Keeping your indoor cat happy

Photo of cat relaxing indoors in cat tree

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Healthy

Follow these tips to help your indoor cat live a full and active life.

Get Your Cat a Friend

Many cats enjoy living with other pets. Having a companion provides:

  • Exercise: Cats can play and chase each other.
  • Affection: Cats can groom and snuggle together while you are away.
  • Friendship: Introduce new pets slowly to help them become friends.

Use Interactive Toys

Keep your cat active and curious with a variety of toys.

  • Rotate toys: Cats get bored with the same objects. Put some toys away and bring them out later so they feel "new" again.
  • Hunt and play: Use laser pointers or "fishing pole" toys. These mimic hunting and give your cat a safe way to use their natural instincts.

Provide Scratching Posts

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. To protect your furniture:

  • Offer several types of scratching surfaces (such as carpet, sisal, or cardboard).
  • Place scratching posts in different rooms throughout your home.

Create a Cat-Friendly Home

  • Cats feel safest when they have their own spaces to climb and hide.
  • Climbing and Perching
  • Cat Trees: Provide tall cat trees or shelves for climbing. You can buy these at PetSmart or Petco.
  • Window Perches: Cats love to watch the outside world. If your windowsills are narrow, install a cat perch so your pet can sunbathe safely.

Entertainment (Cat TV)

  • Bird Watching: Place a bird feeder or birdbath outside a window where your cat can see it. Put stickers or special decals on your windows to help birds see the glass so they do not fly into it.
  • Safe Outdoors: If you have a porch, ensure the screens are secure so your cat can enjoy the fresh air without escaping.

Hiding Places

Cats need private spots to feel secure. You can use:

  • Cardboard boxes or paper bags.
  • Store-bought kitty tents, tunnels, or condos.

Build a Catio

A catio (a "cat patio") is a secure, outdoor enclosure that allows indoor cats to enjoy the fresh air and sights of nature without the risks of roaming free.

More Information About Building a Catio!