An indoor cat spends virtually all his time inside. While home is a cat’s safe haven, it is important to make life fun so he doesn’t get bored.
Giving cats the satisfaction and happiness they need starts young. When they are kittens, it is important to make them understand that being an indoor cat can be fun. If they grow up under such happy and thriving conditions, they are usually happy to stay there for the rest of their lives.
An indoor cat can be perfectly content inside, but it does require some effort on your part. The humanesociety.org web site offers these tips:
Give The Outdoor Experience
If you want to offer the ambiance of the great outdoors, provide a screened porch for your indoor cat. Be sure the screen is secure enough that your cat won’t be able to claw a hole in it and possibly escape.
If you fence in your yard, that is no guarantee that other animals won’t come in or that your cat won’t find an escape route. Remain present at all times when your cat does enjoy some outdoor time.
Of course, it is imperative to remain highly vigilant with respect to any toxic plants, garden chemicals or dangerous objects that could injure or harm your cat.
Take A Walk
If you live in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, consider purchasing a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. Sure, it will take time and most likely more patience than you realized you had, but if started when you cat is young, it is easier.
Also, some cats don’t mind being harnessed and tied to a stationery object for a brief period of time while you do some minor yard work. Just be sure to never leave your cat alone while he is in this position.
Enjoying The View
If you want to give your cat the opportunity to just hang out and chill, you can install an indoor perch near a sunny window. These padded perches are usually available at numerous pet supply stores.
Another great idea is to install an enclosure that sits just outside the window frame – similar to an air conditioning unit – which gives your cat a secure place to just relax, hang out and see what’s going on in the outdoor world.
It’s All About Play
It goes without saying that regular daily play time with your indoor cat is vitally important to his physical and mental health. Give him toys that encourage him to stalk, chase, pounce and kick, as those are his natural instincts. Switch out the toys on occasion to give him something new and fresh to enjoy. Just like kids get bored with the same old toys, so can cats!
Grazing Time
There is also a way to bring the outdoors inside by purchasing cat grass, which is available at many pet supply stores. You can put this in indoor pots and give your cat the opportunity to graze.
Provide Proper ID
Even if your cat is primarily an indoor cat, you should still make sure he has proper identification and is outfitted with a collar. You never know when instincts will kick in and an open window or door creates an opportunity to escape.
Once outside, your cat can become frightened and confused. The proper ID could help someone return your cat back to you in the event he does escape and becomes lost. Micro chipping is another great idea and can be done through your veterinarian’s office, or local rescue/animal shelter.
Whether your cat is an indoors or outdoors dweller – or a bit of both – the best environment is one that keeps him healthy, happy and safe!
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
