What do cats need to feel comfortable?

Loving cat parents

Content

A cat is about to move in. Questions you should ask yourself in advance:

  • Is there enough time and responsibility in the long term?
  • Does a cat fit into the family situation?
  • Is there enough space?
  • Can the costs be covered even if the cat gets sick?

Before a cat moves into your home, it’s worth reflecting honestly: Am I ready for a pet with its own needs? The decision to take in a cat should be well-considered – because it means responsibility for many years to come.

Enough Time and Responsibility

Cats are often considered low-maintenance, but they need daily attention, activity, and care. Anyone who wants to get a cat should check whether there is permanently enough time for a cat – even with professional stress, family obligations or on vacation. Especially indoor cats are dependent on human company and quickly get bored when left alone.

Does a Cat Fit the Life Situation?

Not every way of life is automatically suitable for cats. Do you have small children, other pets, or frequently changing daily routines? Then you should check whether a cat fits into the family situation. Cats need stable routines, retreats and a quiet environment.

Is there Enough Space?

Even though cats are considered compact pets, they need space to explore, climb and retreat. A cat’s space requirements include more than just a corner with a food bowl. A cat-friendly home offers opportunities for exercise, vantage points and retreats.

Can the Costs be Covered?

The costs for a cat go beyond food and litter. Vaccinations, deworming, neutering and vet visits are part of basic care. In the event of illness, high sums can quickly arise. Anyone who wants a cat should also factor in unexpected vet costs – e.g. through a reserve or pet health insurance.

Pet health insurance for dogs and cats

Pet health insurance is increasingly an important part of healthcare for pets. It can relieve pet owners financially and ensure that veterinary care is guaranteed in the event of illness and does not have to be restricted for cost reasons or even completely omitted.

There are three insurance models.

Full insurance (pet health insurance)

  • Usually covers outpatient and inpatient treatments as well as operations.
  • Usually also includes diagnostic measures (laboratory, imaging).
  • In some cases, preventive services (vaccinations, deworming) are also included.
  • Some policies also include a share for alternative healing methods (e.g. physiotherapy, homeopathy).

OP insurance (surgery cost insurance)

  • Only covers surgical procedures under anesthesia as well as the associated costs (anesthesia, preliminary examination, aftercare, hospital stay).
  • Significantly cheaper than full insurance.
  • No reimbursement for conservative treatments (e.g. allergies, chronic diseases, medication).

Accident insurance

  • Offered less frequently.
  • Exclusively covers accident-related treatments, mostly without routine or illness benefits.

Benefit level and fee schedule (GOT)

  • The reimbursement is based on the GOT (fee schedule for veterinarians).
  • Many insurance companies reimburse up to twice the rate, more expensive tariffs even up to four times the rate (e.g. in emergencies, special treatments).
  • Attention: An increased GOT rate (2–4 times) is regularly charged for night, weekend or emergency services – not all policies cover this.

Benefit limits and deductible

  • Some insurers set annual maximum amounts (e.g. €3,000–10,000)
  • Deductible usually 0–20%; often mandatory for older animals.
  • For chronic diseases (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes), the benefit period varies significantly between providers.

Waiting periods and exclusions

  • Waiting period: Usually 30 days for illnesses, 3–6 months for operations.
  • Exclusions:
    • Pre-existing conditions (no subsequent insurance possible)
    • Certain breeds or genetically predisposed diseases
    • Prophylaxis (except for tariffs with a prevention module)
    • Pregnancy, birth, neutering (if not medically indicated)

Cost examples (as of 2025, variable depending on provider and animal)

AnimalOP insuranceFull insurance
Dog (1 year)€10–25/month€30–90/month
Cat (1 year)€7–20/month€20–60/month
Horse (OP)€20–60/month>€100/month (rarely available)

Initial equipment and structure

A cat-friendly apartment is more than just a scratching post in the living room. In order for a cat to feel safe, comfortable and balanced, all important resources must be distributed sensibly and stress-free in the living space. These include:

  • Feeding place
  • Watering place
  • Litter box
  • Scratching possibilities
  • Play zones and
  • Resting places

If these are arranged incorrectly, this can have significant consequences for the cat’s health and behavior.

