Many of us in the UK believe that indoor
cats are not as happy as those allowed the freedom to roam outside. This myth
results in many cats being lost, injured, stolen and even killed outdoors. It
is possible for cats to live very happy lives as indoor cats. All you need to
do is provide stimulation and exercise opportunities, and plenty of attention
when your cat demands it.
Here are 5 Tips to Help Your Cat Live a
Happy Life Indoors
- It’s easier to have a very
happy indoor cat if you start off their lives indoors. If they begin their
young life indoors they will usually adjust to the lifestyle without any difficulties.
Keep your kitten indoors and you shouldn’t have any problems. Older cats may
find the adjustment a lot more stressful. That doesn’t mean you can’t help them
make the transition. Click
here to read our adjustment tips.
- Contained outdoor access is
recommended. Catios or cat fencing gives your cat access to the outdoors
without allowing them to roam freely. Cat enclosures provide your cat with the
best of both worlds. Make sure there are no escape points, remove all toxic
plants and allow your cats outside without any of the stress.
- Walking cats on leashes can be
another way of providing a safe way of being outdoors. It’s best to walk your
cat on a lead at times when the neighbourhood dogs are indoors. It does take
time to train cats to feel comfortable and safe in leashes and to be walked,
but the effort can pay off.
- Place plenty of ledges and
secure shelves at different heights in the home. Activity centres are an easy
way of adding these different levels into the home. Place the perches in
different areas, some close to windows, and others in darker corners of the
home and in areas where you like to hang out too. Give your cat choices of
where to sit and opportunities to climb and jump.
- Play with your cat to avoid
boredom. Cats love to stalk prey, they love to pounce and to chase and kick. Buy
plenty of safe toys for your cat to play with and spend time stimulating your
cats natural behaviours. You can also use cardboard boxes and paper bags. Swap
the toys on a regular basis.
Learn more about enclosing
your garden to provide safe access for your indoor cat by watching our video.
