How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Healthy and Happy

Many people these days are keeping their cats indoors.  With the urban sprawl growing, and life threatening possibilities growing from every direction for your cat, this is a sound decision.

 

Yes, cats do belong outside, roaming, or just lolling in the sun.  However, as we have brought them in to our society, it is our responsibility to keep them safe from our society – cars, freeways, hungry urban wildlife, crazy people, bored kids roaming the streets with BB Guns, and the neighbor’s dog are all very good reasons to keep your feline indoors.  There’s nothing like seeing a roadkill with a collar to bring it home to you (and your family) just why your dear Fluffy’s outdoor wanderings should be gently put to an end. 

 

So if you’ve made this decision, I congratulate you, and have some tips on how to keep your indoor cat healthy.

 

Q: I live in a tiny apartment.  How can my cat be happy with so little room?

 

A: Easy.  Cats are not as complicated as you think, or as they are made out to be.  They need grain-free food, toys, stuff to climb (furniture works if you can’t afford a cat stand), a place to sleep, preferably at least one high place, and a window to look out at the world.  If they aren’t enterprising enough to create their own exercise (in other words, lazy), there are a plethora of toys, gadgets, and accessories out there to help them along.

 

I do recommend cats in pairs (or more if you have the room and inclination).  Not only do they keep each other company, but they play for exercise, and keep one another occupied.

 

What kinds of toys should I get?

 

Anything that smells like, or is filled with, catnip is going to be a stellar place to begin.  Never mind the entertainment those toys will provide you as well!  Anything that moves, jiggles, rolls, is furry, has a tail, squiggles, jumps, bobs, sways, or skitters is going to be welcomed.  Make sure it’s cruelty free – the internet will tell all.  I also recommend laser pointers, as they are good to keep your cat’s instincts honed, and their smarts stimulated.

 

You can also get plastic balls that you can fill with treats or food, with a tiny opening.  The cats have to figure out to roll the ball in such a way that the treats fall out.  Not only is it a good way to keep them entertained, but slim as well!

 

Tip:  Do make sure there isn’t anything that could cause a choking hazard, or foreign body intestinal obstruction, on the toy.  Some cats are a little too enthusiastic in their chewing.

 

Cat Stands

 

They can be pricey unfortunately if you buy them at pet stores, but saving up for one shouldn’t take long.  Or, build your own!  I know many people who’ve taken this into their own hands with beautiful results.  There are so many different shapes, sizes, and colors of stands, the options are endless.  If you think carpeted tunnels are ugly, consider bare driftwood stands, which are excellent and also nice to look at.

 

Make sure whatever stand you get has sisal on it.  This tough straw colored ropey material is more effective than just carpet to sharpen, or dull, their claws, as well as help them to shed claw casings.

 

What else?

 

If you can imagine it, and its safe, give it a try. Cats are gregarious and curious little boogers.  Even the laziest, most disinterested cat won’t be able to hold out forever if you’re incessantly dangling a feather hung from a door hook in her face!

 

Have fun!

 

Article by:

 

Mandarin MacLeod

Cat & Dog Behaviorist

Pet Consultant

Rescue Volunteer

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