Research by Iams UK Suggests An End Of Purr-Fect Homes For Cats

Minimalist chic may be the latest in interior design, but a recent study conducted by Iams UK Multi-Cat food shows today’s modern home environments are actually becoming a threat to the mental health of  millions of moggies.

With new build houses leading the property boom, nooks and crannies and cosy soft furnishings have been abandoned for leather sofas,  glass tables and wooden floors -  and with them the comfort of our cats.

99%* of owners may consider their cats part of the family, and 45% of cat-owning UK homes now own more than one cat - but are cats needs considered when building the family nest?

To stop streamlined homes stressing our feline friends a detailed study has been commissioned to mark the launch of Iams Multi Cat food. The premium pet food company has even enlisted a feng shui guru Jan Cisek, to identify how to perfectly harmonise homes with more than one cat – the result? Feline shui.

Jan explains “I have taken elements from the ancient art of feng shui and applied them to the world of cats. Their ultra sensitivity to ying and yang positions them as the powerhouse of chi – so a happy cat really does equal happy owner and happy home.

Feeding is the most stressful time for a cat, so to embrace their natural grazing nature feline shui helps ensure food stations can be positioned around the house, whilst maintaining a stylish space.“

Also championing the return of comfy and cosy surroundings and declaring war on minimalism, is leading cat behavioural expert, Vicky Halls.

“For too long the environmental needs of cats, especially those in a multi cat household, have come second to fashions and trends. This is why, together with Jan and Iams UK Multi-Cat, I am leading the charge to eradicate the emptiness of the modern home.”

To ensure the wellbeing of our feline friends is never compromised Vicky Halls has these top tips for cat-opia:

·         Keep window ledges, book shelves and high cupboards/wardrobes easily accessible -  they provide prime ‘power’ spots to survey territory

·         Leather sofas may be sleek, but warmer, softer furnishings will instil a sense of safety and relaxation. They also offer great hiding places

·         Cats need choice, especially in a multi-cat house, so use the ‘1 per cat + 1’ rule to reduce stress and aggressive behaviour, i.e. no matter how many cats you have always provide one extra food dish, litter tray, etc

 “Dogs are often seen as the prime territorial guardians, but it’s actually cats that are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and any impact on their energy levels will have a knock on effect on their owners”, says cat behaviourist, Vicky Halls.

“A naturally wild instinct means living in a house, especially with other cats, can lead to high levels of stress and aggression when their territory feels encroached upon. To avoid these problems, home surroundings need to provoke a feeling of safety, whilst still allowing a cat to express their natural instincts to explore.”

Iams Multi-Cat has been produced in conjunction with UK vets to ensure a cat’s nutrition does not suffer when competing for food in a multi-cat household.

“Research shows that in 92% of multi cat households, both cats eat the same food, usually from the same bowl, which is not a good idea if you have under or overweight cats. With new Iams Multi-Cat you needn’t worry about different food, as this revolutionary new product provides each cat with the nutrition they need,” explains Monica Lundervold, Iam’s Veterinary Consultant.

For more information about Iams and activities Iams is involved in, go to Iams UK, Iams UK , Iams UK Iams UK .

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