You’re losing your cat….Here’s why.

In past blogs, I’ve referenced the core territory and it’s importance ensuring your cat feels established there. Your cats core territory is obviously your house. In an ideal world, every cat given outdoor access would have independent access back inside their core territory. Although I personally view a cat flap as necessity when a cat is given outdoor access, sometimes there are reasons people can’t fit one in their home.

The lack of independent access to a home can cause a cat to seek out alternate spaces as their core territory. Alternate spaces sometimes mean other peoples houses which some perceive as a cat being fickle and lacking loyalty. But if you look at it logically, it makes absolute sense. Your core territory is your safe space; the place you retreat to when you feel threatened or overwhelmed. And it’s the same for a cat. But if they can’t access that space readily, it ceases being the safe haven and becomes an option rather than the main base.

If you’re in the situation that you’re unable to instal a cat flap in your home, the next best thing to do is to ensure there’s a large, warm shelter in your garden that only your cat can access. You can do this by fitting a microchip cat flap in the shelter that only recognises them. You can also ensure that dry food and a bedding area is provided in the shelter to make it an appealing space for your cat to inhabit until you’re able to check on them.

Alternatively, you can utilise an existing outbuilding, such as a shed with much the same method. Your garden is still inclusive in your cats main territory so they’re likely to feel much happier having the option to take refuge in their own space should the need arise.