What are the different needs of cats? Just like every living creature, the cat has certain needs that must be fulfilled in order to live a happy life.
What does your cat need?
Basic needs
- Breathe & fresh air
- Species-appropriate nutrition
- Fresh water
- Sleep & rest
- Safe/secure accommodation
- Possibility to dispose of urine and faeces
- Movement
- Climbing – and scratching possibility
- Mental & physical workload
- Loving body care and veterinary care
Security needs
- No pain or fear
- Protection against dangers
- Undisturbed retreat
- Reliable caregiver
- Routine
- Clear rules/limits
- Trust
Social needs
- Connection to the family
- Contact to conspecifics
- Body contact
- Play
- Love & Security
- Consideration & understanding
Emotional needs
- Appreciation
- Praise & Recognition
- Feelings of success
- Fairness
- Joyful togetherness
- Be respected
- Support & Help
Cognitive needs
- Positive training
- Live out individuality
- Gather own experience
- Be allowed to be a cat
- Get to know new things
- Learning to solve problems
What you should pay attention with the needs of cats
All living beings have needs. Depending on the species, the needs are the same, but how important a need is for the individual and which strategies he uses to satisfy his needs is, however, very individual. For example, social needs may be more important to one cat than its autonomy. Several needs can also be present at the same time. Age also plays a role, because baby cats have different needs than adult animals or seniors. Keep an eye on the special needs of cats.
Some needs cannot be perfectly satisfied 24/7, but you should be careful to satisfy them as much as possible. Especially the basic needs must ALWAYS be fulfilled. Because if the needs are not satisfied temporarily, negative feelings such as frustration, tension, concentration problems and stress gradually arise. If this state continues, a number of negative psychological and physical effects can arise.
An action has the goal of satisfying a need. For example, if your cat seeks your closeness, she may want to fulfil her need for contact, love, belonging or protection. For example, if your cat is behaving in a way that is undesirable for you, ask yourself if her needs are being satisfied. She may be too cold, hungry, tired or overwhelmed. So you see that it is also important to ask yourself why my cat does this and how could I support her? Think about how you feel when your needs are not satisfied?
Summary
The basic needs of your cat must always be satisfied so that she is balanced and can live a happy life. Think about your cat’s needs and how you can help her to satisfy them.