DTLA LIFE MAG #12 | DECEMBER 2014 | Page 72

Many of our domesticated felines have evolved from living primarily outdoors to a cushier indoor lifestyle. And with this switch has come some definite benefits. Indoor cats tend to live longer. Their owners are much more aware of their health and habits and are therefore able to bring them to the veterinarian for preventative care or quickly as soon as problems surface. Indoor felines also have an extremely low chance of contracting certain dangerous infections and deadly diseases like the Leukemia Virus and FIV (the feline form of HIV) - see previous blogs on each of these. Vehic- ular trauma is a thing of the past for these guys. But what might these creatures say if we could ask them about their new living conditions? Some cats have retained many of the behaviors of their wild ancestors. While cats can certainly enjoy social interactions with other animals, not understanding the needs of a soli- tary hunter can create stress. Without a sense of control over their physical and social environment, stress can rule the cat’s life. Cats are fight-or-flight animals and may find new environments difficult (Think about the kitty who hides under the towel in the cor- ner during the vet visit …or the one who leaves scratch marks on the exam room wall trying to “protect himself” from certain torture from the white-coated enemy!) But these tendencies have evolved as protective mechanisms, essentially for their survival. Providing choices - multiple hiding, feeding, water and toilet options - will reduce the cat’s fear and give him a sense of control. Wild cats are solitary hunters and the smaller felines will of- ten attempt to eat 10-20 meals a day. While not all attempts to catch prey are successful, this sort of activity requires a lot of energy. Compare that to what Fluffy’s indoor lifestyle is like. Fluffy’s mom controls when and where she eats and not much energy is needed for Fluffy to consume her meal. Loosing these opportunities to display predatory behavior can be a stressor for some felines, leading to lack of phys- ical and mental activity and resulting in obesity and other health problems. In multi-cat households, often food bowls are placed next to each other, which can increase compe- tition for food resources and ultimately create stress in the cat’s life. Cats are also crepuscular animals, meaning they prefer to be most active and hunt at dawn and dusk. (Has Fluffy ever woken you up at 5am by walking across your face?) Sometimes owners will inadvertently reinforce this behavior by giving the c