If lockdown has shown us anything, it’s how boring life can be when you’re trapped indoors.
Just because our furry companions aren’t human doesn’t mean they don’t get bored too.
There are many reasons why you might have decided to keep your cat indoors.
Whether you’re trying to protect your kitty from harmful pesticides, busy roads, or aggressive neighborhood dogs, sometimes keeping our furbaby where we can see them is the best idea.
So how can we make life more fun and enjoyable for our loveable indoor cats?
Clean their litter regularly
A clean kitty is a happy kitty. If our cats aren’t venturing outside, then they are doing their business indoors.
That means it’s up to you to keep on top of their toilet habits and make sure their litter tray stays clean.
You should scoop out their poops daily and change their litter at least once a week—or more if necessary.
Your cat will be much happier when they can relieve themselves comfortably in a fresh and clean tray.
You can make the cleaning process easier for yourself too by investing in easy-to-use trays with simple cleaning and that come with their own scoop and holders like these here.
Encourage their curiosity
Even if your kitty can’t go outside and hunt, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy watching the outdoor world from the inside—kind of like how we watch TV!
You can keep your kitty occupied by making space for them to sit up at the window and letting them watch the world go by.
Consider placing a bird feeder or bath just outside the window which can provide hours of entertainment for your curiosity kitty!
Not only will this be like a subscription to Netflix for your cat, but it will also discourage birds from colliding into the window which is fatal to hundreds of millions of birds in the US every year.
Fun and games
But it shouldn’t just be down to your cat to entertain themselves!
Indoor cats need lots of exercise and stimulation when they are confined inside the four walls of your home.
Invest in cat wands, mouse toys with catnip, and squishy balls to provide hours of pleasure for your playful puss.
But you don’t have to spend all your hard-earned money on expensive toys to keep your kitty happy.
Cats are easily pleased and can make a game out of almost anything.
Cats will chase bits of old fabric and love to hide in empty cardboard boxes. You could make this even more fun by filling the box with tissue paper and hiding catnip or treats inside to keep them entertained.
Find out more about the benefits of different kinds of catnip here.
Scratching Posts
Whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors, scratching is a natural part of feline behavior.
As indoor kitty owners, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your favorite furniture to keep your furry friends happy.
Ensure your kitty has a suitable scratching post that is going to satisfy their claw cravings!
Sprinkle some catnip on the post or invest in scratchers made with catnip to encourage your cat to stick to their scratching station and keep their claws away from the couch.
Bring the outdoors inside
Just because your kitty can’t go outside, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to indulge in the beautiful nature that exists in the big wide world.
Cats love plants and you can keep your kitty happy as well as safe by bringing some of that wildlife indoors.
Check with your vet to ensure any plants you bring into the home are safe for your cat.
Oat grass and catnip plants will be a favorite for your nature-loving feline but always make sure they haven’t been treated with chemicals before introducing them to your precious puss!
Outdoorsy fun
There are other things you can do to help your kitty get some fresh air and enjoy some outdoor play whilst keeping them safe.
A cat lead can be a great way of letting your cat explore without having to worry about them dashing off into busy roads!
Even a simple walk around the backyard on a cat lead will be a fun little adventure for your cat to enjoy.
If you have a porch then consider blocking off escape routes or if not, building an outdoor pen or catio for them to bask in the sunshine whilst you get on with the gardening!
Love and attention
Even the crabbiest kitty companions need to feel loved by their owners.
Spending some valuable time with your cat every day is vital in ensuring your fluffball is content.
Play with your cat when they have lots of energy and give them snuggles and scratches when they are feeling relaxed.
Even more, spending time with your cat can be good for your own mental wellbeing too and help to reduce anxiety and stress.
If you work long hours and worry about your sociable kitty being lonely during the day, consider adopting another cat to keep them company.
There are many ways you can keep your cat content with a life indoors. As long as you keep their trays clean, give them lots of attention and they have plenty of things to do, then all nine of their lives will be filled with fun and happiness!
