6 TIPS FOR A HAPPY INDOOR CAT
For cats that are kept indoors, it’s essential that they’re given lots of stimulation within their own homes. You and I are able to go outside everyday and be stimulated by hundreds of different sounds, smells, and sights. But it’s a different story for the indoor cat who only has its owner’s home as its world.
The natural state of a cat is to hunt, kill, eat and sleep. You want to provide opportunities for your cat to express these behaviors in order to keep them active and healthy. Here we list some ways you can improve your cat’s indoor environment.
1. SCRATCHING POSTS & FURNITURE
Cats usually keep their claws in good shape by scratching tree trunks or fence posts. As well as ensuring their claws are trim, cats naturally scratch to exercise the muscles in their paws and to leave their scent, so it’s a basic and natural need.
2. A ROOM WITH A VIEW
An indoor cat loves to look out of the window to watch birds go by and keep an eye on their ‘territory’. This is a great way to stimulate your cat and to relieve long hours of boredom.
3. TOYS
Leave out some fun little toys for your cat to enjoy on its own such as ping-pong balls, open paper bags, cardboard boxes or furry catnip mice.
4. INTERACTIVE ROD TOYS
Cats are natural hunters and their natural instinct is to kill things, so any toys that stimulate this type of behavior are highly stimulating for the indoor cat. Toy mice, bugs, spiders or feathers on a wire or string make excellent toys.
5. CATNIP
Catnip is a fun treat, which harmlessly ‘intoxicates’ your cat for between 5 and 15 mins.
6. CAT GRASS
Grass aids in digestion and your cats will love having the opportunity to eat it as a normal outdoor cat would.