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Rehome a Cat

Behavior & Enrichment

Enrichment

Cats are intelligent, active predators with strong instincts to stalk, chase, climb, observe, and explore. When these natural behaviors are expressed daily, cats are more likely to remain physically healthy and emotionally balanced.

Enrichment is not a luxury; it is a biological need. Without adequate stimulation, chronic stress can develop and contribute to medical concerns such as sterile cystitis and obesity, as well as behavioral issues, including inappropriate elimination, aggression, and overgrooming.

Interactive Play & Hunting

A cat’s brain is wired for the hunt cycle: stalk → chase → pounce → “catch” → eat → groom → sleep.
Effective enrichment aims to complete this sequence whenever possible.

  • Mimic a cat’s natural prey movement by moving a wand toy along the floor, behind furniture, and around corners. Allow your cat to successfully “catch” the toy before ending the session.
  • Offer new high-value treats like small pieces of plain cooked chicken, freeze-dried meat treats, sardines packed in water, or a high-protein commercial treat after play to complete the hunt cycle.
  • Use food-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders to encourage problem-solving and foraging behavior.
  • Play hide-and-seek by placing small portions of dry food or treats around the house to simulate hunting.
  • Use robotic, motion-based toys (such as Hexbug-style robotic insects) to stimulate chase behavior, especially when interactive play is not possible.

Social Enrichment

Some cats benefit from companionship. While not all cats prefer to share space, many enjoy play, mutual grooming, or simply the presence of another compatible cat.

  • Well-matched feline companions can provide appropriate play and mental stimulation that humans cannot fully replicate.
  • Kittens and young cats, in particular, often benefit from growing up with a similarly aged playmate.
  • Personality matching, adequate space, sufficient resources, and gradual introductions are essential for success.
  • A second cat should enhance enrichment, not create competition. Ensure the environment can comfortably support more than one cat.

Vertical Space & Movement

  • Provide cat trees, vertical shelving, and stable perches.
  • Arrange furniture to allow room-to-room movement and climbing pathways.
  • Offer cardboard boxes, tunnels, and paper grocery bags with handles removed for safe exploration.
  • Provide scratching surfaces in multiple textures such as sisal, cardboard, and bare wood.

Safe Outdoor Viewing

  • Install a secure catio or enclosed outdoor run to provide full sensory enrichment; fresh air, natural light, wildlife sounds, and environmental change—while keeping your cat safe.
  • Install window perches facing safe outdoor views.
  • Allow fresh air through secure screened windows when possible.
  • Use wildlife videos designed for cats (“cat TV”) for additional visual stimulation.

Scent & Texture Enrichment

  • Offer dried silvervine, catnip, valerian root, or fresh cat grass in small amounts.
  • Bring in safe, pesticide-free natural items such as untreated sticks, bark, or leaves for supervised exploration. Confirm that plant materials are non-toxic and free of chemicals before offering.
  • Avoid essential oil diffusers, room sprays, candles, plug-in fragrances, potpourri, and other strong artificial scents, which can overwhelm a cat’s sensitive respiratory system.

Ongoing Variety

Enrichment loses value when it becomes predictable. Rotate toys weekly, introduce novelty gradually, and change the location of resting spots or scratching surfaces to maintain interest.

Indoor cats can live long, healthy, fulfilled lives when their environment supports their natural instincts. Enrichment should be varied, interactive, and ongoing.


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Multi-Cat Homes

Multi-cat homes can be peaceful and enriching, but they require intentional setup. Cats are socially flexible, not socially dependent. Providing choice, space, and access to resources is essential for reducing tension and preventing competition.

Cats Need Personal Space

In multi-cat homes, peace depends on choice. Cats tolerate shared space far better when they are not forced to share essential resources.

  • Provide separate sleeping and resting areas.
  • Offer individual food and water stations, placed in different locations if needed.
  • Provide one uncovered litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place boxes in separate areas, not side-by-side, and include at least one on each level of a multi-story home.
  • Offer multiple scratching surfaces with different textures (sisal, cardboard, wood, carpet).
  • Schedule interactive play sessions for each cat. If group play creates tension, play separately.

All cats should have access to preferred resting spots, windows, and resources. They may choose to share, but the environment should never require it.

Go Vertical

Adding vertical space increases usable territory without increasing square footage. Climbing and perching are natural feline behaviors that reduce social pressure.

  • Install cat trees or multi-level towers.
  • Add sturdy wall shelving designed for climbing.
  • Use cleared bookcase shelves or stable furniture to create safe perches.
  • Provide multiple elevated resting spots in different areas of the home.

Vertical territory allows cats to share proximity while maintaining social order. Two cats who may not share a single window ledge comfortably can often coexist when multiple elevated options are available.

Environmental Support

Consider using synthetic feline pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway®) throughout the home during the introduction process. These products mimic natural calming facial pheromones and may help some cats feel more secure during periods of change.

If tension or aggression continues despite environmental changes, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes and discuss additional behavioral support. For more information, see Aggression Between Cats.


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Shy Cats

Some cats are naturally cautious. Shyness may stem from limited early socialization, genetics, life experiences, or simply personality. While some cats adjust within days, others may take weeks or even months to feel fully secure.

The goal is not to “fix” a shy cat, but to build trust through predictability, patience, and a calm environment.

Setting Up for Success

  • Start your shy cat in a base camp. Use a quiet, enclosed room rather than giving access to the entire home. Provide a litter box, food and water, a cozy hiding spot, scratching surface, toys, and something that smells like you.
  • Keep the environment calm. Loud noises, sudden movements, and heavy activity can slow progress. Shy cats are often highly noise-sensitive.
  • Limit traffic. Have family members visit one at a time. Move slowly, speak softly, and allow the cat to approach on their own terms.
  • Never force interaction. Picking up, holding, or cornering a fearful cat increases stress and delays trust-building. Instead, sit at their level and allow proximity without pressure.
  • Use play and food to build positive associations. Interactive toys or high-value treats can help create safe, rewarding experiences.
  • Allow gradual exploration. When your cat begins exploring confidently, open access to additional rooms slowly. Always ensure they can retreat to their safe space.

Managing Other Pets

If other pets are in the home, prevent them from lingering outside the shy cat’s room during the initial adjustment period. Even if unseen, their scent and presence can increase anxiety. Follow a structured, gradual introduction process once your new cat appears settled.

Environmental Support

Consider using synthetic feline pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway®) throughout the home. These products mimic natural calming facial pheromones and may help some cats feel more secure during periods of change.

Progress may be subtle at first; eating consistently, using the litter box reliably, or relaxing posture are all positive signs. Move at your cat’s pace. You can never go too slowly when building trust.

 


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Aggression Between Cats

Cats are socially flexible. Some enjoy close companionship, while others prefer more space and independence. Even cats that generally get along may experience periods of tension, especially during transitions, routine changes, or introductions.

Many behaviors that look concerning, such as staring, blocking pathways, swatting, urine marking, or chasing, are ways cats manage social space and reduce stress. Conflict usually develops when a cat feels threatened, overstimulated, in pain, or in competition for resources.

How Aggression Can Look

  • Staring, stiff posture, tail flicking
  • Blocking access to hallways, food, or litter boxes
  • Guarding resting spots
  • Hissing, growling, or swatting
  • Chasing or physical fighting
  • Urine marking or eliminating outside the litter box

Common Reasons Conflict Happens

  • Resource competition: not enough litter boxes, food stations, resting spots, or vertical space, or resources placed too close together
  • Fear or overstimulation: unfamiliar stimuli, too much handling, or environmental stress.
  • Redirected frustration: reacting to something outside (such as another animal) and redirecting toward a housemate.
  • Pain or illness: medical discomfort can change behavior quickly.
  • Routine or scent changes: new pets, visitors, moving furniture, or schedule shifts.

Reducing Tension

Most multi-cat tension improves when competition is reduced and each cat has control over their environment.

