Cats can be mischievous animals and may get into all sorts of trouble, from scratching furniture to peeing in inappropriate places. As a result, pet owners may wonder whether crating their cat during the day is a good idea. While crating can be effective in preventing destructive behavior, it should only be used for short periods and in specific cases. This article will discuss when and how to crate your cat, tips for training them to accept their confinement, and alternatives to crating.
When it’s Okay to Crate a Cat
Crating a cat can be beneficial in certain situations. For example, young kittens should be confined to a crate or a small room when owners are away. Roaming unsupervised can be hazardous for tiny cats. If your cat is recovering from surgery or an illness, your vet may recommend crating them. If you adopt a new adult cat, crating them temporarily can help them adjust to their new home more quickly. Cats may struggle to adapt to a new location, but crating them for a few days can help them through this period. Crates can also keep a cat safe during home construction or moving day.
How to Safely Crate a Cat
Choosing the right-sized crate is crucial to keeping your cat safe and comfortable. The crate should have enough space for a bed, litter box, bowls, and toys. Your cat should be able to move around, stretch out, sit, and stand comfortably. Place the crate in a location free from drafts and out of direct sunlight to avoid temperature extremes. To help calm an anxious cat, consider partially covering the crate with a blanket or towels. Unless directed by a veterinarian, avoid leaving a healthy adult cat confined to a crate for more than two hours without a break.
Helping Your Cat Learn to Accept a Crate
Even if you don’t need to crate your cat at home, teaching them to accept confinement is essential. It can help your cat tolerate staying in a small space at the vet’s office or boarding facility. If you travel, your cat may need to stay in a crate during a hotel stay. Ideally, begin teaching your cat to tolerate a crate when they are young kittens. Adult cats are more likely to accept routines they learned as kittens. The goal is to have your cat view the crate as a safe space to relax and feel protected.
Stocking the Crate
Allow your cat to explore and get used to the crate with the door open. Place treats and toys inside or feed your cat in the crate to build a positive association in their mind. Continue these techniques until your cat feels comfortable inside the crate, perhaps even napping in it.
Providing Treats and Support
Next, close your cat in the crate and sit nearby, offering encouragement and food rewards. Gradually increase the time your cat spends inside the crate and your distance from them. It’s normal for your cat to vocalize or scratch at the crate for a short time. Observe how your cat behaves and try not to release them from the crate until they calm down. However, if your cat is extremely distressed and seems in danger of hurting themselves, let them out, and talk to a vet about alternative training techniques.
Alternatives to Crating Your Cat
If your cat needs to be left alone for more than two hours or won’t tolerate crating, you may need to consider other solutions. Instead of a crate, consider confining your cat to a single, cat-proof room furnished with a cat tree, cat furniture, a scratching post, and room for your cat to exercise. Your cat can stay in this room for extended periods. Providing plenty of enrichment and entertainment, such as toys, a radio, or a pet camera, can also help keep your cat busy while you’re not home.
Conclusion
While crating can be an effective tool to prevent destructive behavior, pet owners should only use it for short periods and in specific cases. If owners leave cats crated for too long, the animals can become bored and frustrated, leading to more behavior problems. Instead, consider alternative solutions such as cat-proof rooms or providing plenty of enrichment activities. If necessary, talk to a veterinarian about your cat’s behavior problems, as they can provide helpful advice and prescribe medication if needed. By implementing these solutions and discussing potential problems with a vet, you can help your cat stay calm and relaxed while you’re away.
