Whose Territory Is It? That Depends.
Want to give your pets the ideal environment to complement their natural instincts? First we need to know who we’re accommodating–the dog or the cat. Fortunately, you can do both. Here are a couple of tips.
Dogs Are Horizontal.
First, remember this: dogs identify their “territory” as horizontal, much like humans do. Cats, on the other hand, identify their “territory” vertically. Let me explain: your yard, your home, his bed, his kennel, etc.–these are horizontal spaces that your dog identifies as his territory. If someone comes into your yard or home, he defends by barking and chasing the intruder off. Horizontal.
Cats Are Vertical.
Cats, on the other hand, recognize height as a safe space and will seek it out for safety and also for status. On top of the kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, window sill, dresser, bar,… The higher your cat is, the safer he feels. He also feels a little more important if he’s the highest kitty in the room. Vertical. This is very important to keep in mind when considering where to put your litter boxes, too. See my post “Litterbox Is A Dirty Word.”
If you have more than one cat, though, there’s another step to consider. You need to create an escape route–a second exit, so to speak, in case of ambush. Cats will intimidate and stalk each other. If one of your cats is lounging at the top of your kitty condo, for example, another kitty may challenge him. In this instance, the kitty on top needs a second way down, other than the way he climbed up, like a back door. Once you create the back door exit, you need to be certain that it’s a safe escape. You don’t want to create an elevated exit without ensuring a cushioned landing spot for your kitty, like pet steps or a pillow. Be creative, but keep your kitty’s safety in mind at all times.
I Get Horizontal, But How Do I Create Vertical Territory?
Creating an ideal vertical space for your cat is easy–do a quick Amazon search and you’ll find hundreds of great cat trees to choose from, in all sizes, configurations, and price ranges, that your cat will totally love. The sky is (literally) the limit! Here are a couple of great examples:
For my house, I had to look a little further because I also have dogs, and I don’t want them lifting their leg on the carpeted base of a cat tree. I prefer a smooth surface base that will clean up more easily. So I did a search for units without carpeted bases. That’s when I found this darling little “cat house” that’s perfect for us.
It addresses the leg-lifting issue, has multiple levels which cats love, and provides interesting playtime and sheltered naptime. It also has the all-important escape hatch I mention above. Plus, it’s multi-functional–indoor use for your kitty’s entertainment, and outdoor use to provide shelter if you have a little stray cat that comes around to visit. Versatile piece, easy to clean, well thought out for function, fun for the cats, doesn’t take up lots of space, and even pleasing to the eye.
Now That You Know Their Preferred “Layouts.”
Okay, now you have more insight into how you dog and cat see their world, so you can get really creative to give them the most fun, comfortable, and safe environment, suitable to their nature. Have fun!
Here’s To Protecting Your Pet’s Future With You!
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God Bless and Happy Pet Parenting!
With love and good wishes,
jeannie. ?
About jeannie: I’ve been pro-actively involved in pet rescue all of my life. I founded Milagro Senior Pet Refuge© (Phoenix) in 1998, and BareFootPets (TM) in 2008. Animal welfare has always been and will always be my heart’s work. If my only legacy is that I save a handful of precious souls that would not survive otherwise, I’m good with that.