The Right Feeding Place for Cats

The feeding place should be in a quiet, easily accessible place – away from busy areas such as the hallway or entrance. Cats don’t like to eat under observation or be constantly disturbed.

Tips:

  • No placement near the litter box or water
  • If possible, raised bowls to eat comfortably
  • For several cats: separate feeding places, ideally out of sight

Why is this important? An unsuitable feeding place leads to refusal to eat, food theft by dominant animals or hectic eating under stress.

Drinking Places – Water away from Food

In the wild, cats do not drink directly where they eat. These instincts are also retained in indoor cats. Therefore, the watering place should always be a few meters away from the feeding place.

Recommendations

  • Several water bowls or a drinking fountain in different rooms
  • Prefer materials such as glass, ceramic or stainless steel
  • Provide fresh, still water daily

Why important? If the water is too close to the food, many cats drink too little – with possible consequences such as urinary stones, kidney damage or urinary tract diseases.

The Litter Box – Location Decides

A clean, easily accessible litter box is a must for every cat. It should not be near food or sleeping places and must be easily accessible and quietly located.

Basic rules

  • Rule of thumb: Number of cats + 1 = Number of toilets
  • If possible, set up in different rooms
  • Do not place in dead ends – escape route must be possible

Why is this important? Incorrectly placed or too few toilets often lead to:

  • Uncleanliness
  • Urinary retention
  • Protest behavior or
  • Avoidance behavior

Place Scratching Possibilities Sensibly

Cats scratch to mark their territory, for claw care and out of well-being. A scratching post in the storage room is usually ignored. The scratching possibility should be in the main living areas – where the cat wants to influence its environment.

Practical tips:

  • Large scratching posts in living areas, smaller scratching mats in the hallway, bedroom or next to lying places
  • Scratching posts at the window seat or near the door
  • Offer different materials such as sisal, cardboard or carpet

Why is this important? Without suitable scratching offers, cats choose alternative places such as sofa, carpet or door frames – a sign of misguided needs.

Create Play and Activity Zones

Playing is not a nice addition, but a real need. Especially indoor cats need daily mental and physical activity. This means: playable zones in the apartment, not just a toy mouse in the basket.

Here’s how:

  • Regularly vary hiding places, boxes, tunnels or climbing elements
  • Offer hunting games with fishing rod or mouse simulator several times a day
  • Integrate food toys such as intelligence boards

Why is this important? If the play incentive is missing, cats can be bored, frustrated or behave overexcited – which often manifests itself in nocturnal activity, destructiveness or aggressiveness.

Resting and Sleeping Places – Retreats with System

Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day. A suitable sleeping place for cats is elevated, quiet, not drafty and offers an overview. Cats need several resting places between which they can change depending on their mood.

Optimal are:

  • Cuddly basket at the window
  • Blanket on the shelf
  • Cuddly cave in the living room
  • Hiding place under the sofa or in the closet

Why is this important? Without a retreat, cats react irritably, anxiously or show withdrawal behavior up to isolation.

What Happens with Unfavorable Resource Management?

Missing or incorrectly placed resources often lead to:

  • Uncleanliness (urinating/feces outside the litter box)
  • Aggressiveness towards people or conspecifics
  • Refusal to eat or food envy
  • Increased marking behavior
  • Excessive vocalizations or withdrawal
  • Diseases due to stress or lack of fluid intake

These symptoms are often misinterpreted, but the cause is usually an environment that is not designed for cats.

Conclusions: Cat Keeping Begins with Structure

A well-thought-out organization of feeding place, watering place, toilet, scratching and resting places forms the foundation for species-appropriate keeping. Especially in multi-cat households, the right resource management decides about harmony or conflict.

A cat-friendly apartment does not mean that everything has to be full of toys – but that every important resource is strategically placed and allows the cat to live out its needs freely, safely and stress-free.

Retreats for rest and sleep

Cats are among the most sensitive pets of all. Although they often seem independent, they need an environment that offers them security, peace and control. Especially indoor cats are completely dependent on the provided environment. One of the most important aspects for well-being is therefore a well-structured, cat-friendly living space with sufficient retreats, hiding places and sleeping places.

Why Do Cats Need Retreats?

