Making Happy Homes for Happy Pets
The pfma recently conducted a large survey, asking pet owners throughout the country about their pet’s living environment. The aim was to understand if the “humanisation” of our pets is having a negative impact on the quality of our pet’s lives. The survey was quite revealing and the pfma are keen to demonstrate to owners how a few simple changes can improve the quality of their pet’s lives.
Questions were asked about:
- Where the pet is fed
- How regular the pet is fed
- Where the pet sleeps
- Sleeping patterns of the pet
The answers were then correlated with the pet’s behaviour.
The research showed that many owners now feed their cat or dog two meals each day, forcing them to adhere to the owner’s eating schedule. This can have a negative flow on effect, resulting in anti-social or inappropriate behaviour such as spraying, leg lifting, hissing and biting.
Some of the tips to help owners improve the quality of their pet’s life include:
Sleep – animals need their sleep too, and many owners are forcing them to sleep in the kitchen or bedroom, where they are easily disturbed by human activity. Offer them a quiet sanctuary and let them enjoy a good night’s sleep!
Feeding - different animals have different eating habbits. Always try to follow the pet food manufacturers guidelines on feeding, rather than the human body clock.
Mental and physical stimulation is important. Play games with your pets to keep them active and alert and do this on a daily basis.
Toileting. Many owners do not realise that just like humans, animals like privacy when going to the toilet. A cat’s litter tray should be in a quiet spot away from high traffic areas of your house. Dog and cat flaps should be fitted wherever possible to promote easy access to outside (to a secure outside area).
If your pet is showing certain signs of anti social behaviour then have a look at the environment you are providing. Simple changes can make all the difference. For more information visit www.pfma.org.uk.
