Stressing Meowt- Cats Protection conference.

Top tips for stress on a shoestring- Juliette Jones and Sam Prior from Woodgreen Pets Charity have years of experience working with cats in Shelter. Together they presented on Stress reduction on a shoe string. 

1. Environmental set up

• Vary the environment depending on the individual cat, considering likes dislikes and physical ability. 
• Even if your cat starts to appear more confident, leave the hiding places, this keeps the confidence building. 
• Multi-cat- N + 1 for resources, reduces competition. 
• Nervous cats- feed/water near hidey hole

2. Toileting areas 

• Consider where your litter trays are placed, away from busy areas is best!
• Can cover litter trays with large cardboard boxes, with multiple entrances and exits.

3. Ability to Scent mark.

• Scent is important to cats, a variety of textured and using horizontal and vertical options can encourage scratching for scent marking. 
• Remember entrances and exits- this is a great place for a scratcher. 
• Avoid strong smelling chemicals for cleaning, but also strong perfumes on staff or volunteers 

4. Play

• Remember the hunting pattern of a cat. Eye, Stalk, Chase, grab or pounce and dissect
• Scrunched up paper, bottle tops or knotted straw can be a great cheap option. 

5. Consider how you can use your outdoor spaces.