close by to where the cats slept. One thing I liked to do was rub a blanket or towel over one cat to load it with scent, then rub the same blanket/towel over the other cat so they smelled of each other. Baby gates are useful during separation as you can cover them with a blanket to block off sight, but cats can still hear each other moving around on the other side. This can also be achieved with a door, but it makes reintroduction easier to have a barrier in place that can allow for some visual contact later on. Venture Q-Fix Baby Gate stands at 110cm with two-way opening. Gate is pressure-fitted with an adjustable width of 75-84cm, available in black or white. For the living room, I used this extra tall baby gate  from Amazon that's recommended for larger pets as well as children. My boys have never tried to jump over it, but it's easy enough to attach a piece of card by making some holes and using string or cable ties to fasten it to the bars of the door. If your cats are anything like mine and decide to pull up the blanket to create spyholes, a bit of tape should do the trick. In one instance I found them swatting each other through the bars, which was an amusing if not another epic fail on my part. I say amusing because they were actually playing - another benefit of this method - and it showed there was still a bond, however faint. Distraction Reintroducing cats is based around two important distractions: food and play. Meals are the best time to begin reintroductions, starting with feeding cats simultaneously either side of your chosen barrier. Whatever you use, the most important thing is maintaining the no-visuals rule. To recap, you should start by leaving a distance of six to eight feet each way and gradually move bowls closer to the barrier over the following meals. Again, let's not slap a timeframe on this stage because they'll be ready whenever they're ready. The problem arises when you have cats, like mine, that aren't big eaters and would rather sleep than chase a feather wand. For a long time, Simba was too scared to approach his brother - just hearing Drax on the other side of a door was bad enough. This, along with the fact that simply moving his food bowl to an unfamiliar area would upset Mr Needy, was a battle I couldn't win. By the time I managed to tempt him anywhere, Drax had already scoffed his meal so it defeated the purpose. Simba was so averse to this new routine that he resorted to licking crumbs off the floor near his regular food station, which honestly made me cry. He's a sensitive soul and this wasn't working for either of us; hopefully, you can be more persistent or switch to treats like I did (see original post ). All being well, once cats are comfortable eating next to each other, you can start raising the blanket to allow some visual contact. Keep it gradual, inch by inch, and be prepared for some initial hissing. If aggression persists then go back a step and try again next time. These are the advantages of using a gate over a door, but the goal can be achieved either way. Just be sure to supervise cats so they can't squeeze through any gaps and, if in doubt, close the door and start over. Play is another great distraction as it burns off energy while helping cats to share a space without the focus being on each other (hopefully!). The more positive associations you create, the more cats will learn that good stuff happens when they're together. Be sure to reward good behaviour with extra treats and, similarly, ignore the not-so-good behaviour. No yelling, no discipline and no punishments - the cold shoulder is a much more effective tactic. We don't want to frighten cats, especially not in the presence of other cats. By contributing to an already negative experience, they're more likely to remember it and associate you with that fear. Once you've lost kitty's trust, it'll be much harder to mediate. Likewise, rushing to soothe your cat can be just as detrimental because they'll learn that such behaviour awards them extra attention; therefore, no attention works both ways! YVE LIFE Motion Activated Cat Laser Toy has 3 speeds and a range of movement patterns - no more boring circles! Laser has a working distance of around 4 metres and is USB rechargeable. If you're familiar with this site - and my less than energetic cats - you'll know that stimulating play has been a battle all of its own. The most interaction they showed was with a laser pointer, which worked out well because you can direct them both to the barrier so they're effectively chasing the same thing. This helped to build up Simba's confidence around his brother without having to worry about potential attacks. Even if they engaged in the occasional hissing and growling war, the barrier prevented Drax from chasing so it couldn't escalate into something worse. Related post: 12 Types of Cat Toys and Games for All Cats to Play It got to a point where Simba would run back and forth chirping at his brother and trying to pat him through the banister, which was an excellent sign that he wanted to play. Of course, we had to cover the gaps with netting due to Drax’s ability to squeeze through anything larger than a letterbox - these are cheap and easy enough to buy online. Reintroduction Once cats are comfortable eating and playing in each other's presence, you face the biggest challenge of all: removing the barrier. Cats will most definitely want to inspect each other, which is probably the first hurdle. Simba was stuck in defence mode for a long time, and rebuilding trust didn't happen overnight. The boys started with a few "nose kisses" which later became head licks, followed by playful but cautious swatting and, finally, full-on wrestling matches and sleeping side by side. That's not to say they always played nice; aggression and fighting seemed to be part of the process, but it was nothing like before. Visit Most altercations were started by Simba being a drama queen, for which I'm not surprised after months of built-up trauma. One sideways look or sudden movement from Drax was enough to throw him into a hissy fit. Sometimes Drax retaliated, other times he did well to keep his composure until I was able to intervene. The biggest issue was with the layout of the house: a hallway, landing and two flights of stairs provided too many chasing zones and stand-off opportunities in those narrow spaces. It was a case of restricting areas as much as possible while allowing them the freedom to play and bond. My best advice is to keep the barrier to hand, just in case! This is the part of my experience that I wanted to share the most because it was undoubtedly the toughest. My boys are such wimps that getting those aggression levels down didn’t take too much effort, even less so with Simba who had more of a confidence issue than anything. Drax had always been a big softy, so to see this darker side of him was shocking to say the least. After a couple of weeks of supervised meetings, I let Drax back into my bedroom overnight and it went better than expected. They played and napped like old times, things were looking up. Unfortunately, I had to revert to separation after a nasty fight broke out that left both boys with scratched faces. Again, I went through the necessary steps and, again, they made friends for all of a few days. I suspect that Simba had finally reached a breaking point, and it seemed to have been triggered by their last altercation. He was one pissed off kitty and could no longer tolerate the sight of his brother. I realised that his anxiety was more deep-rooted than he'd been showing on the surface and Drax's attempts to play were being mistaken for attacks. It wasn't fair on either of them, so with a heavy heart I made the decision to take a step back and give them more time. Over the following month, the boys could only be together under strict supervision which wasn't fun or convenient for anyone. Work, sleep and life in general allows little time for cats. They were in separation for a good portion of the day and night, and I worried about the detrimental effect it might have on their already strained relationship. Was I doing the right thing? Had I somehow caused this? They treated each other like strangers and it was fast becoming the worst experience of my life. I just wanted my boys back! Shop Premium Cat Food → Get 20% off your first order over £20 Code: CATMUMJOURNAL20 A lot of it boils down to trial and error, and there are several areas where we might go wrong - such as pushing cats too fast or giving them too much freedom. If you find that things go downhill after removing the barrier, keep it in place even if cats appear to be getting along. It might be a good idea to introduce cats on different levels, particularly if they're nervous or scared. As a starting point, I waited until Simba was at the top of his cat tree before letting Drax into the room, and Simba would come down in his own time - this is where distraction comes in handy. Simba had to learn that it was safe to pass by his brother, and Drax had to understand that his brother wasn't a moving target. If Simba ran then Drax would chase, which was 90% of the problem and difficult to prevent. I gradually moved the cats to other areas, the main one being my bedroom as it's where they spent a lot of time and I didn't want to have to keep shutting Drax downstairs. Simba would watch cautiously from the safety of the bed while I kept Drax entertained. It was a very long and repetitive process of doing the same routine every day; however, sleeping arrangements are finally back to normal! All that being said, we need to allow some freedom to see where cats are at, how much progress they've made and what needs to be worked on. I was overprotective at times, splitting the boys up as soon as one of them hissed which prevented them from establishing a hierarchy. That is, giving Simba the chance to stand up to his brother and say: “NO! This behaviour isn’t okay and I won’t tolerate it." Aggression has a lot to do with personality type and, luckily for me, neither of my boys are truly dominant. Simba was trapped in a victim mentality, which I'm sure was annoying for Drax being hissed at whenever he wanted to walk past. Deep down they were, and always had been, a couple of scaredy-cats - it just presented itself in very different ways. How Long It Took to Reintroduce Cats Four months after the initial separation, my boys can be in the same room together and engage in friendly interactions without being supervised. They've learned to be cautious around each other, which is good in the sense that they're trying to reach an agreement; but when nerves are on edge, it allows for occasional misunderstandings. Unexpectedly bumping into each other in those dreaded doorways is the biggest issue, but aggression is usually vocal and tends not to escalate (with intervention). It's mostly defensive behaviour from Simba and Drax is doing his best not to retaliate, which is surprising given that a few months ago he'd have attacked without any provocation at all. With a combination of environmental changes and natural remedies, such as pheromone diffusers and calming supplements, progress is slow and steady. In some cases, separation and reintroduction is only the beginning of the journey - and that's okay. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) PawHut Multi-Level Cat Tree with steps for pets to safely climb up and down. Great for kittens learning to climb, seniors that find jumping difficult and keeping cats active. Includes sisal-wrapped scratching posts and a plush-covered perch. It's crucial that you deal with or eliminate whatever is triggering a cat's aggression before you start to work on its relationship with other cats. One thing I've learned is that the process will be ineffective if there remains any underlying issues, as was the case with my boys. You wouldn't start a new medication or treatment without getting a diagnosis first, and the same applies here. It was over a month before we figured out that a stray cat had been urine spraying outside, which may not seem very long in human terms; however, a lot of aggression can build up during that time. Regardless of other steps taken, if the stressor remains then cats still have a reason to fight. Shop Pet Furniture → Secondly, you must provide a calm and neutral setting for reintroduction to occur; and lastly, we have little to no control over how long it takes victim cats to work through their trauma. Adding more territory, safe places and escape routes has played a vital role in helping my boys to stay out of each other's ways. Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats If aggression is at risk of escalating - that is, cats are unable to resolve things without intervention - then they probably aren't ready to be left unsupervised. It's essential that nervous or timid cats have a safe place to withdraw to, even if that means short periods of separation or keeping barriers in place to reduce those unexpected encounters. I usually separate the boys if I'm out of the house or otherwise engaged, just in case something happens and I'm unable to step in. For the most part, I use nanny cams for monitoring which has been a game changer! Not having to follow cats around and check up on them every five seconds is less stressful for everyone, plus it helps to locate any problem areas and make further changes if necessary. There was a time when I couldn't have left them unattended in a single room, but I've been able to gradually open up more of the house while limiting meetings to an hour or less. Most importantly, neither of them are actively seeking confrontation and physical fights are (hopefully) a thing of the past. It's merely a case of rebuilding trust between two naturally skittish cats, which was never going to be easy. The more positive associations we build, the more chance there is of returning to a normal life. Either way, semi-normal is a huge success! YuMOVE Calming Care contains natural ingredients to help reduce stress, anxiety and support calm behaviour. Easy opening capsules so powder can be sprinkled over food. Progress Update It's been six months since the boys had their big fall out, and I'm over the moon to report that they're 90% back on track. Their relationship has blossomed over the last few weeks, which at times I feared would never be the case. The only problems we've had is when they've been spooked by an external factor or those surprise encounters (bumping into each other in doorways). The good news is that it's a rarity, and while I'm still very cautious of letting them have free roam of the house, the main thing is being vigilant and taking those preventative measures. This means ensuring there are plenty of resources and territory so they can avoid each other if necessary, and keeping problem areas blocked off. Related post: Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested) Regular scooping of the litter trays and weekly floor cleans have been essential, as they seem to have a sensitivity to pongs and start obsessively sniffing the floor around the trays. Sharing a toilet never upset them in the past, but it could be that they've become a tad territorial. This is something to consider and rule out whether your cats are showing signs or not. To combat the issue, I invested in several of these Stainless Steel Litter Trays which are so much easier to clean and don't absorb the smell of urine. I use a Comfort Zone diffuser on each floor and am keeping up with Simba's YuMOVE Calming Care . With a combination of all these things and adapting to their requirements, balance is slowly being restored. Related Post: Top 10 Products I Used to Help Reintroduce Fighting Cats I don't doubt that they'll still have their spats, but it's a joy to see them spending more time together and rekindling a bond that was almost lost. If my two drama queens can get past their difficulties then there's every hope that yours will, too! *UPDATE * Almost a year on, the boys are continuing to improve and have come further than I'd hoped for. They're not only happy to share a space; they actually want to spend time together. Whether it's playing chase up and down the stairs; a game of WrestleMania; pouncing on each other or taking a snooze, their old selves are at last beginning to shine through. They still have their moments but no worse than your average kitty cat, and it's never initiated by Drax. Simba is such a sensitive boy that I suspect he has lingering trauma from the old attacks. Whether Drax decides to react depends on his mood, but he's always eager to make friends afterwards. I'm in the process of opening up the last few areas of the house that have been blocked off, starting with site rotations so each cat can familiarise themselves with the rooms separately. This is followed by supervised meetings and then monitoring on the nanny cams - well, some would call it spying but whatever works! Visit A few of the doorways are still a working progress, particularly those tucked around corners. I've been using a spritz of Feliway Classic Spray in these areas and it seems to be working wonders. One by one, we're getting there! Best of all, Simba is officially off the calming supplements. The boys have free roam of the house during the day, something I didn't think possible 12 months ago when the aggression was at its worst. I'm hesitant to leave them alone in an empty house, but it's more for peace of mind than anything. If that's the only time I have to separate them, it's something I can live with. They've already come this far and I remain hopeful that, in another 6-12 months, there's every chance of returning to a normal life.  I'll continue to update as further progress is made, but my number one piece of advice is to give your kitties all the time they need! Summary Think about the layout of the home and utilise space. Whether that's with cat trees and stands; or to save space, things like window hammocks and wall-mounted shelving. Existing furniture can also be adapted: for example, placing a basket or blanket on top of a chest of drawers with a small side table to jump up. Try different pheromone diffusers, calming sprays and supplements to see which is most effective. Block off problem zones or minimise roaming space to reduce unnecessary conflict. Allow cats some alone time, even if that means waiting until one's having a nap and shutting it in a room so the other has the freedom to play and explore. Separate if there's any aggression with a short timeout. Reward positive behaviour and ignore the negative. Be patient and stick to a routine. The boys sharing a cat tree after 12 long months! Mentioned Products Stainless Steel Enclosed Cat Litter Tray Comfort Zone Pheromone Diffuser Kit YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats Feliway Classic Spray Do you have a personal experience to share? Let us know in the comments how reintroduction went for you (and your kitties!). If you need any further advice, assistance or recommendations then don't hesitate to get in touch.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Feline aggression rarely starts with a physical altercation, but it can most certainly end in one if a cat is pushed to its limits. Spotting the signs early will help to determine how, why and where aggression is occurring; in other words, it's essential to find a trigger. On e of the most common issues parents face is fighting in multi-cat households, but aggression can also be limited to one particular kitty. It's not unheard of for cats to attack their human guardians either, which can happen suddenly and without obvious warning. Aggression can be categorised into several different types, which will further explain the cause and, most importantly, how to manage it. Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting 8 Types of Feline Aggression: Territorial Non-recognition Redirected Play Hormonal Fear Petting Maternal ​What Causes Aggressive Behaviour in Cats? In the first instance, a vet visit is essential to rule out medical issues and seek treatment if necessary. If health is good then there's likely to be an external stressor. Cats are solitary predators by nature and don't typically form social groups, therefore competition for resources is part of their survival instinct. Offering multiple food/water stations, beds and litter trays is something you should be doing regardless of whether aggression is present or not. The more we can limit stress, the less chance there is of behavioural problems developing. Just as with humans, stress is the body's response to anything that needs attention. Shop Pet Furniture → Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources In cats, this could be triggered by factors such as illness, fear and changes to their environment. Aggression is often a physical manifestation of stress , so it may be worth investing in a behaviourist who can observe your cats and make an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to understand the different types of aggression and their associated behaviours, some of which I’ve witnessed in my own cats and, hopefully, you can resonate with. Types of Feline Aggression 1. Territorial Aggression ​ We already know that cats are territorial creatures, both inside and outside of the home. Whether it’s spraying over the carpet or finding those pesky poos in your flower beds, our four-legged friends LOVE to mark their territory. A more convenient, less stinky way of doing this is by using the scent glands dotted around their bodies. You’ve most certainly seen them claiming objects around the house by rubbing their cheeks on furniture, clothes, bedding, litter trays - even you! This scent contains pheromones   and is a valuable communication tool used to identify one another; create familiarity and mark a space, person or thing as safe. Feliway Optimum plug-in diffuser contains a new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity. It helps to solve common signs of stress including spraying, scratching, fear and conflict. Recommended by vets and behaviourists. Basically, cats love to own stuff! This is a common cause for squabbling, no matter how big or small your household and whether you have two cats or twenty cats. They also have scent glands between the pads of their paws, so you’ll be thrilled to know that scratching serves more of a purpose than pulling up your carpets. Scratchers come in many forms, from traditional posts to corrugated cardboard beds and baskets. Another great option, these SOL Cat Scratching Mats   are crafted from sisal to deter cats from clawing carpets. They can be placed over problem areas and easily stored away. As independent creatures, it’s often said that cats are merely tolerant of each other, but I don’t believe it’s as simple as that. I’ve parented enough cats to know that they’re capable of forming bonds while appearing indifferent to each other on the surface. We see it when one cat dies or is in some kind of distress, others will sense and react to it in subtle or obvious ways. Whether it’s a bond of love or they’re simply used to having each other around, it would be ignorant to think that cats naturally prefer to live alone. They may be content in their own company, but they’ve evolved to accept companionship and are perfectly capable of forming attachments to both animals and humans. Visit Signs of territorial aggression may include: ​ Squabbling over or around important resources such as food, water, beds and litter trays. Blocking entry/exit points like doorways and halls by sitting or sprawling themselves across the space. Chasing other cats away from what they consider to be their areas. Stalking and ambushing. Spraying or fouling.​ ​ Note that the above behaviours can be displayed in any form of aggression, but there are some basic steps you can take to limit or prevent territorial behaviour. Learn more about how to manage feline aggression  at home. 2. Non-Recognition Aggression ​ This typically happens when cats from the same household are separated and reunited, such as one goes for a vet visit and the remaining cat becomes uncharacteristically aggressive or fearful. It all goes back to the importance of scent, as we see when cats greet each other with a good old butt sniff. A cat can look the same, sound the same, act the same as it always did; but if it smells alien then all hell breaks loose. It may seem strange to us humans that cats can temporarily "forget" each other, but I've witnessed it happen by sight alone. My sister has a cat that wears a cone collar due to a condition that makes her scratch her face, for which she's on lifelong medication. She's perfectly content to wear it, more so than not wearing it, so it's only removed to be washed or changed. Visit The other household cats are so used to seeing her with the collar on that as soon as it's taken off, you have a bunch of nervous, glaring cats that are too cautious to approach their sister. Whether they're spooked by the change of appearance or think it's an entirely different cat, who knows, but this is a great example of how easy it can be for non-recognition aggression to kick in. Being away from home in a strange environment with unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells can cause a lot of stress, which other cats may pick up on and react accordingly. Especially if the returning kitty seems to be cowering, jumpy or skittish as they'll notice behavioural changes, too. As with my sister's cat, it could be a case of removing the collar makes her anxious and tempted to start scratching. All of a sudden you have not one, but two or more anxious cats which can lead to the next type of aggression: redirected. 