Common behavioral problems reported by owners of indoor cats include aggression, attention seeking, over grooming, and urinary problems (such as inappropriate urination). Indoor living situations and easy access to food can also lead to boredom and frustration due to the lack of stimulation, resulting in behavioral problems. Acquiring food takes no effort and they often eat more calories than they burn, which can lead to medical issues such as obesity, diabetes, and joint problems. In contrast, house cats often have free access to as much food as they want straight from a bowl. In the wild, cats work for their food several times a day by hunting and only about half of their hunts are successful. Their closest wild ancestor, the African wildcat, gives us an idea of the behavioral needs of our feline friends. But many owners are rightfully concerned about their cat’s mental health when they are kept inside, unable to express their natural behaviors. Cat owners are advised to keep their cats indoors for a variety of reasons including safety, health, and to avoid wildlife predation. As she learns to use the puzzle, adjust the proportions, giving her more to work for until she can get an entire meal from the toy.Cats are the most commonly kept pet in the in the United States. Serve the rest in her regular bowl she's comfortable with. When you begin training, only put a small portion of your cat's meal in the feeder. If one type of toy isn't working out for your cat, don't give up. Knowing the types of cat toys your kitty naturally gravitates toward will help. Some cats love to scoop up food with their paw, but others will prefer kicking a ball around. "You also need to pay attention to the type of manipulation required to access the food because your cat may have a preference," Johnson-Bennett says. If she's still having trouble getting started, help her learn by playing with the toy yourself and moving its parts around. In the beginning stages of training, place dry food near the toy to help your cat understand there's food inside. "Start with something basic to make sure your cat understands and enjoys the process," she says. When you first begin introducing your cat to puzzle feeders, Johnson-Bennett recommends starting simple. How to Introduce Your Cat to Puzzle Feeders And with high-activity puzzle feeders, they'll also get some much-needed exercise. Johnson-Bennett says because the puzzles encourage activity and stimulation while eating, cats on diets feel like they're eating more food when it comes from a puzzle. And who can say no to more fun?īesides their mental benefits, puzzle feeders can also help chunkier kitties lose weight. "This can provide enrichment for a cat who is bored, lonely, or simply needs more fun in life," Johnson-Bennett says. These interactive toys engage your cat through mentally (and often physically) stimulating challenges and rewards them using food and treats as positive reinforcement. Introducing puzzle feeders is a simple way to replicate your kitty's natural instincts at home. "The puzzle feeder lets the cat use both of those skills and provides the food reward for a job well done." "Cats are hunters who must use physical manipulation and mental skill in order to capture prey," says Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, author and owner of Cat Behavior Associates and member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board.
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