Wool-sucking in cats – what is it, and why do they do it?

Well, we started writing you a post about this, but it became so long and interesting, that we made it into an article! Read the full article here. 

In a nut-shell, we look at compulsive behaviours in cats, and wool-sucking as an example. We look at suspected causes and suggested solutions. We hark on about feeding and environmental enrichment a bit more, too!

So, what is wool-sucking? Here’s an example of a Siamese cat sucking its tail – it’s cute, but is a variation on the wool-sucking behaviour so also evidence of an interesting feline behaviour…

Feeding time gets fun – a cheap and simple way to feed your cat

We’ve been harking on about feeding enrichment for your cat for a while now, and here’s proof that it doesn’t need to be expensive – in fact you don’t need to buy anything to be able to feed your cat in a fun and entertaining way, as this video proves. Incidently we notice that this video shows a ‘double’ food-and-water bowl, which we do not recommend – cats prefer to eat and drink in separate places. Fussy felines….

Luxury cat hotel up and running (purring)

A luxury cat hotel in West Yorkshire (UK) opened its doors recently, to a well-deserved flurry of media attention. Offering cat massages, freshly cooked free-range meat and fish meals, individual TVs with cat-friendly virtual aquariums, and bespoke cat trees to its discerning feline guests, this really is a cattery of the luxury variety! It’s called ‘Ings Luxury Cat Hotel’ – do contact us if your cat has been there!

 

First Cat Cafe comes to London!

After much anticipation, London’s first Cat Cafe, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, opens its doors very soon, although the opening date is still unknown. Located in the hip and trendy area of Shoreditch, this cafe’s progress has been watched by many cat lovers. It employs many aspects of environmental enrichment to ensure the carefully-chosen cats can live a happy stress-free life…because they’re gonna be very well loved by Londoners!! Watch this space…

Helping hospitalised cats

Many vet practices have separate cat wards, but not all provide hospitalised cats with a hiding place in their kennel. Cats have 3 ways of coping with stressful situations – escape, hide, or go ‘up high’. Since a kennel environment prevents escape, emphasis should be placed on providing a hiding place and, if possible, a corner shelf from which to observe their surroundings without fear of approach from behind. Research has shown that providing a ‘Hide and Perch’ box, as opposed to an open cat bed, improves rescue cats’ welfare and reduces their stress levels. They were also more likely to get along well together. The UK’s Cats Protection charity have developed a cat hide to mimic this in the veterinary hospital – www.cats.org.uk/cat-care