In the wild, cats spend a large part of the day in protected places. They doze, observe their surroundings or hide in case of uncertainty. This basic need for retreat is deeply rooted in the cat’s behavior. A safe retreat allows it to reduce stress, calm down or withdraw in threatening situations – such as loud noises, visits or tensions with other animals in the household.

Cats without sufficient retreat options are more likely to show stress symptoms, irritability or behavioral problems. If they are not offered a safe place, they often react with restlessness or aggressiveness or develop uncleanliness as an expression of overstrain.

Which Retreats Do Cats Prefer?

Cats like places where they feel protected but not isolated. Particularly popular are:

  • Elevated sleeping places, e.g. on shelves, cabinets or special lying surfaces
  • Cuddly caves, boxes or fabric boxes with a side entrance
  • Hiding places under the bed, sofa or in closets
  • Viewpoints at the window, combined with heat sources

These hiding places should be freely accessible to the cat at all times – even at night or when the owners are absent.

How Can You Set up a Cat-Friendly Apartment?

A cat-friendly apartment offers not only scratching posts and toys, but also zones for retreat, observation and relaxation. Important here:

  • Create several retreats in different rooms – e.g. a basket in the bedroom, a cave in the living room, a cuddly blanket in the study
  • Enable retreat on several levels: elevated places offer security and overview
  • Do not place hiding places in passageways or next to loud devices, e.g. washing machine
  • For sensitive cats: prefer quiet places with little light or noise

This creates an environment in which your cat can feel safe, unobserved and secure.

What should be Considered with Several Cats in the Household?

In multi-cat keeping, retreat is even more important: cats are not pack animals. Even if they get along, they need personal retreat areas. If these are missing, tensions quickly arise:

  • One cat blocks paths or favorite places
  • The other no longer dares to go to the sleeping place or to the toilet
  • Aggressive behavior or uncleanliness are common consequences

Solution: Each cat should have its own retreats and resting place available – preferably each in separate, non-visible places. Avoid that all cats have to use the same places, especially at feeding places, sleeping places and toilets.

Possible Consequences of Missing Resting Places

If the need for retreat is ignored, this often has negative effects on the behavior and health of the cat. Frequently observed problems:t

  • Uncleanliness (urinating or feces outside the litter box)
  • Excessive skin and coat care or scratching (as a sign of inner tension)
  • Aggressiveness towards people or other animals
  • Nervousness, constant hiding or refusal of social contact
  • Loss of appetite or excessive eating
  • Increased meowing or nocturnal restlessness

These signs indicate a stressed cat – often caused by a lack of safe, own retreats.

How to Create Peace and Security – Practical Tips

To meet the need for retreat and security, the following measures can help:

  • Offer at least two to three retreats per cat
  • Use boxes with blankets, pet caves, furniture caves or tunnels
  • Position sleeping places elevated, but with a view of the room (control!)
  • Leave familiar blankets and lying places unchanged for as long as possible
  • Combine retreats with scent-neutral or familiar smells
  • Use synthetic pheromones if necessary to promote calm
  • For older cats or animals with limitations, retreats should be easily accessible and well padded.

Conclusion: Retreats are not an Option – They are a Must

Whether sleeping place cat, hiding possibility or retreat: These areas are essential for species-appropriate cat keeping. Anyone who does not provide their cat with its own space risks not only behavioral problems, but also health impairments.

A cat-friendly home offers space for observing, relaxing, and resting – free from competition, noise, and coercion. Especially with multiple cats in the household, the design of the living space determines harmonious coexistence.

Give your cat security through structure – she will thank you with trust, balance, and health.

Species-appropriate activity for cats: Why it is important and how to implement it

Cats are often considered independent loners who need little interaction. However, this myth leads to many households under-stimulating, boring, or even causing cats to develop behavioral problems. Especially purely indoor cats, but also outdoor cats on rainy days, rely on species-appropriate activity to be physically and mentally stimulated. This article highlights why activity is essential for cats, what forms are useful, and how you can bring a lot of variety into your cat’s everyday life with little effort.

Why is Activity so Important for Cats?

