07.07.2009: An Indoor Cat is a Healthy, Happy Cat!
The Rosebud Society and SDKittens highly recommend cats/kittens be kept indoors ONLY for a number of reasons most relating to health and safety. The most common reasons include minimizing cat exposure to outdoor dangers, traumas, toxins and deadly exposure to infections. Cats that are kept exclusively indoors live on average at least twice as long as cats that are allowed outdoors.
Although the indoor environment is definitely safer, the indoor environment may not be as interesting to a very curious cat. Therefore it is important that you create an environment for your cat that is enriched, stimulating, and helps supplement what cats normally would get outside. Not only does this help entertain your cat, you will find it quite entertaining as well. Inside cats really can be happy, if you can provide them with the things they need to live full and interesting lives. To do this, you need to understand what cats need to be happy and content, and make sure that you provide it.
Cats can become bored living inside because they are natural hunters and predators. They are born to stalk and hunt. And nothing consumes them more than the chase! When they live in an indoor environment where they are no longer able to stalk prey, some cats, particularly younger ones, really miss it. Sometimes indoor cats get creative and practice their stalking skills on their humans! This type of creative play can be very entertaining and satisfying to a cat. (And we think it's pretty funny, too.)
Here are 10 easy ways to make sure your indoor cat is happy and healthy:
Good quality food – indoor cats need quality food to stay healthy. Choose the best quality food that you can afford. Make sure the label indicates that it is "AFFCO" approved which reflects that the company incorporated the minimal levels of nutrients that should be included in a commercial food.
Toys – cats, especially young ones, love to play. Make sure your cats have lots of toys helps to enrich their environment. Every cat has different toy and play preferences. At a minimum, have some toys that roll, something with catnip and a toy on a string that can be moved to help stimulate your cat to pounce and play. Some of the best toys are home made. Catnip in an old sock is just heaven, and a balled up wad of paper on a string is all it takes for some real cat fun. If you are interested in obtaining a toy that will drive your cat insane, we recommend purchasing a laser light toy. Cats go crazy chasing the laser beam. Be careful not to shine the laser at your cat, and be sure to give your cat a rest between laser play sessions. Chasing a laser can be exhausting!
Scratching post – cats have an innate desire to scratch. Scratching allows them to sharpen their claws, get rid of dead claw pieces and mark their territory. You should make sure you have a good spot for your cat to scratch! If your cat scratches in a certain location, be sure to put the scratching post there!
Refuge – All cats need a refuge or place to get away and feel safe. Most "refuges" are boxes, beds or places off the beaten path of a busy household. It should be a place where your cat can get away, feel safe and rest peacefully. This is especially important in busy households, households with dogs or multiple cats.
Visual stimulation – every cat should have the ability to look out the window and be simulated by the environment. A screened in porch is ideal but if that is not possible a nice window seat or window bed is a wonderful addition. Cats love to watch nature and other outdoor activities. If possible, consider placing a bird feeder within view of the window.
