Natural Cat Food
The Rise of the Indoor Cat and Its Effects
There is no doubt that cats have now become a popular domestic pet, and with this increase in popularity, cats are faced with situations which directly conflict with their natural behaviour and biology. This in turn affects their coping ability and highlights the need for their loving owners to be able to ensure that stress is reduced for their feline family members.
Many cats are now kept predominantly indoors. In doing so, this helps keep them safe from the elements. Though, on the flip side, it inadvertently increases levels of stress for them as they are deficient in choice simply due to being confined.
When this occurs, it increases the risks of what is referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), or feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).
History and Evolution of Cats
School is still out as to when the domestication of this fluffy species started, though as a rough ballpark figure it is thought to have started approximately 7500 BC, and there is evidence that suggests that it dates back further than this.
Though both our canine and feline companions evolved alongside us, a major difference between the two species, apart from one being an opportunistic omnivore and the other an obligate carnivore, is that for the past 500 years we have been breeding and refining the dog for specific purposes; companion, herding, hunting, retrieving, protection, “seek and destroy missiles.”
The cat, however, evolved alongside us, initially innately as pest control, but in the past 150 years, they have been bred more for aesthetic reasons and not necessarily specific purpose.
With this in mind, it is important to understand the stressors that this places on our feline companions. The natural biology and behaviour of these animals is innately different, and what we expect of them can be completely unrealistic.
Though gregariously social, they enjoy their own space and physical freedom, generally only living harmoniously in colonies (multicat households) where natural cat food is sufficient. Unnaturally territorial, any changes within their environment can be both internal and external.
Environmental Changes and Perception of Threat
Whilst we as loving humans would like to create situations that we think are normal for our animals, our feline family members may feel and have a different opinion.
The domestic cat is more often prey than predator and thrives on an environment being consistent, within their control, and does not cope well with change. Any change can mean danger.
With this in mind, increased stress does ultimately lead to health issues. Predominantly, the first sign owners will see when their feline family members are stressed will be FLUTD or FIC. Knowing how to help a stressed cat begins with recognising the subtle shifts in behaviour.
Something that we might not see as a trigger, our furry feline companions may perceive as a threat or stressful situation.
For example, that neighbour making renovations to their pergola outside doesn’t impact us because it’s not in our house. Yet to our cat, they don’t understand that the fence is a boundary—those renovations are in their environment and quite stressful.
Those loud, threatening summer thunderstorms are innately stressful for many species, including that cat appearing to sleep through it on your lounge.
The new puppy (predator) that appears to get on well with the cat is a complete and scary change to the environment.
Our human baby that squeaks and cries and very rarely sleeps has affected our stress levels, yet imagine what our cats are experiencing.
Paints, carpet cleaners and other chemicals within the house have an underlying ammonia smell, which can signal a threat.
Due to evolution, their hearing has equipped them to be the ultimate hunter. It allows them to hear in ultrasonic frequencies—sounds that are completely inaudible to the human ear.
Imagine the frequencies they are now experiencing with all the whizz bang, modern technology!
Physical Risk Factors for FLUTD and FIC
It is found that castrated male cats are predominantly more at risk than females, due to the narrowness and the curvature of the urethra.
Desexing can also affect the collagen fibres and the elasticity of the fibres in the periurethral tissue, especially with early age desexing.
Though as a species that are induced ovulators, we are certainly not recommending that cats, neither males nor females, are to remain entire.
Risks of FLUTD are four times higher in an overweight cat. This is simply thought to be because overweight cats are less active, therefore possibly void less frequently, and don’t drink as much water.
Also speculated is that overweight animals may have higher levels of fat around the urethral/genital area, causing compression of the region.
Importance of Hydration and Water Sources
Drinking insufficient amounts of water is thought to increase the chances of crystal (uroliths) formation from urine becoming too concentrated.
Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of animal husbandry with this species, especially when considering how to help my stressed cat avoid preventable conditions.
Cats will drink from a water source once, only returning to that supply when no other resources are available.
This is why you might spy your cat drinking out of plant pots, shower recesses, pools, fish tanks, etc.
Ensure that multiple water bowls are available throughout the house, and that these bowls are full to the brim and wide enough to reduce the possibility of whisker fatigue.
Quite simply, if you see a cat drinking from a water source, when finished, tip that out and refill.
The sound of running water will also sometimes encourage cats to drink, which is where drinking fountains can be of some assistance—but again they should be changed as frequently as possible.
Cats with ad libitum access to water are at a much greater chance of avoiding the condition.
Litter Box Hygiene and Management
The maintenance of kitty litter boxes is one of the most important factors in avoiding this condition, especially in households with more than one cat.
A good starting point for how to help a stressed cat is by reviewing litter box access.
The general rule of thumb is to have more litter boxes than cats—preferably two per cat—as you will find that some cats like to urinate in one and defecate in the other.
Consideration should also be given to the type of litter and litter box that is being used. It is best to use something that is soft on their feet (let’s face it, they originated with sand under their feet), rather than hard/brittle substrate for them to toilet into.
Animal husbandry and hygiene are imperative with this species to avoid urinary tract issues.
A general rule of thumb—less litter is best—and ensure it gets cleaned more frequently (after any void, tip it all out!!).
Maintenance of litter boxes is of the utmost importance, especially in multicat households. Sharing the same litter box should be avoided at all costs.
Reducing Stress in Cats: The Five Freedoms
In conclusion, reducing stress on your feline family member is ultimately beneficial in reducing the risk of this painful and sometimes life-threatening condition.
Understanding how to help a stressed cat means maintaining a diverse and strong microbial ecosystem, and recognising that our adorable feline perched on our lap is a sentient soul. They should be allowed the five freedoms.
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease
- Freedom from discomfort
Learn More About Cat Nutrition
For more tips on reducing stress for your feline family member please click on the below link.
Cat nutrition.
Paths to Better Pet Health Webinar – S4 – Cat Nutrition
Ultimately, a happy and healthy cat can only ever exist after eating quality natural cat food such as the LifeWise grain free healthy cat food, or either of the LifeWise adult cat formulations.
These best kitten foods aim to replicate those essential aspects of nutrition that are so important for obligate carnivores and are a valuable part of knowing how to help a stressed cat live well.
