Many cats like to roam their neighbourhoods, but the outside life isn’t for all our feline friends. In our busy modern world, some owners prefer to keep their pets safe from the dangers that can undoubtedly lie in wait for unwary moggies.
This month, we’re looking at what you need to do to make sure that your cat stays happy and healthy when keeping it indoors.
What is an indoor cat?
Quite simply, an indoor cat is one that spends all its time in its owner’s home. Some owners prefer to stop their cats from going outside because they are scared of them getting lost or run over on a busy road. Meanwhile, others might want to protect the wildlife in their garden – or in some cases even protect their cat from the local wildlife! There are even some cats who just aren’t that keen on being outside, especially when it’s cold and wet, or if other local moggies are invading their territory that are better at fighting than they are.
However, whether it’s their own preference or you want to keep your cat safe, indoor cats do need particular care if you’re going to keep them healthy and happy.
Can an indoor cat be happy?
If a cat has previously been used to going outdoors, adjusting to the confinement of an indoor life can be stressful. On the other hand, if a cat has been kept inside since being born, the outside world is likely to be a big and scary place.
Having said that, there are a few things you need to do to think about:
- Even indoor cats like to roam – even if it’s within a more restricted area – so make sure you leave internal doors open to allow them to wander where they want in the house.
- Indoor cats can become lazy and even fat if they just sleep all day every day and don’t get enough exercise. So find time to play with yours whenever possible and ask your vet or local pet store for advice on the best cat toys for indoor cats. Basically, you’re looking for something that will keep them active – no two cats are the same so you might need to experiment with a few different toys before you get the one that works for your own cat!
- Don’t leave them alone too much – cats may seem aloof and independent, but they do actually enjoy interaction and are likely to get bored and miserable if they have nothing to do.
- Giving them access to high places they can climb to, such as cat-friendly shelves.
- Providing scratching posts – otherwise, your sofa or favourite carpet might quickly get shredded. The claws of an indoor cat tend to be longer and sharper than those of an outdoor cat, so the damage could be severe if you’re not careful!
If your indoor cat is hiding away, not interacting with you or refusing to play, they may not be happy or fulfilled. Showing affection to you, sleeping with you and sitting on your lap are all signs of a happy indoor cat!
How long does an indoor cat live?
Generally, there’s little difference between the expected lifespan of indoor and outdoor cats. While an indoor cat will undoubtedly be less prone to accidents and infections than an outdoor cat, their more sedentary lifestyle might mean that they are more likely to be overweight and prone to diabetes and urinary tract infections.
What is the best cat food for indoor cats?
Pet stores will be able to supply you with specially formulated food for an indoor cat. It’s likely to be lower in calories than standard cat food, as indoor cats use a lot less energy, and it may be higher in fibre because they are also a lot more prone to hairballs. Make sure you get your cat weighed regularly and if it seems to be putting on weight, ask your vet for advice on the best diet to get it back in shape.
For obvious reasons, when you place your cat at the cattery at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, we can’t let it wander freely around the area, but we always make sure that all our guests have as much space as possible. We’re very experienced at looking after indoor cats and will make sure we do all we can to keep your cat happy and occupied during its stay with us.
Want to know more? Just give us a call and we’ll help in any way we can! Our kennels and cattery are within easy reach of those living in and around the Chessington and Kingston parts of Surrey.