3. Redirected Aggression ​ As the most common type of inter-cat aggression, this deserves a post all of its own. Seeing a stray cat through a window; loud noises such as fireworks; moving house; new babies or any kind of stressful event whereby one or both cats take it out on each other - or even humans. This is especially something to watch out for if, like me, you have naturally skittish cats. You can read My Story for a more detailed account of redirected aggression between sibling cats. This type of aggression occurs when an overstimulated cat is unable to reach the source of the fright or whatever has triggered them. Naturally, they'll lash out at nearby animals or people - it's important to remember that this isn't a logical response, but survival instinct taking over. It's happened to me a couple of times when either fireworks or an alarm has gone off, which leads Drax to growl at me and run away. If I was another cat then it's easy to see how quickly the situation might escalate. Cats can be on alert for hours or even days after a triggering incident, and attempting to soothe them may lead to further attacks. Likewise, one wrong or sudden move from a fellow housemate can reactivate the problem all over again. Having experienced first-hand the devastating effects of redirected aggression, I've learned that prevention is better than intervention. It can take a lot of time and effort to identify and eliminate a problem, but there are no guarantees that damage can be reversed. Unfortunately, many cases of redirected aggression lead to cats being rehomed - but I'm here to help you avoid that. You can find more information and advice in this post: Redirected Aggression in Cats: Causes and Solutions ​ 4. Play Aggression Kittens that were removed from their mother and littermates too soon may be unsocialised, leading to inappropriate play such as biting or scratching. In short, they don’t know when enough is enough because they’ve never had another cat to teach them boundaries, either by ending the play session or retaliating. This can also apply to humans if, for example, a feral cat has never had human interaction - or owners have been teaching their cats bad habits. Using hands to play with kittens is a strict no-no. When training excitable or aggressive cats, long-handled toys like the Hianjoo Feather Wand help to keep you at a safe distance. Wands are retractable and reach up to 81cm, with 10 teasers to choose from including feathers, worms and tails. Cats with too much energy may also get a kick out of randomly pouncing on their housemates, which on first impression could look like an attack. Let me tell you that it can be rather thrilling for a cat to hide around a corner waiting for someone or something to walk past, as it utilises their natural hunting instincts. What one cat deems to be fun and exciting, the recipient may find annoying and take as a challenge or a threat. My own cats aren't particularly energetic, but quite often they can't resist the urge to swat each other on passing. This can be a completely harmless attempt to initiate play, so offer plenty of toys  and enrichment  such as scratch mats or posts, particularly in those ambush areas. Learn how to   spot the differences between fighting and play  to better understand your cat's needs and requirements. Daintry Cat Calming Spray combines feline pheromones with the natural soothing properties of cedarwood to reduce stress and anxiety. Use around the home or spray onto carriers prior to travelling. 5. Hormonal Aggression Cats reach maturity between 2-4 years of age and may develop territorial tendencies, particularly unneutered males and females in heat. Urine spraying can be predominant around this time, which can cause serious problems for homeowners and other cats alike. Sexual hormones are a common culprit for territorial aggression, and probably the most easily solved. It’s important to neuter or spay all parties and, if necessary, begin the separation and reintroduction process. 6. Fear Aggression Similar to redirected aggression, cats may attack due to new stimuli such as a person, animal, noise or trauma from past events. For example, your cat had an unpleasant vet visit or suffered abuse in its previous home and, as a result, has developed negative associations with certain places or people. Thus it becomes a case of reprogramming and reassuring the cat with positive associations, while giving them the space to approach humans in their own time. If your kitty isn’t fond of someone, a visitor or new partner for example, let that be the only person who feeds, treats, pets and plays with them while they’re in the household. Be encouraging rather than intrusive and before you know it, kitty will have a new best friend! 7. Petting Aggression How many times have you been happily petting a cat when, suddenly, it swats or bites your hand? I’ve found myself in this situation more than once - more fool me for approaching cute kitties in the street. This is particularly dangerous where children are concerned, but I’m an adult with no excuses. Reasons for this behaviour are largely unknown but can be linked to overstimulation or lack of socialisation. While your average cat would walk away once it’s had enough interaction, others just like to say: “ F*** off !” We also have to appreciate that cats may not like certain parts of their body being touched, in particular the back, rear and top of the head. This can be startling and you might be mistaken for a nasty predator. The stomach too is a vulnerable area, so belly rubs probably aren't the best idea. For everyone’s safety, let the cat come to you and show you where it wants to be petted. Offer a hand (lower rather than higher to kitty) let it absorb your scent and, once comfortable, it might demand a cheek rub or ear scratch. Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. They help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying and excessive vocalisation. Stay away from the chin and mouth areas unless you trust the cat and stick to shorter durations of petting. Step back at the first sign of aggression and don’t resume: this lets kitty know that such behaviour is ignored and not rewarded. Most parents know when their cat has reached its petting "threshold" but some things to look out for include: A swishing or thumping tail. Flattened ears. Twitching or shifting body positions. Giving your hand the side-eye. Failing to recognise these signs is a human error, so it's pointless blaming the cat. Related post: How to Read a Cat's Body Language, Behaviour and Communication 8. Maternal Aggression Queens that have recently given birth and are nursing their kittens, understandably, may not appreciate intrusions by other animals or people. This usually subsides as kittens get older but, in the meantime, offer a quiet environment and do not disturb - torture, I know! ​ Summary In very rare cases, cats may be diagnosed with what's known as idiopathic aggression, which refers to aggressive behaviour with no underlying cause. Without a cause, unfortunately, there can be no treatment. That's why it's even more important to rule out every other type of aggression beforehand. Cats that exhibit idiopathic aggression can lash out at any time, making them incredibly difficult and even dangerous to live with. Medication and behavioural training can be effective in managing the condition, but if other pets or humans are at risk then it's wise to consider rehoming to a more suitable environment. In a worst-case scenario, vets may suggest euthanasia - this should only be a last resort if and when all other options have been explored. Regardless of the cause or type of aggression, it’s important to remain calm and not get angry or frustrated at a cat that's crying out for help. Mentioned Products SOL 2PK Cat Scratch Mat Bojafa Feather Wand Set Have you witnessed aggression in your own cats? Let us know if this article helped to understand why it might be happening.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: Why Is Play Important for Cats? My Cat Won't Play, Is It Lazy? How to Play with Cats How Long Should I Play with Cats? Why You Shouldn't Use Hands to Play with Cats Summary Why Is Play Important for Cats? Quite simply, play is an extension of a cat's natural hunting instincts and contributes to their overall health and wellbeing. Cats are known for their curious nature, which means they love to explore and learn about their environment. It's therefore beneficial for mental and emotional health, physical exercise, mobility and even brain function. For indoor cats , play is doubly important for stimulation and to prevent boredom. They only become lazy because humans make them so - which says a lot about humans, too. We talk a lot about aggression  on this site, and playtime has a huge role in managing problem behaviours by releasing excess energy; reducing stress and offering a distraction from other target cats. It's also important for socialising kittens and teaching them valuable life skills. If you have a cat with fussy eating habits then a good play session helps to build up an appetite; after all, it needs to replenish energy for the next hunt. The best part of all, playtime can be a fun bonding session between cats and humans. My Cat Won't Play, Is It lazy? My cat won't play. My cat is lazy. My cat isn't interested in the £30 interactive toy I bought off Amazon. It's easy to blame the cat (or toy) but guess what? You made the decision to house an animal that's programmed to hunt, chase, stalk, climb and explore in the wild - and would continue to do so if humans hadn’t tried to domesticate them. Cats were originally used as a form of vermin control within human settlements, where they were attracted to the abundance of prey and waste that could be easily scavenged. It was only through thousands of years of evolution and the introduction of tinned food, litter and other resources that allowed us to keep them indoors. Experts believe that cats domesticated themselves but, either way, the basic instincts, behaviours and biology of a cat haven't changed. Why the history lesson? Unlike dogs who have evolved to become man's best friend, cats take a lot more effort. It's your responsibility to bring enrichment to a cat's life and stimulate those predatory instincts. No matter how pampered your fur baby is (I have a couple of princes, too!) there's no taking the hunter or huntress out of the cat. How to Play with Cats Let's start with how NOT to play with cats.... I can see you now, waving that feather wand from side to side with one eye on the TV - or more accurately, scrolling through social media. To you it's a piece of plastic, but to your cat it's their prey. Have you ever seen a bird flapping aimlessly from left to right and right to left? Boring! Maybe it's more of a mouse guy (or girl) which doesn't mean you can get away with tossing a mouse onto the floor and expecting a reaction. A stationary mouse is a dead mouse - more yawns. Visit These repetitive and predictable motions provide no challenge for a kitty's killer instincts. Cats observe their prey for some time before leaping into action, as in the wild they might only get one chance to catch a meal before the next serving comes along. The most they'll gain from the above example is a crick in the neck. Of course, if your kitty happens to be enthused by a flapping wand then by all means, keep on flapping. For the most part, it's less about the toy and more about what the toy represents. You should also bear in mind that cats are unable to see objects too close to their faces - anything within 25-30cm is likely to be blurred or completely out of their range of vision. Their eyes are designed to track movement at a distance, so it helps to incorporate this into your play technique. Related post: Cat Vision: How Do Cats See the World? Stimulate Hunting Instincts   Playtime should mimic hunting in a natural way. Think: jumping, pouncing, stalking, chasing, batting and swatting. If your cat likes birds then do some research: sit in your garden or local park and observe the wildlife. Watch how they flutter in the trees, soar through the air and swoop down to land. This is how you should be using a feather wand - no manic side to side actions! Once a cat gets worked up then all it cares about is killing that target, but you have to get it there first. Keep the wand just out of reach and play with different heights, bring it down to ground level and really tease your kitty as it stalks its prey. Wait for it to pounce and, at the last second, off flies birdie back into the trees. We want to keep cats coming back for more but not to the point of frustration where they lose interest - those leaps consume a lot of energy. You might have seen cats twisting and flipping in the air, which is a testament to how athletic they are. Let it get a taste of its prey with a few catches until it's all worn out. Catit Treat Puzzle Slow Feeder has six fun activities that stimulate cats to work for their food. Place treats or kibble in the different sections to encourage natural hunting instincts and foraging. Rodents, on the other hand, will creep and scuttle; disappear into holes; dig for food and nesting materials - all of which you can mimic with toys. A basic length of cord could be a snake slithering around your carpets. You can mix it up even more by attaching balls or mice to a piece of string to get that prey moving. For less energetic or senior cats, burying a mouse or other soft toy in a box of screwed up paper provides enrichment , as well as stimulating the senses. Treat puzzles and wildlife videos on YouTube will help to keep an ageing kitty's brain engaged. Speedy Panther 14 Pack of Cat Toys includes an interactive ball and track toy; a variety of balls and mice; and a feather wand. Purrfect for new kittens and stimulating less playful cats. Realism To elaborate on the above, can you imagine the disappointment on your kid's face if you bought them a remote-controlled car and forgot to add the batteries? If the most they can do is look at it then you might have saved a few quid and bought a poster. Where's the interaction? Where's the excitement, the fun, the get-go? That car needs to be as realistic as it can be. It needs all the gadgets, lights, sounds and motions that come from racing a car. Get involved. Act like the bird. BE the mouse. Yes, I am telling you to child-talk your cat. We already know they pick up on emotional cues and that goes for excitement, too. Unlike humans, they don't care how stupid you look or how high-pitched your voice gets. Prey is prey. Okay, you get my enthusiasm. Clearly I LOVE entertaining my cats, probably more so than they do. PawHut Cat Stand with a large polyester bed, jute scratching posts and two hanging pompoms. Stands at 42cm and made from sturdy particle board with a wide base to prevent toppling. Utilise Space Play doesn't have to be limited to a single room, either. If you have hallways and stairs then use them (also furniture if you don't mind it being scratched to pieces). An unmotivated cat might be enticed with stalking, a good low-energy form of play that can build up with excitement. Laser pointers are perfect for getting that momentum going. I should point out that my cats aren't particularly active, it's a case of encouraging them at the right time - that is, when they show rare spurts of energy. That being said, some of these tactics have seen them transform from lazy dumplings into torpedoes charging about the place - yes, there is such a thing as overexcitement! Concealment Cats love concealment such as poking things through gaps under doors or anything with a spyhole. Include plenty of objects to hide behind - a simple blanket draped over a couple of chairs makes an exciting kitty den. Get creative and use your environment. Another reason why cats might not play is timidness, particularly in multi-cat households. Drax would often disappear or watch from a hiding place while Simba went crazy with his toys. Some one-on-one playtime will help to build up confidence until it's ready to integrate with its housemates. Cats that are reluctant to enter the middle of a room may feel shy or vulnerable, so offer lots of hiding places such as boxes and tunnels to coax them out. 3-Way Foldable Cat Tunnel has three channels, a peephole and hanging ball toy for stalking and hiding. The tunnel folds down and pops up for easy storage. Choose the Right Toy The right toy for your cat is based on all of the points discussed, for which you're the best judge. What gets kitty's pulse racing? Is she a stalker? Does she love to run and chase? Do you see her gnawing on soft toys, whizzing up cat trees or hanging off teasers like a fish on a hook? Toys are merely accessories, and while they're a great substitute for prey, some cats will need more motivation than others depending on factors such as age and breed. Naturally, a senior cat will be less active than a kitten and might prefer rolling around in boxes or tunnels with toys that are soft on their teeth, rather than chasing the end of a teaser. Mental stimulation can be very valuable for an old or infirm cat. For a more in-depth look at different types of cat toys, recommendations and age suitability, check out these 12 types of cat toys and games . 