Cat Shelter Building Plans
Some neighbors of mine had requested my help with their cat shelter. I not only have a cat of my own but also like to work with my hands and have made a number of cat houses, shelters, enclosures and play areas for not only my cat but the cats of other friends. While working on the building plans for the cat shelter of my neighbors it came to my attention that the shelter was going to be used for two or three cats. The thing many people fail to realize is that cats are really very solitary animals. However despite this reputation as a solitary animal, the domestic cat is social enough to form colo nies, and can do well with other cats in close proximity. There are some breeds that are very sociable but these breeds are exceptions. While each cat holds a distinct territory (sexually active males having the largest territories and neutered cats having the smallest) there are "neutral" areas where cats watch and greet one another without territorial conflict or aggression. Outside of these neutral areas, territory holders usually vigorously chase away strangers, at first by staring, hissing, and growling, and if that doesn't work by short but noisy and violent attacks. My biggest concern was that if their cats didn’t have enough “territory” then there would arise problems. Usually cats prefer to have their own sleeping area and although it is possible most don’t appreciate sharing their rest area with other cats. My neighbors finally opted to have one communal play area but three separated houses in the shelter. This I think was a good idea and the cats seem very happy with the arrangement.
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