When we keep our cats entirely indoors we are limiting their territory and with this their ability to carry out all of their natural behaviours.Therefore we have to think carefully, find out what cats need and then make the effort to keep them challenged and active.Where safety outdoors is the issue, there are options such as fencing in the garden or providing an outdoor run which can help provide the cat with stimulation.
The provision of certain ‘cat resources’within the home will ensure the entertainment, stimulation and security of the indoor cat.These resources include basic necessities such as food and water together with other provisions to allow the cat to exhibit natural behaviour.
Food
-Build cardboard pyramids of toilet roll tubes.
-Place biscuits half way along each tube and allow the cat to obtain the food by using its paw.
-Attach the base to a carpet tile or piece of wood to provide stability.
-Place biscuits inside cardboard boxes,egg boxes or paper bags.
-Place a couple of biscuits inside a rolled up piece of tissue paper.
-Throw some cat biscuits across the floor – some cats enjoy chasing them.
Water
A variety of receptacles can be placed away from the cat’s food to provide interest and encourage drinking. Pet drinking fountains,indoor water features,resin tumblers or ceramic,stainless steel or glass bowls can all be used.
Vegetables
High resting places
Cats are natural climbers so the home environment should reflect this by providing:
-Areas to rest and observe proceedings from an elevated vantage point.
-Tall scratching posts.
-Free-standing cupboards and wardrobes.
-Shelving can provide sanctuary if a small area is cleared for the cat’s use.
-Securing a section of closed weave carpet to a wall represents a challenging climbing frame.
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-Free-standing cupboards and wardrobes.
-Shelving can provide sanctuary if a small area is cleared for the cat’s use.
-Securing a section of closed weave carpet to a wall represents a challenging climbing frame.
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Private areas
Beds
Cats like to sleep in different places depending on mood or time of day.A radiator hammock is great in the winter but there is little substitute for the owner’s duvet.A synthetic thermal fleece can personalise the cat’s area to contain any fur or muddy paw prints.
Scratching posts
Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws and mark their territory;if provisions are not made for this then cats may scratch furniture.Scratching posts or panels should be tall and rigid to allow the cat to scratch vertically at full stretch.Some cats prefer to use horizontal surfaces so a variety of scratching areas should be provided.
Predatory play
Fishing rod toys are ideal to simulate the movement of prey.Laser penlights are popular but can be frustrating toys as the light is impossible to catch.Many cats enjoy retrieval games and this can represent an opportunity for social contact as well as play;towelling hair bands are just the right size for a cat to pick up.
Toys
It is also useful to have toys that the indoor cat can play with when it is on its own.Toys soon become boring if they are allowed to remain motionless in the same place so a random selection should be brought out daily to maintain their novelty.Toys made from real fur (as a byproduct of a food source) and feather,of a similar size to prey animals,are popular.
-Rubbish can also be fascinating
-A rolled up piece of paper thrown across the floor
-A cork
-The plastic seal on the top of a milk container
-A walnut
-An empty crisp packet tied into a knot
-A rolled up piece of paper thrown across the floor
-A cork
-The plastic seal on the top of a milk container
-A walnut
-An empty crisp packet tied into a knot
New items
Novel items,such as wood,cardboard boxes and paper bags (with handles removed),should be brought into the home on a regular basis to challenge the cat’s sense of smell and desire to explore novel things.
Fresh air
There are a variety of secure grills that can be fitted to open windows that will allow fresh air,carrying exciting smells,to enter the house without the risk of your cat falling.
As we saw in the introduction,cats are active,intelligent and sensitive.Providing an indoor environment with them in mind can improve their quality of life considerably.