3-in-1 Catnip Balls include catnip, silvervine, gall fruit and cat sugar. Natural plant fibres help to stimulate appetite, promote digestion and improve dental health. Sticks to a smooth wall or surface and available in multiple colours to match your decor. For an extra buzz, there are so many varieties of catnip or silvervine available to further stimulate the senses. From stuffed toys to edible treats, choosing the best type and brand for your cat may take some trial and error. Related post: 15 Best Catnip Toys, Blends and Sprays Rewards Once kitty is all tired out, this would be an ideal feeding time - especially if you have a fussy eater as cats are more likely to finish a bowl if they're hungry. At the very least, you should offer a tasty snack or treat. Associate play with reward and you'll earn yourself a friend for life. How Long Should I Play with Cats? As a general rule, it's recommended to play with cats in short 10-15 minute sessions, up to 3 times a day - which is far less than you might think. Cats have intermittent bursts of energy between naps and tend to lose interest if playtime lasts too long. This is the nature of our feline friends due to being on alert for predators and hunting opportunities in the wild. Leaving too many toys lying around can lead to boredom as there's nothing new and exciting. Try offering a different toy for each play session, even if it's a different type of toy such as a plastic ball vs a crinkle ball. Store in a box when not in use and, in time, kitty may start to choose its own toys. Catstages Krazy Kale Dental Catnip Chew Toy is made with mesh material that gently cleans soft plaque and tartar off your cat's teeth as they play and gnaw. Stuffed with dried catnip for an irresistible bite, with large colourful feathers. Other factors that influence a cat's playtime needs are age, breed and personality. Energy levels naturally decrease as cats get older, but that doesn't mean they don't need to be kept active. Kittens have bundles of energy and require more intense play, which is balanced out by longer naps. If you've ever parented a kitten then the routine is generally the same: eat, play, sleep. Some cat breeds, such as Bengals, have higher energy levels in comparison to the more laid-back Persian. On a whole, it doesn't take much time out of your day to exercise a cat. As a bare minimum, 30 minutes broken up into sessions can work out as 10 minutes after work, 10 minutes after dinner and 10 minutes before bed. Of course, cats being cats, they're more likely to choose a time to suit themselves - usually when you're in the middle of something important! This is where interactive or battery-operated toys come in useful, whereby cats can play at their own leisure. Why You Shouldn't Use Hands to Play with Cats It may seem like common sense not to let a cat play with hands - or body parts in general - but we've all done it. Drax has a bit of a foot fetish and, gentle as he is, the problem occurs when he decides to make a lunge for them when I'm walking down the stairs. Totally my fault but that's what happens when cats don't know any different because, hey, we do this all the time! Worse than that is if a cat becomes aggressive or develops behavioural issues, your body parts are going to become live targets. Xemz Interactive Feather Cat Toy features a rotating feather that randomly pops out of the holes at different time intervals. The toy starts when cats pass the infrared sensor and has an auto shut-off time of 5 minutes. One last thing: kittens! Letting a cute, harmless kitten play with your fingers is, well, cute and harmless. In a matter of months, that kitten will be a hyperactive terror armed with fangs and claws and, after that, a fully-grown cat. I don't always follow my own rules and, honestly, there's nothing more adorable than a palm-sized fluffball gumming the end of your finger. At some point we need to replace fingers with toys, just try to do it sooner rather than later. Summary With a little bit of time, effort and motivation, keeping cats fit and active can easily become part of their daily routine. Play is so much more than a boredom breaker. It's essential for giving cats a happy and healthy lifestyle; reducing stress and obesity; and aiding bonding with other cats and humans. Lastly, you don't have to spend a fortune on all of the latest cat toys - raiding your granny's wool collection or stealing your dad's shoelaces works just as well. From cardboard boxes to catnip-stuffed socks, check out these simple DIY cat toys . My boys are partial to a game of peekaboo, which is great if you don't mind getting jabbed in the face. Yes, the "no body parts" rule still applies but it's about knowing your cats, too. If playtime with your kitty looks like you went ten rounds with Edward Scissorhands, then common sense would say to use a toy and not your face – duh! Mentioned Products Speedy Panther 14 Pack of Cat Toys 3-Way Foldable Cat Tunnel Hianjoo Cat Feather Teaser Set 12 Pcs Does your cat have a favourite toy or do you have a resident lazy bones? Let us know if any of these tips helped in the comments.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Introducing a cat into the family is an exciting journey filled with companionship, adventure and bundles of curiosity. If you're a first-time cat parent or transitioning from caring for other pets, there are some important factors to consider. With a reputation for being independent serial nappers, it's no surprise that people are unprepared for the more demanding side of cats. As highly territorial creatures that are prone to stress , problems can arise quickly if they're not given the opportunity to exhibit their natural instincts and behaviours. From nutrition and enrichment to comfort and harmony in multi-cat homes, our feline friends have some unique needs that are vital to their health and wellbeing. These essential tips will help you to navigate the joys and challenges of cat guardianship and decide whether it's the right pet for you. 11 Tips for New Cat Owners: Choosing a Species-Appropriate Diet Creating a Safe Space Scratching Opportunities Removing Household Hazards Shedding and Grooming Litterbox Hygiene Enriching Activities Establishing a Routine Indoor or Outdoor Cats Vaccinations and Microchipping Financial Considerations Choosing a Species-Appropriate Diet Every species of animal has specific dietary needs, including humans, but cats are described as obligate carnivores, which means they require animal protein to survive. This makes them a little more complex than dogs, who've evolved to thrive on a combination of animal and plant-based foods. Start by choosing a high-quality diet based on your cat's age, health, activity level and, in some cases, breed. For example, kitten food is rich in protein and more calorie-dense for growth and energy; while seniors benefit from a diet that focuses on hydration, weight management and joint support. Edgard & Cooper Chunks in Sauce made with fresh meat and gently cooked. Grain-free with no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives. Most cat food manufacturers offer a selection of wet food and dry food (kibble). Wet food is preferable and highly recommended by experts due to its high-moisture content, which is vital for hydration and urinary tract health; animal-based protein and a lower amount of carbohydrates . Be sure to check the ingredients list to avoid any unspecified meat by-products (the crap parts!). Dry food is often packed with fillers like grains and vegetables, but many opt for it due to the lower costs and longer shelf-life. However, that doesn't make it the best choice for your cat. In fact, you might find yourself forking out more on vet bills in the long-run! If your budget stretches a little further, fresh cat food companies are a great premium option that formulate tailored recipes using 100% animal protein, without all of the additives and fillers contained in commercial food. Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? Creating a Safe Space Cats communicate primarily through scent, and entering a new environment risks a sensory overload, particularly if you have other pets or noisy children. Designating a private room or area within the home provides a safe retreat until they're ready to integrate with other family members (both animal and human). You can provide a cosy bed , huts or boxes to hide in; but underbed spaces and wardrobes work just as well. Cat trees and shelves provide height advantage, which they'd use in the wild to keep a lookout for predators. Make sure you provide food, water and a litter tray nearby so they don't have to venture too far. Gradually introduce your cat to different parts of the home to help them adjust at their own pace. The more secure they feel, the faster they'll settle into their forever home. To aid the process, pheromone diffusers can be used to create a safe and relaxing environment. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Teste d) PAWZ Road 3-in-1 Cat Scratching Board is durable and versatile, with 3 sides and multiple angles to adapt to a cat's preferred scratching position. Cats can bat the ball nestled in the recess or play hide and seek in the hole. Scratching Opportunities It's essential to offer a variety of scratch posts, mats and boards to give cats plenty of choice as to where and how they sharpen their claws. Otherwise they'll opt for furniture, wallpaper, carpets or anything else that takes their fancy - which isn't ideal for anyone, especially if you live in rented accommodation. Cats rely on their claws for defence, hunting and marking their territory using scent glands  between the pads of their paws. They're also natural climbers, so providing an array of horizontal and vertical surfaces like cat trees and shelves encourages exercise and exploration of the environment. The more time they spend on fun activities, the less attention they'll place on destroying your home furnishings. Related post: Why Do Cats Scratch and How to Stop It? Removing Household Hazards Safety is a top priority when it comes to the curious cat. Remove hazardous items like cords; plants or flowers that are toxic to cats (e.g., lilies, daffodils); medications and small objects that can cause choking. You should also be mindful of cleaning products and fragrances that can irritate a cat's sensitive nose and respiratory system. Opt for pet-safe or plant-based cleaners that are better for the environment, too. Discover more household hazards in this detailed post: 8 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats Other precautions you should take include securing windows and balconies to prevent escape. Statistics show that falls and traffic accidents are amongst the most common causes of injuries in cats. Shedding and Grooming Cats shed - a lot - and you'll notice their favourite lounging spots by the pile of fur left behind. If you suffer from allergies, particularly to fur or dander, then there'll be problems no matter how many lint rollers you have. Regular brushing   can help to reduce the amount of hair floating around, as well as hairball formation as cats will swallow less when grooming themselves. Short-haired cats need occasional brushing, while long-haired breeds require daily grooming to prevent matting. You might also want to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner! Litterbox Hygiene Just like humans, cats value bathroom privacy and there are so many styles of litter tray available on the market. Stainless steel is preferable to plastic as it's easier to clean and doesn't absorb smells. Typically, cats like to observe