In the wild, cats are solitary hunters with a pronounced exploratory and hunting instinct. They roam territories, hunt prey, observe from a safe distance, and climb on high structures. In the home, however, the territory is severely limited, and natural stimuli are lacking. Without meaningful activity, under-stimulation, boredom, and stress threaten. The consequences can manifest in the form of

  • Overweight
  • Uncleanliness
  • excessive grooming
  • aggressive behavior
  • anxious or apathetic behavior
  • Nocturnal activity
  • Destructive urge

Studies show that cats with behavioral changes are often living in low-stimulus or under-stimulated environments (Heidenberger, 1997).

What Does “Species-Appropriate” Mean when it Comes to Cat Activity?

In this context, species-appropriate means: The activity is based on the natural behaviors of the cat. These include:

  • Prey catching behavior (hunting, stalking, jumping)
  • cognitive tasks (problem-solving, searching)
  • Scratching (territory marking, claw care)
  • Exploratory behavior
  • Social interaction (with humans or other cats)

Activity should therefore not only be a distraction, but also specifically serve behavioral needs.

Forms of Species-Appropriate Activity

  1. Hunting replacement game with a cat rod

Playing with a cat rod is one of the most effective forms of activity. The movement of the prey should be irregular, realistic, and captivating: crawling, trembling, flying. Let the cat “hunt” until it has success, i.e., is allowed to catch the prey. Ideally, there should be 2–3 short hunting sessions daily (5–15 minutes each).

  1. Clicker training and trick training

Cats are intelligent and willing to learn. With the help of clicker training, not only tricks (“sit”, “give paw”) can be developed, but also medically useful commands (“enter transport box”). The training promotes concentration, builds trust, and provides mental stimulation.

  1. Food games and intelligence toys

Puzzle boards, food balls, or homemade cardboard boxes with treats provide fun and cognitive challenge. Instead of simply putting the food in the bowl, the cat is activated to “work for” its food – as in nature.

  1. Scratching and climbing opportunities

Scratching is a need for cats. Scratching posts, mats, and cardboard should be available in different rooms. Combined with climbing opportunities (e.g., wall shelves, shelves), they support the need for movement.

  1. Sniffing games and search tasks

Cats have an excellent sense of smell. Hide treats in paper balls, small boxes, or on sisal carpets. Such “snuffle rugs” keep the head and nose busy.

  1. Observation posts and environmental stimuli

Window seats with a view of birds, people, or street traffic offer visual stimuli. Videos for cats, movements on the television, or interactive tablets can also provide variety.

  1. Shared playtime and bonding

Many cats enjoy interacting with their humans. Playing together, petting at the right time, and rituals create structure. Cats appreciate daily rhythms and predictable affection.

What should be Considered when it Comes to Activity?

  • Activity should always be voluntary – never forced.
  • Change methods and materials to avoid boredom.
  • Observe what kind of play your cat prefers (e.g., prey near the ground or air movements).
  • Let the cat have success (catching, reward).
  • Respect rest periods and do not overtax.

Special Notes for Certain Cats

  • Older cats: prefer quieter games, slow movements, soft materials
  • Young cats: need frequent, short play phases with action
  • Anxious cats: benefit from sniffing games and a quiet environment
  • Multi-cat households: Each cat needs its own playtime and zones

Conclusions: to a Healthy Cat with Species-Appropriate Activity

Species-appropriate activity not only promotes physical fitness, but also the mental stability of your cat. Especially for indoor cats, it is indispensable for a long, balanced life. A few minutes a day are enough to achieve a great effect – and at the same time strengthen the bond between cat and human.

We love cats – cats love people

Cats have become indispensable in many households. Whether as loyal companions, independent personalities, or quiet roommates – the relationship between humans and cats is special. While dogs were previously considered “man’s best friend”, modern studies and observations show that cats can also build close bonds with their humans – in their own way. But what makes this connection so unique? And how can we make living together species-appropriate, loving, and respectful?

Cats are Independent – but by No Means Distant

Cats are often considered unapproachable, independent, and not very affectionate – a myth that has long been scientifically disproven. Studies show that cats can build strong social bonds with people and specifically seek their proximity (Vitale et al., 2019). However, communication is different than with dogs: cats do not “demand” attention, but offer it when they feel safe.

