Peace is the second name of the home, and it is a place where we relax with family and feel happiness. When it comes to pet cats, they are also a member of our family and should feel the same way as we do in our home, i.e., safe and secure.
In most cases, cats have difficulty adjusting, especially if they are new to the home. They may experience stress due to changes in their environment routine or become unsettled by introducing a new pet, especially another feline pet.
Whatever the reason, it is the responsibility of cat owners to create a warm and loving environment for their pets. So they can relax, thrive, and feel safe and secure at the same time.
So if you are wondering how to make your cat feel safe at home, keep reading because, in this article, we have covered tips for making her feel secure at home.
1. Get Your Cat to Use a Perch
Naturally, cats like to take to the trees because it gives them a chance to mark their territory for hunting opportunities and hide from predators when frightened.
But how would you introduce this element to your home?
You may have seen the idea of some architectural features and furniture work. Fireplaces, wall shelves, tall bookcases, chairs, and sofas can serve this purpose.
You would have observed your cat showing off the natural agility and grace to the furniture.
With the perch’s introduction to her, she will get comfort from getting up off the floor. You can also create a space in your home with cat clouds and trees if the furniture is off-limit. These will serve as a climbing structure, and wall shelves are specially made for felines.
2. Take Your Cat Outdoor
Because of car accidents, conflict with other domestic animals, or risk of disease from the prey, we don’t allow and take our cat outside. But do remember, the more you will keep your pet home, the more she is likely to feel unsafe. This is also not a way to keep your indoor cat sealed off entirely from the outside world.
Take your cat for a leash walk because it is essential to interact with her surroundings. This trick can also be done through a window or screen porch, and it is healthy for her to hear birds’ sounds, nature views, and the neighborhood pets.
3. Give Her Scratch Posts
Scratching is in a feline’s nature; therefore, it is vital to give your alternative cat rugs, furniture, or curtain in the shape of scratching posts.
Cats like to scratch their claws to keep them fit for hunting, climbing, and self-defense. So a horizontal surface or scratch post can replicate this activity. They can be made from natural rope fibers or corrugated cardboard.
4. Ensure Her Access to Litter Box
Always make sure that the litter box is accessible to your cat. If you have more than one pet in your home, then consider providing your cat with a separate litter box because some pet cats don’t like sharing their litter box. Even if you have only one pet cat, set down various litter boxes around a home to increase the cat’s sense of comfort. The same idea goes for their food and water bowls.
5. Give Her Some Space
You like to cuddle and snuggle with your cat, but remember that cats also need their own space, just like humans. You can make your home a place of peace and silence because cats get nervous with loud noises such as construction work, noisy visitors, or the cry of a new baby. It would be best to create a safe space in the house for your little cat; it could be a room or den made with a piece of furniture. This will ensure that she has her own space if things get too much.
6. Provide Playing and Predatory Behavior Opportunity
Allowing your cat to play and adopt predatory behavior will fulfill its wild-hunting nature. You can motivate her with some interactive toys similar to prey. Your cat will be able to capture the prey occasionally to prevent frustration. You can also use food balls and food puzzles to mimic the prey, allowing her to adopt more natural eating behavior.
7. Stick to the Same Routine
If your cat loves her routine of eating or sleeping, then try to stick to the same routine. They love to know their upcoming moments. Therefore, changes or disturbances in her routine will make her feel a little insecure. Feed them, love them, play with them and take them out at the same time daily when possible. Take care of your routine too, because your cat gets anxious if you return home late from work.
8. Introduce Her New Things Gradually
As we discussed, cats don’t like changes in routine. So, if you are planning to bring a pet home, welcome a new baby, or change the furniture set, then do the whole process gradually. Give your cat some time to get used to recent changes and make sure to provide her with a safe place.
9. Use Their Smell Senses
Pheromones, the cat’s natural fragrance, can help relax cats experiencing stressful or unfamiliar circumstances, such as moving house. Diffusers, sprays, and wipes can all be used to help your cat feel more at ease around the house.
10. Provide Her Physical and Mental Stimulation
Cats who feel safe and secure are always happy. Regular play sessions offer her dual effect of reducing stress and increasing her fitness level. Sessions should last 10–15 minutes, with two each day to provide plenty of stimulation. Use interactive toys and activities to encourage your cat to play.
Nothing is more important than your pet cat’s mental and physical well-being. Therefore, spend some quality time with your cat to make her feel safe right at home. Hope the tips mentioned above will help you make her feel secure and cozy at home in no time.
