You could find a canine park in nearly each main metropolis, many minor cities, and a few small cities and municipalities. Canine homeowners appear to have a number of choices for canine train and socialization, so why don’t cat parks exist for cat homeowners?
Because it seems, there are a number of good causes that cat parks don’t exist. Right here’s what it’s essential know.
The 4 Causes Why Cat Parks Don’t Exist
1. Cats Have Distinctive Lavatory Habits
Although some canine might be skilled to make use of a litter field or pet pad, most canine study to be comfy relieving themselves outside. They’re not non-public animals, in order that they’re high quality relieving themselves in a canine park. However, cats want the consolation and familiarity of their litter field at dwelling, which might be in a personal spot like a closet or basement. When you put a cat in a cat park, they’ll maintain it your entire time.
2. Cats Are Solitary Animals
Everybody is aware of that cats are loners and canine are pack animals. Whereas the latter is definitely a degree of rivalry amongst canine professionals, it’s clear that canine kind bonds with different canine, cats, and people. Cats, not a lot. They kind social teams in some conditions, however not like canine. They don’t want associates or playtime, so placing a bunch of cats collectively in a park to roam freely is a recipe for catastrophe.
3. Cats Don’t Want Tons of House for Train
Some canine want a number of house to run and play, which some homeowners could also be unable to offer in small houses, houses with out a yard, or residences. Canine parks give them that house to assist their canine get some train. Cats want train, however they usually get it by leaping vertically, reminiscent of onto a excessive shelf or cat perch, taking part in with interactive toys, or exploring their dwelling. They don’t want an acre of grass to run and train; when you put them in that atmosphere, they’re not prone to go off exploring.
4. Cats Don’t Like Change
Most canine take pleasure in exploring new environments. Once they’re put in a brand new open house, they’ll seemingly run round, sniff, dig holes, and mark territory. Cats don’t share this enjoyment. Most cats hate change and being put in new conditions. Although they’re predators, they’re additionally prey to bigger predators. They’ll react to the sights, sounds, and smells of a park with concern as a substitute of pleasure.
Ought to Cat Parks Exist?
As you possibly can see, there are a number of good the explanation why cat parks don’t exist and doubtless by no means will, regardless of what number of cat homeowners ask for them. They’re not ultimate for cat temperaments and easily aren’t crucial when cat homeowners can fulfill all their cat’s wants of their houses.
Except for that, the truth is that {many professional} canine trainers aren’t on board with canine parks. Whereas they acknowledge that some homeowners want that house to permit their canine to run, play, and discover in a protected, devoted house, there are appreciable dangers to utilizing a canine park. Not all homeowners are the identical, not all canine behave the identical, and bringing these canine collectively can usually create greater issues than it will probably resolve—together with various kinds of aggression.
There are definitely some homeowners and a few canine that profit from a canine park, however taking all that into consideration, it’s clear why cat parks usually are not a good suggestion for nearly any cats.
Conclusion
Individuals could love each canine and cats, however they’ve totally different personalities and wishes. With their solitary nature, want for privateness, and basic dislike of change and new experiences, cats usually are not a good selection for a park and socialization. Cat parks will in all probability by no means exist, they usually shouldn’t.
Featured Picture Credit score: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock