7 July 2013

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Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors



Although many cats enjoy being outside, it's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness.

Playing regularly with a cat easily satisfies her stalking instinct, keeps her stimulated, and provides the exercise she needs to stay healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs.

Start young

Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.
Fence me in

Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a "cat fence" or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without the risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside.

Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.


Walk this way

If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationary object).
Hang out

Install a perch indoors near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores, through catalog retailers, or at our online store. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can "hang out." Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It's best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise.
Tree's company

Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor to ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors.
Play time

Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce, and kick. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm him (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. Leave out "toys" such as paper bags, with the handles removed, or cardboard boxes when you cannot supervise. Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat.

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