Claire Bessant of FAB (http://www.fabcats.org.uk) presents on how to keep cats safe and healthy in a shelter environment. THIS IS PART 1 OF 2. For more information, see www.icawc.org

1. The confined cat Keeping safe and sane! Claire Bessant, Feline Advisory Bureau

9. 1 Hunter

10. What does this mean for owners? Physically active Attracted to movement Active at dawn and dusk Claws which need sharpening Catch prey + bring in Need space and opportunity for this strongly motivated activity May wander when hunting is good

11. 2 Obligate carnivore What does this mean for owners?

12. Cats cannot be vegetarians

13. 3 Territorial What does this mean for owners? Territory extremely important More attached to territory than owner Don’t expect neighbouring cats to get on May hide, fight or feel threatened If limited, provide stimulation Don’t enjoy being off territory Territory marking is natural

14. 4 Athletic and agile What does this mean for owners? Cats use all dimensions Nowhere is safe! Provide opportunities for exercise Mad half hour!

15. 5 It’s all about smell What does this mean for owners? Sensitive to smells we are unaware of Implications for household activities – sensitive cats Communication owners miss Defining territory – may use urine spray if stressed

16. 6 Self-reliant What does this mean for owners? Happy on their own – sharing may be stressful No pack, no dominance hierarchy, no protection May be very independent/hunt/territorial Run away/hide from danger Driven to keep coat immaculate - poisoning Hide signs of weakness/pain Control is the key

17. 7 Highly aware What does this mean for owners? Can be stressed by new sights, sounds and smells May react quickly if disturbed or frightened May ’shut down’ if cannot cope with situation Cats are generally more sensitive to unfamiliar people and situations than dogs and, because of the subtlety of their communication systems, more readily misunderstood

18. 8 Emotional What does this mean for owners? Cats are hard to read – fear/pleasure/frustration Cats are fast learners Routine/predictability reduce stress Changes in behaviour may signal emotional change or health problems

19. 9 Adaptable . . . What does this mean for owners? Cats can live with us in all types of situation Misunderstanding of feral cats Can give cats credit for talents they don’t have Take adaptability for granted – push too far?

20. And not to forget - 10 Fertile!