If you have ever wondered why your cat ignores that scratching post you bought for them, but goes crazy climbing up the curtains, the answer probably doesn't lie in their training, but in their DNA.
Environmental enrichment consists of adapting your home to meet the physical and psychological needs of our felines. However, there is a very common mistake: thinking that all cats need exactly the same thing.
Why does genetics matter when it comes to adapting your home?
Most domestic cats are mixed-breed (the so-called European Shorthair or domestic shorthair/longhair cats). Nevertheless, their family tree hides different percentages of pure breeds that determine their behaviour. Discovering these roots through a cat DNA test gives you the exact clues to build an environment in which your cat can be fully happy.
Environments in the heights for active cat breeds
Cats with high energy are born explorers and need a territory that poses a physical challenge. If their DNA results reveal that your cat has ancestry from the more active cat breeds (such as the Bengal, the Abyssinian, or the Siamese), their environment must reflect that vitality.
Highly active cat breeds retain a strong hunting and surveillance instinct from the heights. Therefore, if your cat has genes from these breeds, they will definitely need high vertical structures. Installing wall shelves, walkways near the ceiling, or floor-to-ceiling scratching trees will be vital to prevent them from developing stress or behavioural problems due to boredom.
Ground-level comfort for less active cat breeds
At the other end of the spectrum are cats that prefer serenity and comfort. Many owners wonder which is the calmest cat breed when they try to understand their mixed-breed feline's passivity.
If your feline's DNA test shows that they descend from less active cat breeds, the enrichment strategy must change radically. For example, if your cat is genetically more "Persian" or "Ragdoll", they will prefer ground-level resting areas instead of great heights.
For calmer cat breeds and their crosses, it is ideal to invest in:
- Plush cave-style beds located in quiet places in the house.
- Horizontal or inclined low-height scratchers.
- Intelligence toys or snuffle mats that stimulate their mind without requiring big jumps or running.
Discover what your cat really needs
Knowing your cat's breed mix is not just a curiosity; it is a practical wellbeing tool. Stopping the guesswork about which toys they will like or what type of bed they will prefer will save you money and frustration, allowing you to offer them a bespoke environment.
Through the cat DNA test, you can discover the secrets hidden in your cat's genome. Carry out the test simply from home, discover their origins, and transform your home into the exact paradise that their biology is crying out for.
