Amélie Mathieu is a feline behaviorist with years of experience in the field, specialized in the study and management of cat behavior. He has developed a profound knowledge of the psychological and physical needs of felines and every day he helps owners make useful decisions to improve the daily lives of their four-legged friends.
The expert recently spoke in the French consumer magazine 60 Millions de Consumers to explain which, among the many gadgets on the market, are truly useful for the well-being of cats.
Let’s find out together.
Scratching post
The scratching post is one of the most useful and fundamental accessories for every cat. In fact, these animals have a natural instinct to sharpen their nails and mark their territory. If they don’t have a designated place to scratch, they may damage furniture or carpets, or worse, develop stressful behaviors. A good scratching post, preferably made of sisal and with vertical and horizontal surfaces, helps to satisfy this natural need and keep the cat healthy, avoiding nail problems and improving its psychophysical balance.
Water fountains
Many cats tend to drink little, but hydration is essential to prevent kidney and urinary problems. Cat fountains, which offer moving water, stimulate the cat to drink more, thanks to the sound and movement of the water which attracts its curiosity. These devices are particularly useful if your cat has a kibble-based diet, which is therefore drier than wet food. However, don’t forget to clean the fountain regularly to avoid the proliferation of bacteria.
Interactive toys
Cats, especially those who live in apartments, can suffer from boredom if they don’t have enough stimulation. Interactive toys, such as motorized toys that move on their own, are perfect for stimulating their curiosity and offering them an activity that satisfies both their hunting and play needs. These games not only entertain the cat, but also help prevent obesity and keep the pet fit.
Cat flaps with electronic chip recognition
If your cat has access to the outdoors, a cat flap with electronic chip recognition is an excellent choice. This device allows the cat to enter and exit freely, while ensuring that only it can access the house, preventing other animals (or even predators) from entering. Chip recognition is therefore an ideal security measure, which offers the cat the right freedom and peace of mind for the owner.
Beds and hammocks for relaxation
A comfortable place to sleep is essential for your cat’s well-being. Cats sleep an average of 12-16 hours a day and need a quiet, safe environment to rest. A bed or hanging hammock offers a cozy haven where your cat can relax away from noise and distractions. Choose a product that is easily washable and that suits your cat’s preferences.
Gadgets not recommended
Then there are also some gadgets not recommended by the expert, some accessories which, although they may seem interesting, do not bring real benefits to the cat’s well-being.
An example? THE laser toyswhich do not fully satisfy the natural hunting needs of felines. Even if they stimulate the predatory instinct, they do not allow the cat to “conclude” the hunt with a tangible victory, such as taking a toy or prey. This can cause frustration in animals.
Amélie Mathieu points out that many cat gadgets are often designed to meet owners’ expectations rather than the animals’ actual needs. For this reason, he recommends focusing on accessories that meet fundamental needs, such as mental stimulation, hydration, comfort and safety – such as those already mentioned – which support the cat’s well-being and happiness.
