Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Table 1. How to distribute resources within a multi-cat household [ 3, 5, 10 ].
Resource Food and water bowls
Offering food and water separately, so cats can access them without being challenged by other cats, reduces the risk of stress-associated diseases that can arise from competition for resources [ 3 ]
Distribution within the household
• Feed all cats separately, not in sight of each other
• Locate food and water bowls away from each other
• Do not place food or water bowls near litter trays
• If possible, allow cats to graze throughout the day so they can choose when to eat [ 3 ]
• For cats that go outdoors, provide access to water in outdoor locations [ 3 ]
Litter trays
Cats prefer to eliminate in quiet, safe areas away from their food and water stations. Toileting can be seen as a vulnerable activity for cats [ 5 ]
• Locate litter trays in quiet, secluded locations, ideally not near doors or large glass windows and not in thoroughfares within the house
• Clean trays regularly
• Have multiple litter trays located in different areas of the house
• Cats may not like hooded / covered litter trays as they may feel trapped [ 10 ]
• Ensure there are multiple access routes to litter trays so other cats cannot block entry to them
Scratching posts
Cats use scratching posts to mark their territory as well as to maintain their claws [ 10 ]
• Provide multiple scratching posts around the house
• Provide vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces so cats can use both based on their preference
• Scratching posts need to be tall enough for the cat to fully stretch( Figure 2, page 30)
• Locate scratching surfaces in busy areas and at entrances to the cats’ core area, which is the area where they spend most of their time [ 10 ]
Hiding places
Cats like to have spaces to which they can retreat for time away from humans or other cats, as part of an avoidance strategy. The hiding place will be an area they perceive as safe [ 10 ]. By allowing them to withdraw, it gives them a sense of control over their environment [ 3 ]
• Have multiple areas available, both low down and high up: for example, on top of wardrobes, under a bed, or inside their cat carrier
• Do not disturb the cat when it is hiding
• Try not to disrupt or clean these areas to preserve their scent
• Make sure there are multiple hiding places, located away from each other
Volume 40( 4) • August 2025
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