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Indoor cats, sunshine seekers from every window
If you're considering an indoor cat or need to keep your cat indoors, you might be wondering how to keep them happy. Here's everything you need to know about caring for an indoor cats.
How to keep an indoor cat happy
Keeping an indoor cat happy involves providing a stimulating and comfortable environment that meets their physical and mental needs. Offer a variety of toys, scratching posts, and climbing spaces to keep them entertained and engaged. Regular playtime is essential, as it helps prevent boredom and strengthens your bond. Additionally, ensure they have cosy spots to relax, such as soft beds or window perches where they can watch the outside world.
Maintaining a consistent routine is also key to their happiness. Feed them a balanced diet, keep their litter box clean, and ensure regular veterinary check-ups. Spend quality time with your cat, offering affection and social interaction to make them feel secure and loved. By focusing on enrichment, routine, and companionship, you can ensure your indoor cat leads a happy and fulfilling life.
What cats make the best indoor cats?
While all cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, some breeds are particularly well suited to the indoor cat life. With limited access to external stimuli, indoor cats often require more attention, playtime with cat toys, and regular grooming from their owners.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon cat breed are friendly and playful, these gentle giants enjoy the indoor cat life as long as they have plenty of space to explore.
Cornish/Devon Rex
The Cornish Rex and Devon Rex are playful cats and are highly sociable and thrive on interactive games that mimic hunting.
British Shorthair
These intelligent cats are content to stay indoors, British Shorthair cats need plenty of puzzle cat toys and human interaction.
Ragdoll
Known for their calm and gentle nature, Ragdoll cats are happy to relax indoors and enjoy being held and cuddled.
Burmese
Extremely affectionate and people oriented, Burmese cats love to be involved in family activities and are well suited to indoor living.
Scottish Fold
Sweet and calm, the Scottish Fold cat breed enjoys indoor life and appreciate a quiet environment where they can be close to their owners.
Tips to make sure your indoor cat stays happy and healthy
- Consider building a catio to give your cat secure outdoor access while keeping them safe.
- Provide plenty of interactive toys to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated indoors.
- Offer plenty of scratching posts to satisfy your cat's natural scratching behavior.
- Create cat friendly spaces with cat window beds and climbing areas, allowing your cat to explore and mimic outdoor behaviors.
- Ensure your cat gets enough exercise to stay fit and healthy.
- Use puzzle toys to make mealtime more engaging and add a bit of extra play.
- Be mindful of household hazards, including wires, toxic plants, medications, cleaning chemicals, and potential kitchen dangers like scalds or burns.
- Provide hiding spots and cosy areas like a radiator cat bed.
- If you have multiple indoor cats, make sure each one has their own resources bowls, litter trays, cat beds.
- Rotate toys and activities regularly to keep things fresh and prevent your cat from getting bored with the same routine.
Should I keep my cat indoors?
There are many reasons why you might need to keep your cat indoors. For example, if you’ve recently brought your cat home, it’s advisable to keep your indoor cat inside for a few weeks to help them adjust. Cats diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also known as feline AIDS, will need to be kept indoors permanently to ensure they stay away from other cats.
The decision to keep your cat indoors should depend on your cat's specific situation and individual needs. If you’ve adopted a cat breed that has always lived indoors, such as a Ragdoll or a British Longhair, going outside might be overwhelming and stressful for them, so maintaining them as an indoor cat could be the best option.
If you’re keeping your indoor cat inside to protect wildlife, consider only allowing them outside access during dawn and dusk, times when they are most likely to want to hunt. Be sure to provide plenty of interactive play to satisfy their natural hunting instincts. Check out our Flying Bird Cat Toy for an engaging way to stimulate your cat’s predatory behavior and keep them entertained indoors.
For cat breeds accustomed to having the option to go outside, such as a Maine Coon or Abyssinian, transitioning to life as an indoor cat can be stressful. If your indoor cat shows signs of anxiety when confined indoors, and they don’t have a medical condition requiring them to stay inside, consider allowing them supervised outdoor access to alleviate cat anxiety. Consult our guide for signs of anxiety in indoor cats for further assistance.
Do indoor cats need vaccinating?
Even if your cat remains indoors, it's essential to ensure they are properly vaccinated and up to date on their boosters. Germs and other pathogens can still make their way into your home, posing a risk to your cat. Preventable diseases can affect both indoor and outdoor cats. Additionally, make sure your cat is microchipped in case of any unexpected escapes. For more information on vaccinations and microchipping, check out our detailed guides.
Don’t forget to stay on top of flea and worm treatments. Even though your cat doesn’t go outside, fleas can be brought into your home on your clothing or bags, or from visits to places with other cats. Consult with your vet to determine the best treatment plan for your cat’s specific needs. For more details about managing fleas and worm treatment, refer to our comprehensive guides.
