Indoor Cats - The KRATSSER Principle, Part 3

Over the past few weeks, we’ve already taken a look at the first 4 chapters/letters of the “KRATSSER Principle.” Are you curious to learn more?
To complete the word “KRATSSER,” here are the last 4 chapters/letters.

S for Play                       
Puzzle toys, clicker training, hunting games – there are many ways to play with your cat. Play is especially important for indoor cats, as it helps maintain physical fitness and allows them to burn off pent-up energy. Find out what kinds of toys your cats prefer!
Tip from the Kratsser Principle: If you’re doing clicker training with your cats, use a so-called “soft clicker”—though a ballpoint pen works just as well. In the book, you’ll find simple instructions for building a crinkle box! 

 

S for Safety                               
A home with cats should be made as cat-safe as possible. What potential hazards exist for cats in the home? Windows and balconies, for example. These should be specially secured, as required by the Animal Husbandry Ordinance. Cat balconies and safety grilles are popular and suitable safety measures. 
Tip from the Kratsser Principle: Secure touchscreen stoves with a stove cover. You can secure vases or glasses with double-sided tape or place them in a spot that’s out of a cat’s reach.

E for Education                                   
As unbelievable as it sounds, cats can be trained, too. If cats exhibit undesirable
behavior, you, as a cat owner, need to offer your four-legged companions alternatives. If Minki is scratching your beloved couch, it’s probably time to get a suitable scratching post.
Tip from the Kratsser Principle: If your cat exhibits unwanted behavior, never physically punish your cat—this only undermines the bond of trust between cat and owner. It’s also possible to use scents that cats dislike to keep them away from certain things. Learn more about how a behavioral consultation with Cats-pertin works.

 

R for All-Around Care                        
An annual visit to the veterinarian is recommended, as cats are very skilled at hiding pain and illness. There are many things a cat owner should be mindful of.  There are countless forums with tips for comprehensive care. However, useful information and practical tips on topics such as deworming, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, checkups, carriers, cat care, and vacation planning are still hard to come by. After all, who explains that there are perfectly natural alternatives to chemical deworming that are gentle on a cat’s system? Where can you find information—uninfluenced by the pharmaceutical industry—on the necessity of vaccinations? Do indoor cats really need to receive all the “recommended” vaccinations? Does dry food really contain everything a cat needs? What should you do with your cat while on vacation? The book “The Kratsser Principle” addresses all these topics.
Tip from “The Kratsser Principle”: Avoid “prophylactic, chemical deworming” and only deworm your cat if worms have been detected through a fecal exam. When deworming is necessary, use non-synthetic deworming products. Kamala or Universal Para Katze are examples of such products.  

Now that we’ve reached the end of the KRATSSER Principle series, we hope you’ve gained some insights, and we’d be delighted if we’ve sparked your curiosity. The book “The Kratsser Principle” is available from VfcG (Verlag für chronische Gesundheit) at www.vfcg.at and, of course, at www.ziegler-naturfutter.com. Cat expert Andrea Zutz offers affordable home environment and behavioral consulting for cat owners. 

In any case, we wish you greater understanding and much joy with these lovable, patient, and headstrong companions—our cats.