  • Provide at least one of each resource per cat, plus one extra. This includes uncovered litter boxes, food and water stations, resting areas, high perches, hiding spots, and scratching surfaces.
  • Place identical resources in different locations. Two litter boxes side by side count as one location.
  • Create vertical escape routes using cat trees, shelving, or furniture.
  • Offer daily interactive play to redirect energy.
  • Use puzzle feeders or treat-based “hunting” games to reduce boredom.
  • Consider synthetic feline pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway®) to support emotional stability.

Building Positive Associations

If cats are tense but not actively fighting, help them associate each other’s presence with good things.

  • Engage in parallel play with separate toys at a comfortable distance.
  • Offer small, high-value treats while both cats remain calm.
  • Keep sessions brief and structured.
  • Always allow escape routes.
  • End sessions while both cats are relaxed.

If tension escalates (fixed staring, crouching, growling, tail lashing), calmly separate and allow decompression time.

When to Seek Help

If aggression is persistent, escalating, or causing injury, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes. Pain, thyroid disease, urinary issues, and other conditions can significantly alter behavior.

Conflict between cats is common and often manageable with environmental adjustments and patience. Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes. For more information, see Multi-Cat Homes.

 


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Training Your Cat to Scratch What You Want

Scratching is a normal and necessary feline behavior. Cats scratch to remove the outer nail sheath, stretch their bodies, mark territory visually and with scent, and regulate emotion. Cats do not scratch furniture or other items out of spite or misbehavior.

The goal is not to stop scratching. The goal is to redirect it.

Step 1: Observe Your Cat

Before making changes, watch how and where your cat scratches.

  • Does your cat scratch on vertical or horizontal surfaces?
  • Does your cat scratch on soft fabric, carpet, sisal, cardboard, or wood?
  • Does your cat scratch after naps, during play, or when greeting you?

Scratching preferences provide the blueprint for your solution.

Step 2: Provide Appealing Scratching Options

A successful scratching surface should be:

  • Stable and sturdy
  • Tall enough for a full-body stretch (at least 3 feet for vertical posts)
  • Made of a texture your cat prefers

Many cats benefit from having multiple options, such as:

  • Vertical sisal posts
  • Horizontal cardboard scratchers
  • Carpet remnants securely attached to a board
  • Untreated natural wood

Encourage use with play, praise, or a light sprinkle of catnip. Reinforce the behavior you want to see.

Step 3: Placement Matters

Place scratching surfaces where your cat already wants to scratch:

  • Near sleeping areas for post-nap stretches
  • Near entryways for greeting rituals
  • Next to previously scratched furniture

If a cat is using furniture, place the approved scratching surface directly beside it. Once the new surface is used consistently, you may gradually reposition it.

Step 4: Make Unwanted Areas Less Appealing

Rather than punishing your cat, make inappropriate surfaces less desirable.

  • Apply sheets of double-sided tape
  • Use plastic scat mats or plastic carpet runners with the textured spikes facing up
  • Add temporary barriers to block access

Avoid yelling, spraying, or startling. Cats do not connect those responses to their behavior. Instead, they may begin to associate you with fear and they do not teach what to do instead.

Support Emotional Needs

Cats may scratch more when bored or stressed. Ensure your cat has:

  • Daily interactive play sessions
  • Predictable routines
  • Safe vertical spaces
  • Enough resources in multi-cat homes

When cats feel secure and appropriately stimulated, unwanted scratching often decreases.

Key Takeaway

Scratching is essential behavior, not defiance. Provide attractive alternatives, place them strategically, and reinforce their use. Consistency and environment, not punishment, create success.


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Preventing Litter Box Problems

Litter box setup plays a major role in preventing elimination problems. Most issues can be avoided with proper placement, cleanliness, and thoughtful setup.

Location Matters

Choose a location that offers privacy while remaining easily accessible.

  • Avoid placing litter boxes next to noisy appliances such as furnaces or washing machines.
  • Do not place litter boxes near food and water bowls.
  • Ensure kittens and senior cats can reach the box easily without stairs or obstacles.
  • If placed in a closet or bathroom, wedge the door open to prevent trapping your cat inside or locking them out.

