Your cat’s mental wellbeing
Mind, body and soul
Mind, body and soul
A cat might eat good quality food, drink plenty of fresh water, have regular check-ups and vaccinations, but good cat care does not stop there. For cats to express healthy behaviour, there has to be the right environment to do so.
ISFM and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have developed ‘The Five Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment’. This serves as a guide and a general framework for what should be provided, but it is important to note that each individual cat’s needs can vary enormously.
FIVE PILLARS OF A HEALTHY FELINE ENVIRONMENT 1. Provide a safe place 2. Provide multiple and separate key environmental resources, i.e. food, water, latrine, areas for scratching, playing and resting/sleeping. 3. Provide opportunity for play and predatory behaviour 4. Provide positive, predictable and consistent human-cat social interaction 5. Provide an environment that respects the importance of a cat’s sense of smell |
Vet2Cat staff have undertaken additional education in all aspects of feline practice, included behaviour, so we are equipped to advise you about this important, and often sadly neglected, facet of cat care.
The following handout provides some tips and ideas about the five pillars.
