![\"sureflap_dualscan_microchip_cat_flap_glass_install\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/SureFlap_DualScan_Microchip_Cat_Flap_Glass_Install-690x361.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhile many of us understand the importance of instilling a routine in children, few of us appreciate that it\u2019s also necessary for our pets. Research shows that unpredictable handling and irregular routine has behavioural consequences for cats. We often treat our cats as members of the family, but how well do we really know what they need to feel secure?<\/p>\n
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Many cat owners believe that their cats are nervous or aggressive because it\u2019s part of their personality, but is not usually the case. Any of the following behaviour could indicate that a cat is suffering from stress:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Much more time spent awake\/alert than time spent asleep\/resting
\n\u2022 Lack of play, a disinterest in exploration or a desire to hide regularly
\n\u2022 Self-scratching, a lack of grooming\/excessive cleaning or excessive clawing
\n\u2022 Toileting outside the litter box, scent-marking or spraying
\n\u2022 Lack of appetite\/decreased water and food intake
\n\u2022 Chronic vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
\n\u2022 Guarding, hypervigilant, fearful or aggressive behaviour towards owner(s) or other pets
\n\u2022 Crouching with lowered tail or moving with a low gait<\/p>\n
Pets, like the rest of us, handle change best if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar routine. A predictable routine allows animals to feel safe, and to develop a sense of mastery in handling themselves in a human environment.<\/p>\n
So, what are some of the easy solutions you might not have considered?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 Feeding<\/span><\/strong>: \u2022 Enrichment<\/span><\/strong>:![\"bramble_looking_up_with_sealed_pet_bowl\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Bramble_Looking_Up_With_Sealed_Pet_Bowl-690x460.jpg\")
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\n–\u00a0Ensure that food is made available at regular times, but don\u2019t stipulate \u201cmeal times\u201d. In the wild, cats like to graze and take their time with food. Consider investing in a Sealed Pet Bowl to ensure they can eat at their leisure without the food going stale.
\n–\u00a0Keep their food bowl and litter tray in different areas, as no animal wants to eat where it poops. Once you establish separate areas, clean them regularly.
\n–\u00a0If you have issues with your pets bullying each other over food, then make sure that each cat has their own food bowl. Consider giving each cat a Microchip Pet Feeder to keep their food separate \u2013 and to ensure that only the authorised animal will eat from its bowl (this is especially helpful if your furry friend is on a prescription diet).<\/p>\n
\n–\u00a0Regularly show your cat affection through petting, stroking and play. Try to set aside 15 minutes per day for this \u2013 and for the times when you\u2019re not around, give them access to plenty of toys.
\n–\u00a0You may love minimalist d\u00e9cor, but your cat might not. Reserve some space for scratching posts and climbing frames – as cats will enjoy being able to survey their domain from different angles and vantage points. It will also appeal to their genetic predisposition to climb, hide, and sharpen their claws.<\/p>\n
![\"dumbledore_sureflap_dualscan_microchip_cat_flap\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Dumbledore_SureFlap_DualScan_Microchip_Cat_Flap-690x263.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"sureflap-rgb\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/SureFlap-RGB-690x110.jpg\")
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