Keeping an Indoor Cat Happy
Keeping a cat indoors protects it from traffic, predators and many diseases. The trade-off is boredom, which can lead to overeating, scratching furniture or restless nights.
Give them a view
Cats love to watch birds and people. A sturdy window perch or a cleared sill in a sunny spot gives hours of entertainment.
Play every day
- Two or three short play sessions a day with a wand toy work well.
- Let your cat “catch” the toy at the end of each session.
- Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
- Hide a few treats around the house to encourage hunting.
Offer places to scratch and climb
Provide at least one tall, stable scratching post and some height, such as a cat tree or shelves. Scratching is normal behavior and keeps claws healthy.
Keep up with grooming
Regular brushing cuts down on hairballs and shedding, especially for long-haired cats. It is also a good time to check skin, ears and teeth.
Visit the vet
Indoor cats still need yearly checkups and the vaccines your vet recommends. Sudden changes in appetite, litter habits or behavior are worth a call.
