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Awesome, thanks so much for Your ConfirmationYes- cats bring their "meals" somewhere safe to eat but not in corners or in any place they cannot see & escape from in any direction all around them and then whatever is not eaten they bury,that is to hide their scent- the same instinctual behavior applies to drinking from a water source & eliminating their waste- while they are eatijg,drinking or eliminating they want an easy escape route and are on high alert..... so this also should help you to understand the best way to arrange food bowls,water and litter boxes when transitioning a feral,semi feral or stray to the indoors- they are most comfortable and relaxed when they csn see all around them and take off in any direction in the event they feel threatened or danger approaching
It's believed by most that the reasons cats eat a good distance away from a water source & eliminate a good distance away from a water source as well is to keep the water from being contaminated but of course there is no way to prove that theory- however,it makes perfect sense and most animals in the wild behave in the same manner
Most people place litter boxes,food dishes & water bowls in corners or against a wall- of course a cat is hungry & thirsty so they will eat wherever you put their food and water but when it comes to an outdoor kitty the best way to help him feel less vulnerable indoors is to place his essentials where he can relax,not be on high alert and learn that he is in a very safe environment simply by placing these items where nothing obstructs him from escape....then after he is acclimated and familiar with his environment you can gradually move his food,water and litter boxes where YOU prefer.....
My own kittens have water dispensers ,litter boxes and kibble in every room -this eliminates any food or litter competition for even the most territorial,competitive kitty in a multi cat household-you have no issues there to consider- Unc has the castle all to himself
Experience Trumps Random internet information every-time
And as you may have noticed I am in the process of Learning ALL I CAN.
about these little friends
He seems to have Strong INSTINCTIVE Survival skills and learns Soooo quick
Only about an hr or less to understand the Cat Door,
Although I may have confused him, a few nights ago when
I closed the MESH (see through) Door on his carry case,
Then Had him jump in from the top for TREATS, He got spooked
and darted at the Mesh Door and bounced back.
NOW Last night I watched him attempt to re-enter the kitty
(SEE THROUGH) door, its got a magnet that keeps it closed and he needs to PUSH,
As he attempted and found resistance, he stopped, I needed to push it open with my hand and then step
back so he understood to push harder again.
Ok back to the CRASH Course in Cat behavior studies
Loving the learning experience and so thankful for all the
great Members and help this site has to offer