Keeping Indoor Cats Happy

Keeping cats indoors is always a good idea to keep them safe and healthy. There are wild animals, poisons, vehicles and diseases which can harm cats when allowed to roam freely. However, with spring comes more birds, flowers and green grass all calling to indoor cats as they stare longingly out the window. Guilt and sorrow often fill the guardians of these cats as they wish to open the door and let the cats be free but know that is not a safe solution.   

Cat guardians do not have to feel guilty, if they take the time to make the indoor cat’s environment more stimulating. Floor to ceiling cat scratches with a variety of shelves placed in front of a window allow a cat to climb, jump, and watch the birds. Place a bird feeder right outside the window to create a “kitty television.” “PetScreen™” screening material on the windows in the spring allow for them to be open without the worry of a cat scratching through. This screening can be found at most hardware stores and, with a simple tool, anyone can easily replace old screens.

Grow catnip and grass indoors for a little munching time in front of a window. Be aware that cats will often roll in catnip so be sure to secure the planter. If there isn’t a convenient place to grow catnip inside, grow it outside and bring cuttings in for the cats to enjoy. Not only does this entertain the cats but it’s also rather entertaining for the family.

Training a cat to wear a harness and walk on a leash is one safe way to let a cat enjoy the great outdoors. Most cats will freeze the first time a harness is put on them, but after they realize it means some outdoor freedom, cats usually get used to it. There are also kitty outdoor tunnels made of mesh and wire so your cat can have a safe place to go outside and get some fresh air without running off.

The most enjoyable solution for the indoor cat is to build an enclosed outdoor run. These runs can be as complicated or as simple as your skills and budget allow. By purchasing kennel panels (four 6’ x 10’ panels, one gate panel, and one 4’ x 10’ panel), an enclosed run with a top (using the 4’ x 6’ and one 6’ x 10’ panel) can be easily assembled. (Be aware that the gate panel has big gaps and may need some modification for smaller cats.) If there are plans for the cats to have access from the house, the back panel can be eliminated, but support posts will be needed. Some people just bring their cats out to the run when they want to give them some outside time, eliminating the need for a door; others have a door built into the side of the house. If you are unable to add a cat door in this way, it is possible to have a cat door added to the window. Wood and wire may also be used to build a totally enclosed cat run with a gate for people to enter and clean the area or perhaps sit in the sun with the cats.

Inside the cat run are shelves for sunning, branches for scratching, and either cat boxes or a pebble area for digging and eliminating. Adding baskets and hiding spots also creates a fun place to hide and pounce, or curl up for a cozy spring afternoon nap. Planting vines can help create shade, but be sure to use plants which are safe for cats in case they decide to nibble a little. Planting catnip in the run can create a lot of fun for rolling or just hiding in the leaves.

Whether there is a cat door for easy access or a cat run to which the cats are carried, make sure the cat run is placed in a safe area away from stray cats. Although the cats are enclosed there are still diseases, i.e. feline leukemia, that can be transmitted when cats go nose-to-nose. Keep your cats vaccinations up-to-date and perhaps close off the cat run in the evening when many stray cats come out to hunt. Also spay and neuter cats. A female in heat will make a lot of noise trying to get out and will also attract stray males. An indoor intact male cat will holler to get out and try to escape and roam. Spaying and neutering will take away some of those urges and make sleeping at night much easier for both cats and humans.

By making sure cats have plenty of places to climb, jump, roam, and explore, and stimulating toys, indoor cats can be very happy cats. It is also up to cat guardians to take time to play with their cats. A feather on a string, a laser light, or a wind up mouse can be fun for both human and animal. Many cats today are becoming obese due to lack of exercise. Finding ways to stimulate indoor cats will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.