Living in a Vertical World

 A friend shared this with me. After all these years with cats, I have never had anyone explain this. It ought to be in the 'New Feline Owner's Manual'...

Living in a Vertical World...

Cool “feline art” project

An artist (and cat enthusiast) tried to capture how your cat sees the world — using photographs.

You see, your cat’s pupils (the black openings in the center of their eyes) are shaped differently than yours — and this affects how they view things.

As humans we have round pupils — so we have a wide view of the world in all directions.

However, your cat’s pupils are vertical… meaning they have excellent vision above and below their head.

Your kitty’s incredible “vertical vision” makes them an outstanding predator...

Partly because it allows them to “surprise attack” prey from above or below.

It’s also why they like to view the room from up high.

The problem is, your home is set up for your horizontal, wide view — not your kitty’s vertical vision and world view.

Your cat’s instinct is to climb and jump on every high surface in the house…

And if you haven’t prepared for this, it can lead to toppled furniture, broken items, and other possible dangers for your cat (and you).

So, with that in mind…

Here are a few ways to make your home even more comfortable for your cat’s special vertical vision.

Make your home safe for “kitty vision”

#1. Clear the way for your cat to jump and climb.

Give your furry pal plenty of places to climb up high and watch the room from above.

They’ll feel more comfortable that way, and the climb can give them some extra exercise.

Carpeted cat trees are fantastic, as are cat shelves and climbing towers…

You don’t have to spend a lot of money — all that matters is to give your cat plenty of climbing spaces for their physical health (and fun)!

#2. Make sure your high surfaces are sturdy.

Consider any high surface “fair game” for your furry pal.

Keep unsturdy furniture, like pedestals or houseplants, out of your cat’s reach… and make sure tall bookshelves and cabinets are firmly in place.

If you have something unstable, like a wobbly card table, try to separate your cat from that area when you’re not home.

That way, they won’t try jumping or climbing on it when you’re not there to supervise…

And your little climber can stay safe!

#3. Encourage your cat to use THEIR special furniture.

Make your cat towers, cat shelves, and all your kitty's personal climbing furniture as fun as possible.

Encourage your cat to climb on their designated areas with pieces of treats. If they like catnip, try sprinkling a little of that on there too.

If you really want to help your cat fall in love with their climbing tower, try feeding them on one of the platforms.

Serve up your kitty’s favorite food at the same time as usual — but put it up high, so they can enjoy a fun climb to reach their meal.

When you understand how your cat sees the world…

Well, that’s just one more way to make life together even easier, more fun, and full of love.

So when you have a minute, do a quick walk-through of your home. Check your shelves and side tables to be sure they’re sturdy.

Before adding new furniture or decor to your home, ask yourself — could my cat safely climb on this?

Because if given the opportunity, they will try to climb it! And remember to be patient with your furry pal…

When they knock things off the mantle, accidentally topple a houseplant, or try to climb your curtains…

Remember: Your kitty doesn’t want to be annoying or “bad.”

Your cat is just a vertical thinker, moving through the world in the best way they can.

To you and your best friend

P.S. If you want to check out the awesome “cat vision” art, here’s a link to the article.

(It’s impossible to say if this is exactly how your cat sees the world… but it’s pretty darn cool to imagine!)

Here is a link see an artist’s rendition of your cat’s “kitty vision”
https://www.wired.com/2013/10/cats-eye-view/

--Dr. Marty Goldstein, Integrative Veterinarian