While cats are instinctive hunters, they don’t need to be outside to stay happy and stimulated. In fact, letting your cat outside opens the door to countless dangers and potential threats. Being hit by a car, attacked by an animal, or harmed by a neighbor are all real possibilities. Outside cats are also more prone to health issues like feline leukemia, worms, and ticks. A life indoors will keep your pet safe, and there are ways you can make sure your cat is happy in your home. Here are a few tips to give your indoor cat the best life.
#1 – Expand Vertically
Cats like to roam, explore, and most of all, climb. Instead of getting stuck in a tree outside, you can provide them with a safe indoor alternative. Cat trees and cat towers are specifically designed to meet your cat’s desire to climb and scratch. Invest in a few different kinds of trees with varying levels of platforms, posts, and hiding spaces. Expanding up instead of out will give your cat the chance to be active without having to call the fire company.
#2 – Choose a Room With a View
Choose a large window in your home and set up a special place where your cat can look out. Put a cat bed near the glass, and your feline will love basking in the sun’s rays and watching the birds and other critters in the yard. If you really want your cat to enjoy the outdoors without being fully exposed, consider creating a “catio.” These outdoor areas are completely screened in with access to the inside for a unique solution to your cat’s desire for fresh air.
# 3 – Pick the Right Toys
Outdoor cats can chase, stalk, and roam to stay healthy and fit, but you’ll have to simulate those activities with the right cat toys. Choose toys that encourage your cat to get up and move. Batting around a catnip filled mouse is good, but chasing after a laser pointer or pushing a ball along a track is better. The biggest thing to remember is to give them a variety of options. Rotate their toy collection and provide new toys on a regular basis to keep them from getting bored.
# 4 – Bring the Outdoors to the Indoors
From rolling in the grass to nibbling their way through your garden, cats love plants. When they’re outside, they could easily munch on something poisonous. With indoor cats, you have control over what kind of plants they’re exposed to. Do your research to learn which plants are dangerous and which are safe. There’s also a such thing as cat grass that you can grow specifically for your cat. It’s a hearty plant that’s hard to kill, and it’ll give your cat the feeling of being outside.
#5 – Give a Lot of Attention
The best substitute for being outside is spending time with the humans that love them. You are your cat’s biggest source of happiness and stimulation. Take the time to play with them, but it doesn’t have to be active engagement all the time. Grooming, cuddling, and simply hanging out together are all great ways to keep your cat occupied. When they’re happy spending time with you, they’ll be happy living a life indoors.