How to cat proof a balcony for your indoor cat
An open balcony or window can be tempting for your cat to explore, but it also comes with significant risks, such as the potential for falls and severe injuries. While any cat might be at risk, younger cats, particularly those under two years old, are especially vulnerable to "high-rise syndrome" due to their adventurous nature and lack of fear.
Allowing your cat access to a balcony can have its benefits, but it’s crucial to address potential dangers. Your cat might get tangled in netting or slip through unsecured gaps.
To make your balcony safer for your cat, consider:
- Installing a secure wire mesh or netting that spans from the ceiling to the floor, or using a durable window screen designed for feline safety.
- Removing any dangerous plants or objects that could pose a risk.
- Ensuring your cat has an easy way to get back inside whenever they want.
Always keep an eye on your cat while they are on the balcony. If you notice signs of frustration or attempts to escape, it’s best to restrict their access to ensure their safety.
Is it cruel to have an indoor cat?
As long as your cat has ample space and resources to engage in their natural behaviors and isn’t frustrated by their indoor life, there’s no reason they can’t thrive as a house cat. However, adult cats accustomed to outdoor access may struggle with the transition. Ideally, every cat would enjoy some outdoor time, but this isn’t always feasible. Implementing our top tips for indoor cat happiness can help ensure your feline stays content and stress free within the home.
Do indoor cats live longer?
On average, a healthy cat can live to around 14 years, with some reaching even older ages. While indoor cats are less likely to suffer injuries from traffic and other outdoor hazards, outdoor cats that are fully vaccinated and in good health can also enjoy a similar lifespan. However, indoor cats are not immune to health issues they can still develop conditions like obesity, diabetes, and lower urinary tract disease due to a lack of physical activity. Currently, there is limited evidence to suggest that either an indoor or outdoor lifestyle results in a significantly longer lifespan. Both environments come with their own set of risks and benefits for a cat’s well being.
FAQ
My indoor cat has fleas what do i do?
If your indoor cat has fleas, it's important to address the issue promptly to ensure their comfort and health. Start by using a veterinarian recommended flea treatment specifically designed for cats. Treat your cat with a topical or oral flea medication to eliminate the fleas. For effective flea control options, check out our Best Flea Treatment for Cats guide for recommendations on suitable products.
Best questions to ask when buying an indoor cat?
When buying an indoor cat, it’s important to ask several key questions to ensure you find a good match for your home and lifestyle. Inquire about the cat's health history, including vaccinations and any previous medical issues, as well as its temperament and behavior traits to ensure it suits your living environment and interaction preferences. Ask about the cat's age and any known background or socialization history to gauge how it may adapt to indoor life.
How to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat?
Transitioning an outdoor cat to indoor cat life requires patience and gradual adjustments. Start by creating a comfortable and engaging indoor environment with plenty of automatic cat toys, scratching posts, and cosy cat cave beds to keep your cat relaxed. Slowly acclimate them to their new indoor routine, allowing them to explore different areas of the home while providing positive reinforcement with treats and affection. Gradually limit their outdoor access to reduce their desire to go outside, and ensure they are kept stimulated with interactive play.
How often should you wash your indoor cat?
Indoor cats generally don’t need frequent baths because they groom themselves effectively. However, if your cat has gotten particularly dirty, has a skin condition, or has long hair that needs extra maintenance, a bath might be necessary every few months. Regular brushing can often suffice for maintaining their coat and minimizing the need for baths. For more information on whether your cat needs baths and how to approach the grooming process, check out our guide on Do Cats Need Baths.
How long can an indoor cat survive outside?
An indoor cat’s chances of surviving outside are generally low due to their lack of exposure to outdoor hazards and their inexperience with the dangers of the wild. Factors such as exposure to diseases, predators, traffic, and environmental conditions can pose significant risks. Additionally, outdoor survival requires skills in hunting and navigating unfamiliar territory, which indoor cats typically lack.
How often should i deworm my indoor cat?
Indoor cats typically need deworming every 3 to 6 months, but this can vary based on their health and risk factors. Consult your vet for a schedule tailored to your cat’s needs. For more information, see our guide on Deworming Your Cat.
How to entertain an indoor cat?
To entertain an indoor cat, provide a variety of stimulating activities and toys. Interactive toys like a remote control cat toy, cat tunnel toy, and cat ball toy can engage their natural hunting instincts, while a cat fishing rod toy offers active play and bonding time. Additionally, a cat laser toy can provide endless fun and exercise. Rotating these toys regularly keeps your cat mentally and physically stimulated.
How did my indoor cat get FIP?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus, which is common and typically harmless in cats. Indoor cats can contract FIP if they are exposed to the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces, food, or other cats that are carriers. The virus can be shed in feces, saliva, or nasal secretions, making it possible for even indoor cats to be at risk if proper hygiene and sanitation are not maintained. Despite being indoors, your cat might still be susceptible if the virus was introduced through contaminated items or if they came into contact with other infected cats.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