their surroundings and toileting puts them in a vulnerable position. Covered or lidded trays can obscure their view, as well as causing territorial disputes around the entrance. If one cat decides to block access then others may be put off using it at all. Stainless Steel Litter Box has a smooth surface that prevents litter from sticking to the bottom and doesn't absorb smells. High anti-splash sides help to contain litter and are easily removed for cleaning. However, this should be judged on a case-by-case basis as timid cats may appreciate the extra privacy. Make sure to check regularly for mess because enclosed trays can trap the smell. If you have limited space - apartments, for example - then you can get litterboxes disguised as furniture. Whatever style you choose, it should be scooped daily and more often if you have multiple cats. Experts recommend one litter tray per cat, plus one extra - and this goes for all of a cat's resources, including food and water bowls; beds and scratch posts. If problems arise then you might consider moving trays to a more private area or review the type of litter you're using. Options include clay, pine, wheat, paper, silica gel, clumping, non-clumping and others. Enriching Activities Cats require mental as well as physical stimulation. Wild cats and those with outdoor access spend their days hunting, climbing, chasing and exploring. You can replicate this in an indoor environment with a variety of toys and climbing areas like cat trees and shelving. Rotating toys helps to keep cats engaged as they have a short attention span and will lose interest over time. Balls, mice, feather wands, interactive toys   and catnip   are a few options, or you can save money by making your own DIY creations . Enrich cats with different sounds, smells, tastes and textures, such as toys that squeak or crinkle; cat grass and food puzzles. Feeding mats like the Bugalugs Licky Mat   feature different surface textures that encourage cats to lick and dig for food, turning eating into a playful experience. Creating a cosy window perch allows your cat to observe the outside world, birds and other wildlife. Establishing a Routine Cats are creatures of habit with impeccable body clocks. Scheduled feeding times help to reduce stress and conflict with other cats, since they know when they'll be getting their next meal. Wild cats have to rely on hunting and prey opportunities, which adds to their territorial natures. Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats Daily play and exercise are beneficial for anxiety and behavioural problems, particularly if cats are left alone for long periods of time or you work long hours. They'll learn to anticipate your return, which is great for bonding and establishing a deeper level of trust. Your cat will associate you with love, care and attention. Indoor or Outdoor Cats Indoor cats  may be a topic of debate, but giving them the most fulfilling life possible while keeping them safe and secure rests on factors such as home environment, owner lifestyle and the individual cat. Consider the following: Do you live on or near a main road? Is the neighbourhood heavily built-up with lots of traffic, noise, dogs, children and other things that could scare cats into running away or being hit by vehicles? Do you live in a small one-bed apartment or a large two-storey house? Are you able to adapt your living space to include all of the essentials that a cat needs to thrive? Are you planning on owning more than one cat and, if so, is your home big enough to accommodate them? Do you have a secure garden? Are you able to cat-proof outdoor space with fence panels, catios or other enclosures? This is a great way to prevent cats from roaming into unfamiliar or dangerous territories. You can also supervise outdoor time by walking cats on a harness and leash . Does your lifestyle allow enough time to spend playing with your cat? Despite their independence, stimulation is vital for preventing boredom that can lead to behavioural problems like anxiety and aggression , particularly with indoor cats. The age, breed, health and history of your cat will help to determine the most suitable environment. Naturally, kittens need more attention than seniors; while Bengals and Siamese are known for being extra playful and energetic. Rescue cats that have been subjected to trauma or abandonment may be better suited to quiet, single-cat homes. Vaccinations and Microchipping Cat owners in the UK face a hefty fine for not complying with microchipping laws, but this should be standard practice regardless of region. Getting your pet microchipped gives the best chance of locating them if they go missing, reducing the alarming number of strays on the streets. According to the ASPCA , microchipped pets are twice as likely to be returned if lost. Outdoor cats should also be fitted with a collar and ID tag stating the owner's name and contact number. Neutering or spaying , vaccinations, flea control, worming and annual vet check-ups are essential for keeping cats healthy and preventing long-term issues. Visit Financial Considerations Many new parents overlook the financial responsibilities associated with cat ownership. As a bare minimum, initial start-up costs include: Neutering or spaying. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. Microchipping. Food and water bowls. Litter trays and scoops. Bedding and cat trees. Scratch posts. Toys. You'll also need monthly supplies of food, treats and litter. If your cat has to go on a prescription diet then it can drastically increase food costs. Depending on activity levels, toys and scratchers will need replacing when worn. According to Smarter Finances , the average cost of keeping a cat in the UK is £50-£150 per month. Add onto that any unexpected vet bills and it can shoot up into the hundreds. To alleviate some of this burden, you might consider investing in pet insurance. Many plans cover emergencies and routine care; by shopping around, you can find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Planning ahead ensures you can provide consistent care for your feline friend without facing financial strain. If you're considering taking your pets abroad, this article from GoCompare is a useful resource: A Guide to Travel Insurance with Pets Visit Summary Cat ownership isn't just about welcoming a new pet into your home, but embracing a relationship that's filled with learning and growth. By recognising your cat's behaviour, you can understand their needs and preferences to create an environment where they flourish. These foundational tips will launch your journey into becoming a knowledgeable cat parent, building a relationship based on patience, love and understanding. Seeing your pet happy and healthy is one of the most rewarding experiences. Other helpful posts for new cat parents: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources How to Read a Cat's Body Language, Behaviour and Communication 20 Surprising Facts You May Not Know About Cats Mentioned Products Bugalugs Licky Mats JISSBON Cat Tree Tower MEOWFIA Cat Bed Cave Are you new to cat parenting? Let us know in the comments if these tips helped!

Welcome to your dedicated savings page! As an affiliate for some great pet care brands, I'm fortunate to get an early look at upcoming sales, discounts, offers and exclusive deals. I created this space as a quick and easy way to share this information, as I'm not a fan of spammy promotional emails - but I do love saving money! Below you'll find discounts, coupon codes and more from large and small brands like zooplus, Aosom, Petlibro, KatKin and others. Remember to check back regularly so you don't miss out on updates, or you can subscribe to the blog using the form at the bottom of this page. You can also check out my eBay storefront for product recommendations and popular picks. I may receive a small affiliate commission on purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. Featured Promotions Aosom Edgard & Cooper KatKin Omlet Petlibro zooplus *I am not responsible for any invalid codes or offers. Aosom Save on pet furniture! Cyber Week Get 12% off selected items with with code:  CYBER15 Valid until 7th December. Click to visit site → Edgard & Cooper Save on premium cat and dog food! Exclusive Code Get 20% off your first order over £20 with code:   CATMUMJOURNAL20 Click to visit site → KatKin Save on fresh cat food! Trial Box Get 20% off your first trial.   Limited promotion. Click to visit site → Omlet Save on catios, cat trees, scratch posts, beds and other pet essentials! Sorry, no featured deals - check back soon. Petlibro Save on smart pet care, fountains and automatic feeders! Sorry, no featured deals - check back soon. zooplus Pet Christmas Market Save up to 25%.   Limited time only. Click to view products → Cosma Get 20% off Cosma cat food.   Limited time only. Click to view products → *Disclaimer: I am not being paid to promote any of the products or brands mentioned on this page. However, I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. This helps with the upkeep of my blog (and the occasional treat for my fur children) for which we're truly grateful!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: Benefits of Keeping Cats Indoors Is It Cruel to Keep Indoor Cats? Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinating? Best Cat Breeds for Indoor Living Age and Backgroun d More Environment Essential Resources Exercise and Play Outdoor Spaces Summary Benefits of Keeping Cats Indoors Keeping indoor cats is a huge topic of debate, and people are quick to judge without considering the reasons for doing so or the potential benefits. Everyone has an opinion, especially since the rise of social media made it so easy to hide behind a screen. If you search for advice from cat charities and shelters, you'll find that opinions are just as mixed. Some organisations, such as Blue Cross , don't rehome cats to homes where they must live indoors unless they have a health condition that prevents them from going outside; while others make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Cats Protection recommend keeping cats indoors if they're rehomed near to a main road, for example. There's no denying the benefits of letting cats experience the great outdoors, but it also comes with a lot of dangers. Here are some reasons why people might decide to keep their cats indoors: Avoiding traffic accidents - approximately 230,000 cats get hit by cars in the UK every year. This happened to my black and white cat, Barney - on my birthday, of all days - so I can understand other parents not wanting to go through the same trauma. Theft - it's estimated that around 360,000 cats go missing or are stolen annually in the UK. Where's Liam Neeson when you need him? Unplanned pregnancies - prevents cats, especially unneutered males, from roaming to find a mate and adding to the hundreds of millions of stray cats roaming the streets. Injury - removes the opportunity to bump into other cats and get into fights or bring aggression back to the home. Abuse - sadly, humans are one of a cat's largest threats with acts of cruelty such as physical violence, poison, traps and shooting in some countries. Disease - less chance of cats picking up contagious diseases and parasites. Another major advantage of keeping cats indoors, although not for the cats themselves, is to protect wildlife and endangered species. Again, some will agree with this and others would argue that it's in a cat's nature to hunt. Either way, we can't blame a cat for indulging in its natural instincts. Let's explore in further detail the life of an indoor cat and address some common concerns about how to keep them happy, healthy and encourage natural behaviours. Is It Cruel to Keep Indoor Cats? Do I agree with indoor cats? Yes, I have two of them myself! Isn't it cruel to lock them inside, away from their natural habitat where they have the freedom to hunt and explore? That depends on several factors. Indoor cats can and do live very fulfilling lives, but you should be willing to make a few changes to your home - and even your routine - to provide them with all the stimulation and enrichment they need. This is even more important if you don't have much space to work with, such as a one-bed apartment. That's not to say cats will suffer in these conditions, IF you follow the advice in this article. Sisal Scratcher Bed with foamboard padding and toy ball. Natural sisal distracts cats from furniture and carpets so they can happily scratch, play and nap. Cramming multiple cats into a tiny space without essential resources, going out to work all day and binge watching reality TV instead of scheduling playtime with your kitty is going to cause problems in the long-run. What's the point in owning a pet in the first place, if not for companionship? Resources extend way beyond food, water and litter trays - how would you like to live with nothing but the bare necessities of life? I would never recommend keeping a cat indoors unless it's necessary or unavoidable, but there are many things you can do to find a healthy balance. Catios and other outdoor enclosures are a growing trend, as much as it pains me to use the word - we're not talking about fashion here! These will be discussed a little further on. There are some things to be mindful of with indoor cats, as they're more prone to conditions such as urinary tract disease, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and behavioural problems. These risks can be lowered by providing a cat-friendly environment and species-appropriate diet. Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinating? Outside has a habit of getting inside, so regardless of where your cat hangs out, it's always vulnerable to germs and diseases. Vaccinations and boosters will help to prevent your kitty from picking anything up. For this reason, it's also important to stay on top of flea and worming treatments, especially as fleas can be transported on clothing or if you visit the homes of other feline-loving friends. In the event of a cat escaping, you should strongly consider getting them desexed . As well as preventing unplanned pregnancy, there are numerous health and behavioural benefits. UK laws also state that cat owners in England must get their cats microchipped. Wherever you live, any responsible owner who cares about the wellbeing of their cats would get them microchipped in case he or she goes missing. Related post: 11 Essential Tips Every New Cat Owner Should Know   Petlicity Cat Massaging and Scratching Arch is made for self-grooming with soft plastic bristles to reduce matting and hairballs. The base has a compartment that can be filled with catnip. Best Cat Breeds for Indoor Living As an advocate for the "adopt don't shop" mantre, choosing cats for their breed over the thousands of unwanted and abandoned kitties needing a home doesn't sit well with me - and I'd say the same with any pet. Which raises another important point: cats that have been sentenced to life in a shelter are unlikely to experience the great outdoors either way. At least a home environment offers the love, care, attention and security that every cat deserves. I've been adopting for as long as I can remember but, as some cat breeds are better suited for indoor living, it's worth mentioning as a factor. British Shorthairs and Persians are known for their gentle, easy-going temperaments. The British Shorthair is extremely adaptable, probably due to its non-demanding nature, while being sociable at the same time. Other friendly breeds include Ragdolls , which as the name suggests, are known for their love of cuddles; and Russian Blues , although they can be shy around strangers - another reason why they might be content to live indoors. Ragdolls, along with Scottish Folds and Sphynx cats, are highly affectionate and enjoy the company of humans. As Sphynx's are hairless, they also get a little chilly outdoors! The Devon Rex is not only sociable but low maintenance, too. Siamese cats are known for their intelligent and curious natures so are less likely to get bored, although they can be a tad demanding - especially when in competition with other cats. Cats that enjoy play and other interactions also make great indoor companions: Siamese, Scottish Fold, Sphynx and Devon Rex will love bonding time with their guardians. Visit A cat's nature when living alone may differ when placed with other felines, so you also need to consider how many cats you want to bring into the home; as well as any existing pets you have. The Bengal may look like something fresh out of a jungle - and will probably eat the family hamster - but it'll be eager to make buddies with other kitty playmates. While breed is a factor, every cat is unique with his or her own personality. If you plan on adopting more than one cat, it's best to choose sibling or bonded cats rather than an unfamiliar pair that might not get along. I recommend doing your own research and consulting with experienced breeders, shelters or your local vet before making a decision. Age and Background A cat's age can also affect indoor suitability: for example, senior cats will be less physically active and require less stimulation than a young cat or kitten. If adopting a senior cat, just giving it a warm and loving home can make all the difference in its final years. Kittens, on the other hand, are balloons of energy waiting to burst. It's essential that they have multiple ways of burning it off and an ability to explore their environment, even if that means running up and down the stairs or looking out of a window. They can also annoy older cats, which I've experienced myself many years ago. Cats who've previously lived outside with the freedom to explore may not cope well with confinement to an indoor space, which could lead to behavioural problems. When adopting a cat, be sure to ask about its history and background to check that it's a good match for your situation and lifestyle. Environment Space As humans, we know that environment matters. You only have to look at how much people spend on their homes, from large renovations to the finer details. Yes, I am talking about the overpopulation of scatter cushions and candles! We want our homes to be a place of zen, a safe space; somewhere we can relax at the end of the day. Cats aren't bothered about cushions and candles, but they do have their own requirements - and that includes privacy. Cats weren't built to be cooped up indoors, so the hustle and bustle of daily life can be highly stressful. Humans clomping up and down the stairs with their giant feet, doors slamming, pots and pans clanging in the kitchen, screaming kids.... Shop Pet Furniture → If your cat spends a lot of time hiding then it probably needs quiet and solitude. Felines are prone to stress which can trigger anxiety, depression and behavioural issues such as aggression . It can also cause physical symptoms like stress-induced cystitis and loss of appetite, which can be life-threatening in animals. They're a lot smaller than us and once they stop eating, it becomes harder and harder to reverse damage to the body. Pheromone diffusers and sprays are a natural and drug-free way to reduce stress by making cats feel safe and relaxed in their environment. For more tips and advice on a holistic approach to kitty health, here's some essential reading: Holistic Cat Care: Natural Support for Feline Health and Wellbeing Comfort Zone plug-in pheromone diffuser for single or multi-cat homes. Creates a calm, relaxing environment to help reduce stress and other problem behaviours, as well as tension and fighting between household cats. Natural Light Cats have crepuscular sleep cycles, which means they're most active at dawn and dusk. If you've ever wondered by your cat likes to run around in the early hours, this is optimal hunting time! While it may be annoying for parents, this natural routine can help with mood and behavioural problems. If cats become too disruptive during these hours, you can leave out an interactive toy for them to play with or set up an automatic feeder - less stress for kitty and more rest for you! Exposure to sunlight not only helps to regulate a cat's sleep cycle, but it's as rejuvenating for them as it is for humans. You can aid this by opening curtains, using natural light bulbs and opening windows for a fresh air flow. To prevent cats from escaping, use a pet-proof lock or screen. Cleaners and Fragrances The chemicals found in domestic cleaners can be harmful to a cat's health, including but not limited to: disinfectants, bleach, bathroom cleaners and stain removers. Any of these can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract - or worse if substances are ingested. I recommend using pet-safe or natural cleaners and avoiding synthetic fragrances like air fresheners. So too, scented candles and diffusers that contain essential oils can leave residues on a cat's fur, which they might lick off while grooming. Cats also have an incredible sense of smell, so any kind of fragrance is likely to be overpowering to their sensitive noses. Discover more household dangers in this detailed post: 8 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats Essential Resources Bedding Cats enjoy cosying up and will choose their sleeping areas based on how safe they feel. Whether that's on the sofa amongst humans, at the top of a cat tree or the darkness of underbed spaces. It's unusual to find a sleeping cat in the middle of a floor unless they're exhausted from a play session or REALLY comfortable in their environment. Related post: 10 Best Types of Cat Beds A heavy sleep isn't the same as a cat nap, where you might see kitty sitting upright with its eyes closed - maybe even snoring - but they're still aware of their surroundings, as demonstrated by a swivelling ear now and then. This is a resting state, similar to a computer in sleep mode that pings alert with the click of a button. Due to a cat's strong survival instinct, they require plenty of energy to hunt and escape predators. This is why cat trees are an essential part of their territory: the higher they are, they less vulnerable they are to attack. It also puts them out of the way of human traffic, but some cats require a little more privacy. Feandrea Large Cat Tree Tower provides height, space and enrichment. Stands at 143cm tall and features 2 perches, a condo, hammock and multiple scratching posts. Cat trees with built-in condos; standalone huts, tents and even upturned boxes with a blanket or cushion inside will be greatly appreciated by your kitty. For extra shy or timid cats, sleeping areas should be provided in a quiet area or private room so they can withdraw when necessary. When bringing a new addition into the home, offer a variety of bedding and let it choose its favourite spot. If cats are happy to share a bed with their human companions, it means they find your scent comforting which is a huge sign of trust and affection. Scent and familiarity are vital to a cat's sense of security, so it's wise to keep a few used blankets handy when it comes to washing bedding or introducing cats to a new home. Multi-cat households should have separate sleeping areas available for each cat. While they won't necessarily stick to their own beds, as cats like to spread themselves around, it'll help to limit territorial behaviour by having more than one option. Related post: Small Cat Tree Stands and Towers for All Cats (Tried and Tested) Food and Water A designated feeding area and scheduled mealtimes help to satisfy a kitty's need for routine. Cats have impeccable body clocks and will do regular sweeps of the home to check everything is accessible and in its rightful place, which can be amusing to watch. You should also consider the type of food you want to feed your cat. No matter how much stimulation you provide, an indoor kitty is never going to be as active as their outdoor counterparts. Dry food or kibble is packed with carbohydrates and generally less nutritious than wet or fresh food , but this depends on your cat's preferences and budget. Related post: The Truth About Commercial Cat Food: What Really Goes into Your Pet's Food? A moisture-rich, high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet is essential for all felines. Foods that claim to be tailored to indoor cats are little more than a marketing tactic with a high price tag, which you can learn more about here: 5 Indoor Cat Foods Rated: Are They Really Worth it? Visit It's not always the easiest thing to transition a cat to new food , especially if it's used to a particular type or brand; but the long-term health benefits are worth the time and effort. Some cats prefer to have their food and water stations separate; and as clean water should always be available, offering multiple bowls around the home will encourage them to keep up their water intake. Pet fountains are highly recommended; not only do they ensure a fresh and running supply of water, but they can be a source of enrichment for your indoor cat. For multi-cat households, a variety of food and water stations may help to avoid unnecessary squabbling. FOFNON Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain  is resistant to corrosion and oxidation and uses multiple filtration systems to purify water. It features a tap for stimulating natural water flow and holds enough for adult cats to use for 8-12 days. Litter Trays As another vital resource, the general rule for litter trays is one per household cat, plus one extra. This can seem excessive, but using the toilet puts cats in a vulnerable position. Lidded or hooded trays aren't recommended for multi-cat homes as they restrict a cat's vision and may cause territorial disputes around the entrance. Not only that, but smells can build up inside and deter cats from using it. This isn't always the case, and if your cat prefers an enclosed box then keep it as it is. However, if problems occur then try switching it for an open or high-sided tray. Whatever style you decide on, regular scooping will keep cats happy and is more hygienic for your home in general. They should be placed away from high traffic areas. Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources Exercise and Play Just like humans, cats need regular exercise to maintain their physical, mental and emotional health. Exercise helps to prevent obesity, improve mobility and muscle tone; promote healthy digestion and much more. Burning off excess energy can also reduce anxiety and conflict between household cats. The easiest way to achieve this for indoor cats is through play , with a variety of toys to st imulate the mind as well as the body. Interactive toys , food puzzles and enrichment are great boredom breakers for when you're absent or unavailable. Catit Play Treat Puzzle Slow Feeder has 6 fun activities that stimulate cats to work for their food. Place treats or kibble in the different sections to encourage natural hunting instincts and foraging. Cats can also be kept active with climbing areas including cat trees, wall-mounted shelving, ramps, ladders, boxes and tunnels. Scratch posts and mats allow cats to sharpen their claws, work their muscles, stretch their bodies and leave territorial markings - this is completely normal behaviour and should be encouraged. How much exercise a cat needs will depend on their age, breed and activity levels. As a minimum, 30 minutes broken up into 10-minute sessions will make the most out of their short spurts of energy and prevent them from getting bored. Related post: 12 Types of Cat Toys and Games for All Cats to Play Remember too that indoor cats tend to spend more time sleeping and grooming than active outdoor cats. This can make their digestive systems a little sluggish, increasing the build-up of hairballs. Regular brushing   can help to combat this problem, especially for the long-haired kitties. Outdoor Spaces If you decide to let your kitty outside to feel the breeze in its whiskers, be sure to provide them with a safe and escape-proof space or use a harness if they're trained. Being outdoors for the first time can be scary and overwhelming, and they won't be as alert to dangers or threats as an experienced explorer. Related post: How to Harness Train Cats for Walking on a Leash Safely Cat proofing a garden depends on the design and layout of the area, but below are a few ideas for inspiration. Use high fences or mesh netting to section off areas, such as a yard or patio. This may require some DIY skills. Install cat-proof fencing, which is constructed from wire mesh and brackets that are fixed to the top of fence panels at a sloped angle that makes it difficult for cats to grip onto or jump over. Build a catio - a secure enclosure that fits around a door or window so cats can come and go as they please. Other outdoor enclosures. Visit If you have the space and it's within your budget, I recommend checking out Omlet for some great customisable cat enclosures, including balcony designs for apartment dwellers. Allowing access to outdoor space, however small, while keeping cats safe is giving them the best of both worlds. You can even kit out your catio with shelving, ramps and pet-safe plants for the complete jungle experience. If this isn't a viable option, window hammocks are a great alternative. Setting up a couple of bird feeders outside will provide your cat with lots of entertainment and a change of scenery. Whatever you decide, make sure there's a shaded area, fresh water and shelter from the elements. This could be an outdoor cat hut, dog kennel or a simple box covered by a waterproof sheet. PREFUNY Folding Cat Window Hammock has a stainless steel frame with a weight-bearing capacity of 18kg. It's suitable for all seasons with soft wool on one side and breathable silk on the other. Summary Not only is it of the utmost importance to ensure the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of your furries, it's actually a legal requirement in the UK. The Animal Welfare (England and Wales) Act 2006 and Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 places a duty of care on pet owners to ensure that all domestic animals have their welfare needs met. A pet’s requirements will depend on their species, but your cat has a legal right to: Live in a suitable environment Eat a suitable diet. Exhibit normal behaviour patterns. Be housed with or apart from other animals. Be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease These regulations shouldn't be standard conditions but, rather, minimum guidelines. Going above and beyond for your furries gives them a better chance of living a happy, healthy, comfortable and pain-free life - or as much as is possible for a domestic animal. Mentioned Products FONFON Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain PEFUNY Folding Cat Window Perch Take this quick poll or comment to share your opinion!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In this article: What Is Urine Spraying? Why Is My Cat Sprayin g in the House? How to Stop Cats Urine Spraying Pheromone Products What Is Urine Spraying? Urine spraying, for the most part, is natural behaviour performed by adult cats. It's predominantly used for territorial marking and avoiding aggressive encounters with other cats, although there's limited evidence to show that an investigating cat will retreat from an area that's been marked or "claimed" by another. Urine contains pheromones and communicates information about a cat's age, sex and mating availability, amongst other things. It's common to see cats spraying against trees, bushes, fences and other areas where there may be competition with other cats. In a domestic setting, this behaviour might indicate an underlying problem. Cats use many different scents to map out their environment. When they rub their cheeks against objects, they're using facial pheromones to mark areas where they feel safe and comfortable. A cat that urine sprays in the house is likely responding to stress, as surrounding themselves with their own scent helps to boost security and confidence. Feliway Optimum plug-in diffuser contains a new pheromone complex for enhanced serenity. It helps to solve common signs of stress including spraying, scratching, fear and conflict. Recommended by vets and behaviourists. It's also important to recognise the difference between spraying and urinating outside the litterbox, which is more identifiable as a puddle on the floor. Reasons for this can vary from urinary tract infections and other painful conditions to external stressors, such as bullying from other cats or disliking the type of litter being used. Spraying, on the other hand, is not a litterbox problem and something that cats do separately from normal toileting. Cats will typically aim at vertical surfaces and release short bursts of urine, rather than squatting close to the ground. Their tail will be straight up in the air with a raised butt, and they sometimes make a treading motion with their back legs. You may also see the tail quivering. It's possible that cats will spray on horizontal surfaces such as an object on the floor, other cats' bedding or even clothing that smells of another cat. Spray is usually darker than normal urine but the smaller splatters can be hard to spot. Luckily for us, the pungent odour will be a dead giveaway!   Why Is My Cat Spraying in the House? Health As mentioned, certain conditions can cause cats to start urinating outside the litterbox as they generally don't cope well with pain or stress . Spraying often has other triggers which we'll delve into below, but you should always take cats for a health check-up at the first sign of abnormal behaviour to rule out medical issues. Hormones If you're wondering if both male and female cats spray, the answer is yes! Unneutered males are more likely to exhibit territorial behaviour due to high levels of testosterone, and females could be spraying to attract a mate. Spray has a much stronger odour than normal urine. While neutering doesn't eliminate the ability to spray, it significantly lowers the chances. Therefore, sterilisation is a good option for bringing harmony back to the home - as well as having many other health benefits. Environment If health is all clear then you have to rule out external factors that might be causing a cat to feel threatened, as they could be urine spraying to remind themselves to be cautions in that part of their territory. Take note of any changes that could trigger behaviour that's out of character, particularly concerning their environment. Such changes might include: Renovations or building work. Moving home. New pets, people or babies. Other cats. To emphasise the importance of scent to a cat, they have a secondary method of detecting smells in the roof of their mouth. The vomeronasal organ (aka Jacobsen's organ) consists of two ducts that connect to the nasal cavity. If you've ever seen a cat sniffing with its mouth open, it's not just pulling a funny face; it's drawing air into the ducts to "taste" scents. Some of these scents include pheromones from other cats. For anyone that hasn't seen Jackson Galaxy's My Cat from Hell show on TV, it's a great resource for those who want to understand territorial or aggressive behaviour; and more importantly, strategies and techniques for managing it. One particular episode features a kitty that keeps spraying over the same area multiple times a day, to the point that the owners had to cover the furniture in puppy training pads. The culprit? A small hole in the wall that was allowing smells from outside to seep into the room. Whatever those smells were - animal, human or something else entirely - we'll never know. Once the hole was boarded up, kitty never sprayed again, which is a prime example of how foreign smells can drive a cat nuts. Territory Cats are fiercely independent creatures, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors who had to defend their territory in order to survive. Just because cats are able to share a home doesn't mean they have to like each other! This may go unnoticed by guardians right up until breaking point, as signs of aggression can be very subtle. When you see your cat sprawling itself lazily across a doorway, it looks cute and innocent. Another, more submissive cat might see it as blocking access to important resources, forcing them to go elsewhere. These avoidance tactics reduce the risk of confrontation, as cats know better than to put themselves in danger. Whatever might be going on inside those kitty brains, vigilance is key to understanding feline behaviour and psychology. Territorial disputes are common in multi-cat homes, as well as with other neighbourhood cats and strays - which I like to call intruders because, in the eyes of your resident cat, that's exactly what they're doing. As a guardian, you can rest assured that any strays aren't getting into the house - but how's your cat supposed to know this? Location of the spraying will give a major clue as to what might be upsetting your cat. If it's around an external door, cat flap or window then there's a high chance that you have an intruding party and kitty is simply trying to warn them off. It's worth investing in an ultraviolet torch like the Eletorot UV Torch that shows urine and other stains on various surfaces. If other cats have been using your garden as a toilet then, naturally, this is going to trigger your resident furry - which is precisely the problem I had. Thankfully, my boys didn't start urine spraying in the house but it did lead to a long-standing case of redirected aggression . So too, you might be thrilled with your new £800 sofa with its abundance of foreign smells. A confident kitty may use their facial pheromones to mark it as safe before going about their day, whereas others might be triggered to ramp up the scent marking to quickly eliminate this new threat. New furniture, new partner, new pets: whatever the case may be, a gradual introduction with plenty of positive associations is more likely to go smoothly for everyone. Other cats Multiple cats sharing a household is another reason for territorial behaviour and can present in many ways, some of which we've already discussed. While strays can pose a problem outside of the home, it's also possible for bonded cats to turn on each other if there aren't enough resources to satisfy each particular kitty's requirements. Internal doorways can be problematic in multi-cat homes, or any narrow spaces where cats come into contact with each other, particularly hallways and staircases. This could apply to the litterbox itself if it's the hooded or lidded type where cats must use a doorway to enter, hence why it's important to establish if a cat is spraying or simply being denied bathroom access. Our feline friends are known to block entry/exit points to resources in an effort to intimidate and, eventually, drive the other cat out of its territory. Thus, open litter trays are preferable in many cases - sometimes the problem is also the solution! Related post:   Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats How to Stop Cats Urine Spraying The domestication of cats is estimated to have begun as little as 10,000 years ago, which is approximately 20,000 years later than dogs. That's a lot of catching up to do, and the psychology of our feline friends isn't entirely understood. Humans categorise urine spraying as "problem behaviour" but there are a lot of questions as to whether it is, in fact, abnormal at all. That being said, you should never punish a cat for spraying as they won't understand what they're doing wrong. It can also increase stress and lead to further undesirable behaviour. A better solution is to try and figure out the root cause of the problem and eliminate it, so cats are left with no reason to spray. Resources Whether cats are displaying stress-related, aggressive or other destructive behaviours, the single most basic thing you can do is offer more resources to reduce competition - starting with one litter tray per cat, plus one extra in different areas of the home. If necessary, it may be an idea to separate cats to see if the spraying ceases. Each should have its own territory with food and water stations, toys and beds - including cat trees for those all-important safe spaces. Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources If behaviour returns to normal then you can rule out environmental factors and work on distinguishing who the offending cat is. As mentioned, the passive-aggressive nature of cats makes bullying difficult to spot but common behaviours include blocking, stalking, staring, chasing and ambushing. Stainless Steel Litter Box has a smooth surface that prevents litter from sticking to the bottom and doesn't absorb smells. High anti-splash sides help to contain litter and are easily removed for cleaning. Victims may appear withdrawn, quieter than usual or hide to avoid the other cat. Conversely, some cats will overreact with defensive aggression such as hissing and growling whenever they feel under threat. It's crucial to monitor your cat's weight in case the bully is blocking access to food bowls. Scratch posts, mats or boards are great for providing another - and cleaner! - way of territory marking, as cats use the scent glands between the pads of their paws. Scratching also leaves visible markings to warn or alert other cats of their presence, as well as providing enrichment which in itself is a form of stress relief. Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post stands at 80cm and includes natural jute, a sturdy base and hanging pompom - everything your cat needs at a budget price. New Additions Any new pets or people brought into the household should go through the correct introduction, especially other cats and kittens. Considering what we know about the importance of scent, cats should be given the opportunity to smell each other way before allowing visual contact. This requires rotating cats around different areas or rooms of the home in the first instance, so they can familiarise themselves with any new scents. This provides a nice neutral setting for introductions. A more in-depth look at this is covered in the separation and reintroduction process , whereby fighting cats must undergo a period of separation before being reacquainted using toys, treats and petting to create positive associations. This helps to encourage playful interactions and distract a kitty's attention away from the new stimuli. The process can be adapted to completely new cats and, though it can be time-consuming and repetitive in nature, it becomes a lot more complicated if cats have already developed a negative first impression. If you have a socially anxious kitty that takes a disliking to new humans then you can go by the same routine of leaving items of clothing in an area of the house for inspection. Be sure not to place anything on a cat's belongings such as beds or perches. How would you like to find someone's dirty socks on your pillow? Related post: 11 Essential Tips Every New Cat Owner Should Know Outdoor Cats If you suspect local or stray cats have invited themselves onto your property, it's worth investing in an effective cat deterrent . Close any curtains or blinds to block off views of outdoor cats or, alternatively, you can cover windows with paper, cardboard or self-adhesive privacy films. You only need to cover areas that cats can see through, such as lower glass panels. If your cat is persistently spraying curtains then tie them up as a further deterrent - the curtain, not that cat! Do not encourage strays by leaving out food, trash bags or an overabundance of bird feeders. Related post: How to Stop Cats Spraying and Urine Marking Outside Your Home with 8 Tips Visit Cleaning Cleaning an area where cats have urine sprayed can be problematic if not done correctly, and there are a couple of reasons for this. If the area hasn't been cleaned thoroughly and traces of scent remain, cats will sniff it out and respray the same patch as a top up of sorts. This is especially worse on carpets as urine can quickly soak through to the flooring beneath. Repetitive spraying over a long period of time may require further treatment, including removing sections of the carpet completely. Many domestic cleaners contain ammonia which, annoyingly, is also found in cat urine. Breathing in ammonia can irritate a cat's eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Pet-safe and eco-friendly cleaning products, while free of harmful chemicals, may not be strong enough to completely remove the urine scent - at least, not to a cat's sensitive nose. Related post: 8 Common Household Items That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats Cats Protection has extensive advice on dealing with and preventing urine spraying, as well as other stress-related behaviours. They recommend cleaning soiled sites thoroughly with a solution of warm water and 10% biological washing powder, then rinsing with clean water and allowing the area to dry. To finish off, surgical spirit can be used on suitable surfaces to remove any lingering traces of scent. There are many other simple and effective home remedies for removing urine. Enzymatic Cleaners Enzymatic cleaning products contain enzymes that break down dirt molecules and odour-causing residue including urine, vomit and soiling. What's more, you can get products that are designed specifically for neutralising pet odours. These come highly recommended to tackle urine spraying, and you're getting the best of both worlds with a formula that's tough on stains but safe and gentle to use around pets and humans. A popular choice, Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odour Remover  uses a triple strength, pro-bacteria formula that's effective on urine, faeces and vomit. Pheromone Products Pheromone products, such as those offered by Feliway , contain a synthetic version of feline pheromones in spray or diffuser forms. These are used to target stress-related behaviours including urine spraying, scratching, hiding, overgrooming and conflict. There are some pros and cons to each. Sprays can be used in problem zones to send calming messages to a kitty's brain, helping them to feel safe and relaxed. The effects can be seen within minutes but typically only last a few hours, so it's not a permanent solution. Diffusers are plugged into an electrical socket for a slow and constant release. It can take 1-4 weeks to see the full effects. Whichever version you use, pheromone products are not a cure; but a treatment to help cats alongside other changes and/or behavioural training. Related post: Best Cat Calming Plug-in Pheromone Diffusers (Tried and Tested) Feliway Classic Spray contains pheromones that help to reduce common signs of stress. It can be used during major changes including renovations, travel and vet visits. Available in 20ml or 60ml bottles for use at home or on the go. If you've eliminated all of the above and still can't find a reason why your cat is urine spraying, sometimes it can help to seek advice from a behaviourist. Remember, cats are creatures of routine with an inherent aversion to change. Change is scary and a scared cat is a stressed cat. In some cases, urine spraying is an isolated incident and ceases once the trigger has been removed. For other cats, the problem might come and go depending on the stressor and the individual cat. Mentioned Products Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odour Remover Eletorot UV Torch Are you having problems with cats urine spraying? Let us know if this article helped or comment with any tips and advice of your own.

About Cat Mum Journal Qualifications FAQ Welcome to CMJ, otherwise known as Cat Mum Journal! Just like a scrumptious can of meaty chunks in jelly, what you'll find here is pretty much what you see on the tin. My name is Rachel, and I originally started this blog to document a sudden phase of inter-cat aggression between my sibling cats, Drax and Simba - which, to be honest, was a means of maintaining my sanity during the most stressful period of my life (and there've been a lot of them!). Read more in My Story Over the following months, I spent every spare minute of every day gathering every piece of information I could find. What I learned is all here on this site - and more! It became increasingly apparent that behavioural problems like aggression are a common occurrence in domestic cats. When people started to reach out to me and share their own stories, I knew I had to do more. When it comes to cats, knowledge really is power. So, I took the plunge and enrolled in some online courses, first and foremost to better the lives of my cats. I actually enjoyed it and, what's more, I was pretty good at it. There's already a wealth of freely accessible information online from vets and specialists alike, but what I struggled to find were personal experiences. A good example of this is the separation and reintroduction process for fighting cats. What any behaviourist will tell you is the equivalent to a tailor-made cake recipe. You have the ingredients, the instructions, the baking time - yet if ten people followed the exact same recipe, each of their cakes would turn out differently, with a variety of textures, flavours and colours. I'm sure I don't have to point out that the health and wellbeing of animals is a far cry from The Great British Bake Off (you know what I'm talking about, fellow Brits) but I'm going to add a disclaimer anyway! My point is that, sometimes, nothing can prepare us for an experience better than the experience itself. What makes this blog unique, I hope, is that a lot of the topics covered are personal to me, whether through my own circumstances or those of friends and family members - clearly, I come from a clan of cat lovers! This extends to reviews and recommendations, where I use my own product photos and feedback, wherever possible. Subjects I'm most passionate about are feline behaviour and psychology, with a special interest in stress and aggression. This in itself has forced me to expand my knowledge base to other areas in order to fulfil my cats' individual needs and requirements, including but not limited to: feeding, territory, exercise and play. Of course, I also blog about animal-related causes that I strongly believe in - if this isn't the platform to raise awareness than what is? I don't offer quick fixes or miracle cures, but I do have the honour of connecting with other parents and sharing experiences to further understand why our cats do what they do. Remember, the uncooperative and, at times, unpredictable nature of our feline friends continues to challenge the minds of scientists to this day. Cats are complex, unique and intelligent creatures, which is why they make for such a fascinating blog. Not everyone "gets" cats, but their ability to develop a deeply spiritual bond with their human companions is worth exploring. The information on this site is intended for guidance only, based on personal research and experiences to help improve the relationship between humans and cats. It's my genuine aim to explore some of the issues cats face so you can seek the best solution for your furry companion. This could simply be passing on information to your vet to give them a better understanding of your cat's symptoms, for which they can arrange the necessary tests to rule out illness or disease. They may also refer you to a specialist, behaviourist or other appropriate person. While I'm happy to offer support with any issues you might be having, I kindly ask that no one contacts me for an official diagnosis or treatment/medication for their cats. If you suspect your cat has a health problem, be it physical, emotional or psychological, it's your responsibility as an owner to seek advice from a professional. The only person qualified to advise on medical conditions is a registered veterinarian . If you have any questions about CMJ (or myself, but I'm really not that interesting) then I encourage you to use the contact form at the bottom of the Home Page or check out the FAQs below. Don't forget to bookmark the Promotions Page to keep an eye on special offers, discount codes and more from big and small pet care brands. I've also put together a handy Resource Page where I share some trusted cat-related websites and articles that might be of interest. Thank mew so much for sniffing by! Qualifications I have accredited diplomas in the following subjects: Feline Behaviour and Psychology Feline Anxiety Feline Anatomy and Physiology Feline Nutrition Feline First Aid Animal Communication I'm thrilled to announce that I recently won the 2025 Highly Commended Award in Pet Care from Centre of Excellence. FAQs Do you accept third party contributors/guest bloggers? I'm the sole writer for CMJ but may consider enquiries for related content in the areas of feline health, behaviour, psychology or nutrition. If you're a qualified vet, veterinary nutritionist or behaviourist, do get in touch to discuss! What is your review policy? I try to do as many "tried and tested" reviews as possible, using my own original photos and choosing products that I genuinely believe will benefit my cats. Where this isn't possible, I base recommendations on a combination of extensive research, customer feedback, overall quality and word of mouth - if, for example, someone I know personally mentions a great product. Unfortunately, cat stuff gets expensive - and it can take up a lot of space! If you've been following this blog then you'll know too that I have the most picky eating, unmotivated pair of scaredy-cats that you could ever parent. As wonderful as they are, they're not the best tester cats; fortunately, I know plenty of backups that are more than willing to be lavished with new toys, treats and bedding. If you're an independent artist, creator or company and want your product featured for a review, I'm happy to receive samples and will select the most suitable kitty for testing. Requests for positive reviews in exchange for payment will be declined, and if I feel that products aren't up to "scratch" (see what I did there?) then I reserve the right to refuse a review on the basis that it's counterproductive for both yourself and my audience. To ensure authenticity and maintain trust with my valued readers, I will never promote a product that I wouldn't buy myself or has a rating of less than 3 out of 5 stars on Amazon UK (sorry!). I will always give my honest opinion, for good or bad. Got a cat-related question or want to know more? Get in touch! I love hearing from animal charities and welfare organisations, too.