It’s a long- held belief that cats are ‘easy’ to care for because ‘they pretty much look after themselves’. This is one of many myths about what cats actually need from their humans that completely overlooks their behavioural needs, especially if kept indoors.  

The number of cats kept exclusively indoors has been rapidly rising in recent years as cat-loving humans move to a different model of care to keep them safe and healthy. However, simply moving them indoors is not enough – and many caregivers do not have a thorough understanding of what they actually need to provide to ensure their cats are living their best lives. This can unfortunately lead to behavioural issues which, if left unmanaged, can have serious knock-on effects to the cat’s physical and mental well-being.

The vast majority of behavioural cases I see – including house soiling, aggression and cats in conflict – have a fundamental lack of enrichment (on many levels) at their core.

This presentation will therefore bust many of the myths about cat care and show what these fabulous animals really need to be happy and healthy. I’ll share case studies in which the humans have made the world of difference to their cats’ physical and mental wellbeing simply through a better understanding of their behavioural needs.

And I won’t forget the cats who aren’t exclusively indoors either … because allowing unrestricted outdoor access is not the ‘quick fix’ solution to keeping them happy that many still believe.

Learning objectives:

• Identify myths circulated about cat care and why they are problematic.

• Explain what cats actually need to lead happy, healthy lives in the human world.

• Discover real-life examples of how cats’ lives have been changed for the better through having their behavioural needs met.

A large percentage of pet guardians like to have both cats and dogs in the home, but introductions don’t always go well and what was envisaged as a harmonious fur family quickly escalates into a battle between the species.

When it comes to the resident feline, particularly one who has never shared their home with a canine before, this massive change to their environment can cause acute stress which, if left unmanaged, can lead to chronic stress and anxiety and subsequent declines in their physical and mental health.

Such outcomes can be avoided (or at least kept to a minimum) with some careful preparation and a better understanding of the differing behavioural needs of the two species.

This presentation will look at how to prepare a resident cat for the arrival of a canine friend, what to put in place once the new arrival is in the home, as well as some strategies to implement if things don’t go well.

Some real-life examples via case studies will help bring everything together.

Learning objectives:

• Identify strategies to prepare a resident cat for the arrival of a dog.

• Explain the differing behavioural needs of the two species and how to manage both.

• Discover real-life examples of how to build a harmonious relationship between the cat and dog in the home.