August 8 is International Cat Day – one of the 365 days of the year we can celebrate our feline companions. Every day is ‘cat day’ for those of us who share our lives with cats, but International Cat Day allows us to reflect on what makes cats so special. SCAS is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and wellbeing of cats as companion animals, and now has a monthly SCAS-authored blog on Katzenworld.
In our first blog Does Your Cat Love you as Much as you Love Her? Kris Hill discussed some of the leading research into the cat-human bond. However, research into cat behaviour and cat-human relationships has a lot of catching up to do compared to the large body of research on dog behaviour and dog-human relationships. We need more cat scientists!
Sandra McCune wrote about the issue of loneliness in A Christmas Season Wish for All: A Happy, Healthy Life with a Companion Cat. Too many people find themselves alone at a time of the year when others are gathering with families and friends, making the loneliness even more acute. Companion animals play and important role in alleviating loneliness, and a cat can give someone a purpose in life and foster social interactions outside the home.
Unfortunately, loving a cat inevitably means grief and sadness when they die. Esther Porta addressed this difficult topic with ‘Seven Tips to Help you Cope With Pet Loss’ and provided links to services that support pet bereavement.
When the time is right, many will consider bringing home another cat. Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment, and Kris Hill raised five points to consider in Thinking of Bringing a new Cat Into Your Home and Your Life? Not all cats are the same, and it is important that the needs and expectations of you and your cat are well-matched. Naturally we want to spoil our cats! On National Love Your Pet Day Esther Porta shared five ideas to show your cat how much you care without breaking the bank.
Pets in Housing continues to be a top priority for SCAS and is the theme of this year’s annual conference, Pet Friendly Housing: How can we keep people and pets together? To highlight some of the key issues, Kris Hill & Elizabeth Ormerod authored a blog titled ‘Home is Where my Cat is! The Importance of Pet-friendly Accommodation.
In Kitten Season! The Importance of a Good Start in Life, Sandra McCune discusses the importance of early socialisation and meeting feline welfare needs. And in Navigating the Outdoor versus Indoor Cat Debate, Kris Hill provided some guidance on deciding what is best for your cat and how to ensure they are as happy and safe as possible.
Check out Katzenworld for future SCAS-authored posts on all things feline!