Exemplary signs of affection:

  • gentle purring and kneading
  • quietly lying near the human
  • eye contact with slow blinking
  • gentle head butting
  • playing together

These gestures often seem subtle to outsiders, but for cat connoisseurs they are an expression of deep trust. Cats love people when you speak their language and respect their needs.

How Cats Choose Their Humans

Cats often develop a particularly close relationship with a specific person in the household – often the one who respects their space, feeds them regularly, behaves calmly, or maintains shared rituals. Studies show that cats pay more attention to gestures, tone of voice, and body language than to verbal commands (Turner, 2000).

Important aspects for bonding:

  • Patient handling when making contact
  • Calm body language
  • Reliability in daily routine
  • Positive reinforcement through treats, petting, or play

Bonding does not arise through control, but through trust. Therefore, non-violent, cat-oriented education is essential for harmonious coexistence.

What Cats Need from Us – and What They Give Us

Cats place certain demands on their environment and on people. These include:

  • Retreats and safe sleeping places
  • Sufficient resources (food, water, toilet, scratching opportunities)
  • Rituals and predictability
  • Mental and physical activity
  • Affection – but only when the cat wants it

When these needs are met, cats “give” a lot back: closeness, relaxation, emotional support. Many cat owners report that their cat intuitively notices when they are feeling bad – and then behaves particularly cuddly.

Cats offer emotional closeness on a voluntary basis – that’s what makes them so valuable.

Why the Human-Cat Relationship is Good for Health

Several studies prove: Living with a cat can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Reasons for this include:

  • Stress reduction through purring and physical contact
  • Regularity through feeding and care routines
  • Mindfulness and deceleration in everyday life
  • Feeling of responsibility and connectedness

The purring of the cat is at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz – a range that has been proven to have a calming and even healing effect (Hart & Hart, 2013).

Cats are not therapists – but they promote our well-being through their mere existence.

Misunderstandings in the Human-Cat Relationship

As loving as the relationship may be – there are frequent misunderstandings that can lead to frustration on both sides. These include:

  • Forced cuddling or lifting against the will of the cat
  • Too few retreats
  • Changed routines, such as during moves or guest visits
  • Punishment for unwanted behavior

Cats usually communicate their needs quietly. If this is not recognized or ignored, behavioral problems such as Uncleanliness, withdrawal, or aggression can arise. The key lies in mindful observation and respect for the individual nature of the cat.

How We Can Strengthen the Bond with our Cat

The good news: Bonding can be built, maintained, and deepened. Here are some proven strategies:

  • Daily playtimes with hunting replacement (e.g., play rod)
  • Rituals such as fixed feeding times or morning “greeting ritual”
  • Quiet, respectful address
  • Treats as a positive reinforcer
  • Enable proximity, but do not force it

It is particularly important to leave the cat in control of proximity and distance. Those who respect this will be rewarded with a deep, voluntary bond.

Cat Love in Everyday Life: Small Gestures, Big Impact

Everyday life also shows how much we love cats – and cats love us:

  • A place on the sofa remains free because the cat is sleeping there.
  • The window remains open so that the house cat can sniff fresh air.
  • The vacation destination is chosen so that the cat is well cared for.
  • Veterinary costs are not questioned when the cat needs help.

Such actions show: For many people, the cat is a real family member – with feelings, needs, and a permanent place in life.

Human and Cat – a Relationship on an Equal Footing

The relationship between humans and cats is not a one-way street. It is based on reciprocity, patience, and respect. Cats are not submissive animals – they choose for themselves whom they trust. That is exactly what makes their affection so special.

When a cat decides to be with us – voluntarily, self-determined – that is a real gift.

Conclusion: Cat Love is Quiet, Honest, and Deep.

Cats are loyal companions if you understand their nature. They need structure, security, and freedom – and they give back affection, peace, and joy of life. Those who love their cat treat it with respect, patience, and attention.

And whoever gets involved will experience:
We love cats – and cats love us.

The importance of smells for cats – and how we can take them into account in indoor housing

Cats are masters of sensory perception – especially when it comes to smells. While we humans rely heavily on visual impressions, cats orient themselves to a large extent through their fine sense of smell. Especially in pure indoor housing, where natural stimuli are limited, smells play a central role in well-being, orientation, and social communication. This article highlights how important the sense of smell is for cats, what this means for the domestic environment, and how owners can support their animals through a conscious handling of scent stimuli.

