What is True Form and Why Cats Want It
True Form is the third and final evolution stage for cats in the mythology behind the mobile game Battle Cats (https://battle-cats.fandom.com/wiki/True_Form). It represents a cat reaching its peak power and abilities. According to the lore, cats inherently desire to attain their True Forms.
A cat in True Form gains increased stats like health, damage, and speed compared to their prior forms. They may also gain new abilities or have existing ones enhanced (https://www.reddit.com/r/battlecats/comments/2zstne/how_to_unlock_true_form_for_cats/). This makes True Form the ultimate goal for cats in the fictional world.
Because of the heightened power and capabilities, cats are driven to attain their True Forms. They may exhibit restless or destructive behavior in their current form as they seek to transform. Owners need to recognize the signs of True Form craving and help their cats achieve the final evolution safely.
Know the Signs of True Form Craving
Cats who are craving their true form may exhibit certain behaviors that signal their boredom and need for more stimulation. Some common signs include:
- Excessive meowing, especially at night
- Scratching furniture and carpets
- Restless energy and pacing
- Batting or attacking household objects
- Trying to escape or dart out doors
- Lack of interest in toys
- Aggressive behavior like biting or swatting
According to Reddit users on r/battlecats, cats who have reached their maximum level but not achieved true form will often meow persistently at night until their owner plays with them. Scratching furniture is another sign of boredom and craving the enhanced abilities of true form.
In general, any restless or destructive behaviors may indicate your cat is seeking a more stimulating environment and the power boost of true form. Pay attention to these signals and take steps to engage your cat’s mind and body. More playtime, environmental enrichment, and safely harnessing your cat’s energy can help satisfy their true form craving.
Safely Harness Your Cat’s Energy
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, so it’s important to provide appropriate outlets to satisfy this need. Scratching serves multiple purposes for cats – it helps shed the dead outer layer of their claws, marks territory with scent glands in their paws, and stretches their bodies.
Rather than trying to stop scratching altogether, redirect your cat’s energy to cat-friendly surfaces. Provide appealing scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, sisal mats, and cat trees around your home. Place them near furniture or areas your cat tries to scratch. Encourage use by rubbing catnip or treats on the posts. Praise your cat when they use their scratchers.
Scratching posts come in many materials, shapes, sizes and angles. Try different types until you find what your cat prefers. Look for sturdy posts that won’t tip over and are taller than your cat when stretched. Replace worn out posts regularly.
You can also redirect scratching energy into playtime. Schedule interactive play sessions with wands, laser pointers and chase toys. Puzzle feeders and treat balls provide mental stimulation. A bored cat is more likely to act out through unwanted scratching. Keep your cat active and enrich their environment.
With patience and providing suitable scratching outlets, you can harness your cat’s energy in a way that protects your belongings. Always use positive reinforcement, never punish a cat for scratching. Redirection and deterrents are the humane approach.
Create a Stimulating Environment
Making your home fun and engaging for cats is key to diminishing boredom. Start by cat-proofing potential dangers like poisonous houseplants, loose strings, small choking hazards, and open windows. Then focus on adding enrichment through interactive toys, climbing spaces, food puzzles, and more.
Provide climbing spaces and high perches so your cat can view the home from different vantage points. Install cat shelves, cat trees, and catios to create vertical territory. You can also make DIY cat climbers using cardboard boxes or sisal rope https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/feline-diy-enrichment.
Puzzle feeders and foraging toys add mental stimulation by making cats work for their food. Try ball puzzles, food tubes, snuffle mats, and cardboard mazes. Rotate different puzzles to prevent boredom. Scatter kibble around the house so your cat can hunt for meals.
Catios allow safe outdoor access so cats can watch birds and smell fresh air. Build an enclosed catio or screen in your porch or balcony. Make sure to include climbing and scratching areas. Supervise time outside and bring cats in before dusk when predators are active.
Outsmart Boredom with Playtime
Providing interactive playtime with your cat is vital for nurturing their natural feline instincts and preventing boredom. Playtime is an essential part of a cat’s routine that helps exercise their mind and body. When cats have stimulating playtime opportunities, they are less likely to act out with problem behaviors. According to Chewy, play sessions should be regular and frequent throughout the day.
There are many interactive toys that allow cats to tap into their inner hunter. Wand toys and feather teasers simulate prey for cats to chase and pounce. Laser pointers direct their focus and get them moving around. Novelty balls and treat puzzles encourage curiosity and problem solving skills. You can also teach cats fun tricks like high-fives, spins, and jumping through hoops for extra enrichment.
The key is providing engaging playtime activities and toys that match your cat’s energy level and preferences. With daily interactive play sessions, you can keep your cat happily stimulated and prevent boredom-induced mischief.