If you have multiple levels in your home, place at least one litter box on each level.

How Many Boxes?

The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

In multi-cat homes, distribute boxes in different areas so one cat cannot block another’s access. Do not place litter boxes side-by-side.

What Size Boxes?

The litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of your cat (from nose to base of tail).

Cats need enough room to turn around comfortably, dig, and fully position themselves without stepping in soiled areas. Many commercially sold litter boxes are too small, especially for larger adult cats.

For some households, large storage totes (with an entry cut into the side if needed) provide a more appropriate size option than standard litter pans.

Covered vs. Uncovered

Many cats prefer open litter boxes.

  • Covered boxes trap odors and may require more frequent cleaning.
  • Large cats may not have enough room to turn comfortably.
  • Covered boxes can create ambush opportunities in multi-cat households.
  • Cats may avoid dark, enclosed spaces.

If unsure, offer both options and observe your cat’s preference.

Keep It Clean

Scoop daily. Replace litter regularly based on type and household use.

Wash the box with mild, unscented dish soap when fully changing litter. Avoid ammonia-based or strongly scented cleaners, as these can deter use and may be irritating.

Litter Depth

Most cats prefer approximately 1–2 inches of litter. Excess depth does not replace regular scooping and may discourage use.

Scented vs. Unscented

Use unscented litter. Added fragrances irritate a cat’s sensitive respiratory systems and discourage use.

Litter Type

Most cats prefer soft, fine-textured clumping litter (clay, corn, wheat, or walnut-based). Pellet or crystal litters may be uncomfortable for some cats.

If Problems Develop

If your cat begins eliminating outside the litter box, schedule a veterinary exam first. Many medical conditions can cause changes in litter box behavior.

If medical causes are ruled out, behavior modification may be needed. Punishment is not effective and can worsen the issue.

Key Takeaway

Clean, accessible, unscented, and appropriately located litter boxes prevent most problems. When in doubt, provide more boxes and keep them simple.

 


Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Teaching Your Cat to Play Nicely

Play is a natural hunting behavior for cats of all ages. Younger cats may play more frequently and with higher intensity, but adult cats can also grab, pounce, and nip during play. The goal is not to stop play, but to guide it so it stays safe and appropriate.

Set Clear Play Rules

  • Don’t wiggle fingers or toes to entice play. This teaches your cat that body parts are fair game.
  • Use a toy every time you play. Wand or fishing-pole toys are best because they keep your hands away from teeth and claws. Move it like real prey with small, quick motions, pauses, and short bursts away to trigger stalking and pouncing. Let your cat “catch” the toy at the end so they can grab, bite, and bunny-kick. Stopping without a catch can leave them frustrated and more likely to play rough. For high-energy cats, offer a small meal or treat after play to mimic the natural hunt, eat, groom, sleep cycle and help them settle.
  • Offer variety. Keep toys in multiple rooms, such as rattle balls, plastic springs, and stuffed “kicker” toys for grabbing, biting, and bunny-kicking.

Consistency matters. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules.

Discouraging Rough Play

If your cat bites hands or feet, grabs at items in your hand, or chases ankles:

  • Say “no” in a firm but calm voice.
  • Immediately withdraw attention. Remove your hands or leave the room briefly and close the door. When rough play starts, the fun ends.
  • After a short break, re-engage with an appropriate toy.
  • Avoid yelling, tapping, flicking, or hitting. Cats do not connect those responses to their behavior. Instead, they may begin to associate you with fear, and rough behavior can escalate.
  • Do not offer a toy while your cat is actively biting, scratching, or grabbing. Wait for a pause so the toy does not feel like a reward for rough play.

Schedule Playtime

Your cat wants to play with you, not just toys. Plan three to four short, structured play sessions each day. Younger cats may need more frequent sessions. When you consistently initiate play, your cat is less likely to create their own inappropriate interactions.

Key Takeaway

Play is a healthy and important behavior. With clear boundaries, appropriate outlets, and consistent responses, your cat will learn how to play safely.


Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.