The Cat’s Sense of Smell: High Performance in a Small Space

Cats have between 50 and 80 million olfactory cells – many times more than humans use. Their olfactory mucosa is sensitive to the finest scent molecules, and with the Jacobson’s organ (vomeronasal organ) they have an additional sensory organ for the perception of pheromones. This is particularly impressive in the so-called Flehmen response: The cat slightly lifts the upper lip, opens its mouth, and analyzes fragrances intensively.

Smells convey information to cats about:

  • Territory boundaries
  • Emotional states of other animals
  • Food
  • Sexual behavior
  • Social bonding

The sense of smell is therefore a central instrument for environmental analysis and social communication.

Smells as Markings: the Cat’s Scent Signature

Cats mark their environment in several ways – not only with urine, as is often assumed. Particularly relevant in the home are the scent glands on the head, paws, and tail root. By rubbing against furniture, scratching, or kneading, they transfer their “scent business card”. These olfactory traces are barely perceptible to humans, but are of great importance to the cat.

Typical forms of scent marking:

  • Scratching: not only claw care, but also olfactory territory marking
  • Head butting: Transfer of facial pheromones to caregivers or objects
  • Kneading with the front paws: Marking by scent glands in the pads

If we accidentally or intentionally remove these traces, e.g., through excessive cleaning or the use of disinfectants, the territory security can be severely disturbed.

Scent Changes as Stress Triggers

Cats react sensitively to any change in their familiar environment – especially to scent changes. New pieces of furniture, a different cleaning agent scent, strangers or animals in the house can trigger massive stress in sensitive animals. Even freshly washed favorite blankets or cleaned sleeping places can lead to uncertainty or avoidance behavior.

Typical Behavioral changes after scent change

  • Refusal of the usual sleeping place
  • Urine marking (to restore own scent marks)
  • Withdrawal or increased hiding
  • Aggressive behavior or Restlessness

Especially in indoor or multi-cat housing, a stable odor balance is essential for peaceful coexistence.

Indoor Housing: how Can You Integrate Odor Stimuli in a Meaningful Way?

Compared to free roaming, the apartment offers significantly less odor diversity. However, owners can take targeted measures to create positive olfactory stimuli without endangering the feeling of territory.

Meaningful odor stimuli:

  • Natural materials such as untreated wood, dry branches, or foliage (e.g., from the garden)
  • Scent pillows with catnip, valerian, matatabi – do not use permanently, but in a dosed manner
  • Sniffing games with treats (e.g., hidden in fabric tunnels or boxes)
  • Changing, familiar textiles – old clothing of the owner or slightly perfume-free blankets
  • Secured fresh air access (window security, balcony nets) for outside air with odor diversity

The goal is to provide the cat with controllable and varied scent environments without covering up its own markings.

Use Pheromones in a Targeted Manner – when and how?

Synthetically produced pheromones (e.g., Feliway®) mimic the cat’s own facial pheromones. They signal safety and well-being. These products can be supportive in:

  • Moves
  • Renovations
  • Veterinary visits
  • Reunions of cats
  • Acclimatizing new furniture

Important: The use of pheromones does not replace a species-appropriate environment, but serves as a supplementary measure. In the long term, a harmonious home with a stable scent structure has a more lasting effect.

“Allowed” and “not Allowed” when it Comes to Odors in Cat Keeping

Allowed

  • Do not clean favorite spots too often – if you do, use mild cleaners
  • “Pre-treat” new items with familiar textiles or their own scent
  • Use fragrance-free detergents for cat blankets
  • No frequent changes of furnishings or room decor
  • Fresh natural materials as stimulation – but pest-free and untreated

Not allowed

  • Scented candles, room sprays, or automatic air fresheners in the cat area
  • Intense essential oils (e.g., tea tree, citrus) – many are toxic to cats
  • Remove territorial markings immediately and completely
  • Place new textiles that smell strongly of perfume or detergent in favorite areas
  • Introduce several “alienating stimuli” (e.g., new furniture and new scents) at the same time

A respectful approach to the cat’s scent behavior means accepting their markings, preferences, and perceptions.