Consider a Friend for Companionship
While cats are often content on their own, some cats can benefit from having a feline companion. Getting a second cat can provide social interaction, playtime, and companionship for a bored or lonely cat. However, there are some important considerations when getting a second cat:
Pros:
- A second cat provides a playmate and source of stimulation and activity.
- Two cats can keep each other company when you are away.
- Some cats are more social and prefer having a feline companion.
- Cats can learn behaviors and social skills from each other.
Cons:
- There may be an adjustment period as the cats get to know each other.
- You’ll need to monitor them initially and provide separate resources.
- Cats can be territorial – space and resources must be split.
- Expenses, care and responsibilities increase with a second cat.
Gradually introduce a new cat to allow familiarization. Provide separate litter boxes, food bowls, toys, beds, and high perches initially. With time, patience and proper introduction, two cats can become good companions.
However, a second cat may not be right for every home. Consider your cat’s personality and needs. An energetic social cat may benefit from a playmate more than a timid or territorial cat. Discuss options with your vet to make the best decision.
Supplement With Cat TV
One way to provide additional mental stimulation for your cat is by playing cat TV shows and videos. There are many entertaining options that can capture your cat’s attention and provide enriching sensory experiences.
Nature videos featuring birds, squirrels, and other small prey animals are very popular with cats. Watching the movement on screen can trigger their natural hunting instincts. Some good YouTube channels to check out include Bird Bonanza and Squirrel TV.
Underwater aquarium and fish tank videos are another great option. The soothing motions and sounds can be almost hypnotic for cats. Consider putting on an aquarium webcam station for hours of mesmerizing entertainment.
In addition to nature videos, there are also silly cat game shows and other funny content created just for felines. The moving interactive elements aim to capture their attention and engage their predatory drive in a stimulating way. Check out Cat Fishing and other wacky cat videos.
Just be sure to supervise your cat’s viewing and avoid overstimulation. Moderation is key when supplementing with cat TV. But used wisely, it can provide engaging sensory enrichment.
Harness Train for the Great Outdoors
Harness training your cat allows them safe, supervised outdoor access which can provide excellent environmental enrichment. The key to successful harness training is taking it slow and making it a positive experience for your cat.
Start by placing the harness nearby and giving your cat treats and praise so they associate it with good things. Once they seem comfortable with it around, place the harness on them for just a few seconds at first, paired with rewards. Slowly increase the duration wearing the harness over multiple sessions until your cat seems content. The goal is for them to not just tolerate the harness, but to get excited to put it on!
Initially have your cat wear the harness indoors only. Attach a leash so they get used to the feeling of pulling. Bring them to a screened porch or enclosed yard at first for minimal environmental stimulation. Slowly introduce more sights, sounds and smells during supervised outdoor trips. Having a secure harness and leash prevents dangerous roaming while still allowing your cat to get outside enrichment.
While the initial training takes patience and repetition, the payoff is a cat that gets to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of the great outdoors safely. Just be sure to provide ample playtime and affection too so they don’t associate the harness only with going outside.
Ask Your Vet About Medications
While medication should be a last resort for anxiety in cats, your vet may recommend certain drugs in severe cases. Anti-anxiety medications typically prescribed for cats include fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, clomipramine, buspirone, alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, trazodone, and gabapentin. These drugs can help reduce a cat’s anxiety and make them feel calmer. However, medications come with potential side effects and should not be used long-term without veterinary guidance.
Before trying medication, discuss options like pheromone diffusers with your vet first. Pheromone products release synthetic cat pheromones into the air to help minimize anxiety and stress. Brand names include Feliway and Comfort Zone. Diffusers can be an effective solution without the risks of medication. They help relax cats by making them feel secure and content in their environment.
While drugs may be necessary in acute cases of anxiety, approach them with care under veterinary supervision. Focus first on environmental changes, pheromones, and natural remedies. With patience and the right enrichments, your cat may overcome any anxieties, letting their true relaxed nature shine through.
Patience and Environmental Enrichment
It’s important to have patience and understand that a cat’s urge to experience its true form is natural feline behavior. While it may seem frustrating, try to be compassionate and refrain from punishment, which will only further stress your cat. Instead, focus your energy on providing a stimulating, enrichment-filled home environment.
There are many ways to enrich your cat’s indoor habitat to make it more interesting and engaging. Rotate their toys to spark curiosity and set up puzzle feeders or food-dispensing balls to satisfy their hunting instincts. Placing cat trees, perches, and scratching posts near windows allows them to survey the outdoors. Consider adopting a second cat for companionship. Planting cat grass and catnip provides natural foraging opportunities. Strategically placed cardboard boxes, tunnels, and hideaways promote play and feelings of security.
While it takes time and effort, a thoughtfully enriched home can make all the difference in satisfying your cat’s needs. Be patient, get creative, and understand that a stimulating environment, not punishment, is the solution. Your cat’s true form cravings are natural, so kindness and environmental enrichment are key.