Many people believe it must be a boring life to live indoors all the time, as in the case of indoor cats. However, if you put yourself in your cat’s shoes, imagine what a luxurious life you have. You can lounge around every day in your favourite sun spot, you do not have to go to work or school, and you are always protected from predators. Your human companions are there to play with you, you receive a steady supply of kisses and back rubs, and food magically arrives daily into your special food dish. What a life!
In fact, indoor cats live longer and healthier lives than outdoor cats because they are far less likely to get injured in a fight or car accident or acquire deadly infectious diseases. However, indoor cats are more likely to develop obesity due to inactivity and overfeeding, along with other health problems associated with obesity.
Keeping your cat active and entertained will not only have health benefits, but it will prevent boredom and keep your cat’s brain sharp. The following are a few tips to enrich your cat’s environment.
TOYS
Different types of balls, stuffed mice, toys with bells, and a wide assortment of toys are available at any pet store. Ping pong balls placed into a bathtub make an interactive toy because the ball will keep moving back towards the drain due to the angle of the tub. Avoid leaving the cat alone with yarn, string, or toys attached to a string because the cat could accidentally swallow the string and it may become a serious emergency.
HIDE AND SEEK
Cats are curious creatures that enjoy having places to play hide and seek. Open cardboard boxes and paper bags make safe and inexpensive toys to enrich your cat’s playground. It is amusing to watch how a cat can pretend that they are hidden completely when their head is in a paper bag, but the rest of the body remains outside of the bag. A cardboard boxed with holes cut into it placed over a catnip toy or ball will allow your cat to reach through and bat at the toy.
STRETCHING
Cats have a natural instinct to stretch and scratch on vertical objects such as trees. It was once believed that cats did this to ‘sharpen nails’, but it is more likely a means to spread their scent and stretch their toes because declawed cats still perform this behaviour. To encourage your cat to use a scratching post instead of your prized furniture, provide a post that is sturdy and tall enough so the cat can stretch their entire body out vertically.
WINDOW WATCHING
Cats like to see the world from an elevated angle. They seek high places to nap and enjoy observing the world around them. It is a good idea to have some window perches available or indoor climbing trees for the cat to climb. Windows provide not only humans with a view of the outside world, but your cat appreciates the view as well. The window should be closed or protected well enough so the cat cannot break though the bug screen or escape. This gives the cat the opportunity to observe the world outside and sniff some fresh air. Many cats will stay by a window with a good view for hours, especially if there are squirrels or birds outside.
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