Odor Management in Multi-Cat Households

Odors also play a key role in social groups of cats. Cats from a stable group develop a group odor that connects them. This is created through mutual grooming, proximity, and shared resting places.

Changes in this odor structure, e.g. due to:

  • Veterinary visits (foreign odors!)
  • Washing only one cat separately
  • New cat in the household

… can lead to tension, avoidance behavior, or even aggression between conspecifics. It is therefore advisable to carefully cats to each other after interventions (e.g. with blankets used together)

  • Carefully “re-scent” cats to each other again (e.g. with blankets used together)
  • Integrate new animals with pheromone diffusers and retreats
  • Promote calm and odor continuity in everyday life

Conclusion: the Cat’s Scent World as Part of Species-Appropriate Husbandry

For cats, odors are more than just perception – they are part of their inner map, their social interaction, and their emotional security. In indoor housing, owners should therefore pay attention to a balanced scent environment: not sterile, not overloaded – but natural, familiar, and controllable. A respectful approach to the cat’s olfactory perception helps to avoid stress, prevent conflicts, and strengthen trust in the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why Does My Indoor Cat Need Retreats, Even Though it Lives Alone?

Even single cats need retreats because they are territorial and sensitive to stimuli. Even in quiet households, there can be situations that stress the cat – e.g. loud noises, new smells or unfamiliar visitors. Safe hiding places give her back control, lower her stress level and prevent behavioral problems such as uncleanliness or aggression.

2. How many Litter Boxes Do I Need for Multiple Cats?

The rule of thumb is: number of cats + 1. So two cats need at least three litter boxes, spread over different, quiet locations. This reduces competitive pressure and ensures that each cat can use a clean, accessible toilet – especially important in the event of social tensions.

3. Do I Still Have to Offer Multiple Food and Water Stations for a Single Cat?

Yes. Cats often prefer separate food and water sources, and they drink more when the water is not next to the food. Several locations promote movement, offer variety and meet the natural behavior of free-living cats who look for food and water in different places.

4. Why is Playing with My Cat so Important, Even if She is Already an Adult?

Cats, regardless of age, need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Playing simulates hunting behavior, reduces stress, prevents overweight and strengthens the bond with humans. Indoor cats in particular are dependent on active employment in order not to be underchallenged or frustrated.

5. My Cat Sleeps a Lot – Does She Need any Activity at all?

Yes. Sleeping is normal, but underemployment is unhealthy. Too much boredom can lead to behavioral problems (e.g. aggression, uncleanliness, depression). Short, regular play sessions promote balance, prevent overweight and maintain your cat’s joie de vivre – even in seniors.

6. How Do I Know that My Cat Has Too few Retreats?

Typical signs are constant hiding in unsuitable places (e.g. behind the refrigerator), irritability, frequent running away when approached, or uncleanliness. Conflicts in multi-cat households can also be exacerbated by a lack of retreat options. Retreats should be quiet, protected and available in a distributed manner.

7. Which Scents should I Avoid in a Cat Household?

Avoid heavily perfumed cleaners, scented candles, essential oils or perfumed cat litter. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell – foreign or intense odors can trigger stress, avoidance behavior or marking. Low-odor, cat-friendly products and natural scent environments are better.

8. Can I Socialize My Cat with another if She Has been Alone for a Long Time?

This is possible, but not always easy. Cats are territorial, and the merging must be slow, structured and with retreat and resource separation. You should also check whether the cat can accept conspecifics at all – some are pronounced loners. Professional advice is advisable here.

9. Do I Have to Play with each Cat Individually in a Multi-Cat Household?

Ideally, yes. Not all cats like to share. Individual playtimes prevent competitive behavior and make it possible to respond to individual play needs (e.g. wild hunting for young animals, gentle games for seniors). Playing together only works if the cats get along well and are similarly active.

10. How Do I Strengthen the Bond with My Cat?

Attention should always be voluntary, calm and respectful. Pet where the cat likes it, play with her regularly and avoid loud or unpredictable behavior. Small rituals (e.g. greeting, evening cuddling) promote trust. Important: The cat determines the pace and intensity of the interaction.

Literature sources