Secrets To Keeping Indoor Cats Happy

There’s an ongoing debate among cat owners that isn’t likely to end anytime soon: indoors cat or outdoors cat? As in, does your fur baby reside inside, outside, or a little of both?

People on both sides of the argument have passionate views about the pros and cons of each choice. Indoor enthusiasts claim that cats live longer away from the threat of speeding cars, other predatory animals, etc.

Outdoor advocates believe that the little lions inside our domestic kitties deserve to freely roam about the natural environment.

Which side is right? Whichever side you’re on! Seriously, though, if you have an indoor kitty, we have a few tips for enhancing your fur baby’s little lair.

First of all, be sure to dedicate a space that kitty can call his own. Cats are territorial, and having their own little corner of the world will go a long way toward helping him adjust to the confines of four walls. It can be as simple as a comfy bed in a quiet corner, or as elaborate as a cat condo that touches the ceiling!

Cats love to play, and interactive toys help you and your cat bond. Be sure to add a laser pointer or food puzzle to kitty’s “toybox!” In addition, supply a few toys that appeal to his hunting instincts: like toys that have feathers or look like mice!

Have you ever seen outdoor cats munching on grass? Whatever the reason for their snacking behavior, your own little lion will love having his own greens to chew on. Catnip is the perfect choice! You can grow your own, or buy freshly potted plants in the pet store.

A cat needs to stretch out and scratch on a daily basis, so save your sofa and drapes and have a variety of cat-friendly surfaces available: posts, cardboard, etc.

As your cat ages, his activity level wanes, but you can stoke his latent curiosity with a window perch. You can buy specially made, fur-lined shelves that hook onto your windows, but propping a box or chair next to the window works just as well.

Lastly, treat your cat to as much attention and affection as you can. Petting, brushing, and playing are enjoyable, no-cost ways to keep your indoor fur baby happy and stimulated!

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  • Julie Porter

    These are great tips for keeping indoor kitties happy. I have had both types of cats and though I don’t currently have cats, I think your tips are pretty spot on. You definitely need things for your cats to satisfy their urges to scratch or your furniture will pay the price. Having some greens for kitty to munch on will make them happy and giving them lots of love and attention will also keep them purring in contentment.

  • Guest

    These are great tips for keeping indoor kitties happy. I have had both types of cats and though I don’t currently have cats, I think your tips are pretty spot on. You definitely need things for your cats to satisfy their urges to scratch or your furniture will pay the price. Having some greens for kitty to munch on will make them happy and giving them lots of love and attention will also keep them purring in contentment.

  • Elizabeth Neas

    I so miss having cats in my life. We’ve had indoor cats, outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats, depending on where we lived. If we were away from busy roads then our kitties could come in and out as they pleased. We had a few, that were never happy inside and some that never stepped out the door. Your tips for strictly indoor kitties is spot on!

  • Elizabeth O.

    I think if you have a nice backyard, it’s okay if your cat roams out of the house. It’s always nice to keep them indoors because they might get lost but then again cats are very good with remembering where they live. I guess it’s really up to you if you want them out or not. But it’s good to have toys around for them indoors.

  • Guest

    I so miss having cats in my life. We’ve had indoor cats, outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats, depending on where we lived. If we were away from busy roads then our kitties could come in and out as they pleased. We had a few, that were never happy inside and some that never stepped out the door. Your tips for strictly indoor kitties is spot on!

  • Cindy Ingalls

    I can absolutely see the importance of giving your cat toys to play with so that if they are kept indoors they aren’t bored. The patch of grass or catnip is also great for letting feel like they are enjoying some of what they would outdoors.

  • Guest

    I think if you have a nice backyard, it’s okay if your cat roams out of the house. It’s always nice to keep them indoors because they might get lost but then again cats are very good with remembering where they live. I guess it’s really up to you if you want them out or not. But it’s good to have toys around for them indoors.

  • Guest

    I can absolutely see the importance of giving your cat toys to play with so that if they are kept indoors they aren’t bored. The patch of grass or catnip is also great for letting feel like they are enjoying some of what they would outdoors.

  • Jeanine

    Great tips! Our cats (3) all have toys and we make it a point to sit and play with them often. No reason for them not to have plenty of fun and exercise just because we keep them indoors!

  • Hannah Marie

    I think the decision depends on the owner because every cat is different and I believe the owner will feel it. We had a cat in the past who lives inside our house and I wish I knew those tips. These are really helpful.

  • Guest

    Great tips! Our cats (3) all have toys and we make it a point to sit and play with them often. No reason for them not to have plenty of fun and exercise just because we keep them indoors!

  • Rosey

    Our cat is def. indoor. We found him with one eye and in bad shape. He’s no spring chicken either. Now he’s happy and spoiled, but I’d be too worried about him if he went outside. With just one eye his perception can definitely be off.

  • Guest

    I think the decision depends on the owner because every cat is different and I believe the owner will feel it. We had a cat in the past who lives inside our house and I wish I knew those tips. These are really helpful.

  • Guest

    Our cat is def. indoor. We found him with one eye and in bad shape. He’s no spring chicken either. Now he’s happy and spoiled, but I’d be too worried about him if he went outside. With just one eye his perception can definitely be off.

  • Our Family World

    we dont have cat at home but we are planning to have one! this are all great tips! will surely be rememberd!

  • Ave

    My sister-in-law just adopted a cat and her fur baby will be indoors cat for sure. Have to let her know that she needs some toys and scratchable surfaces for her car asap!

  • Guest

    we dont have cat at home but we are planning to have one! this are all great tips! will surely be rememberd!

  • Guest

    My sister-in-law just adopted a cat and her fur baby will be indoors cat for sure. Have to let her know that she needs some toys and scratchable surfaces for her car asap!

  • Lisa Rios

    Those kitties are adorable! I’ve never owned a cat, but I love them. These sound like the perfect tips for keeping any animals happy: space, food, things to do, more food, and so on. 🙂

  • Guest

    Those kitties are adorable! I’ve never owned a cat, but I love them. These sound like the perfect tips for keeping any animals happy: space, food, things to do, more food, and so on. 🙂

  • Enricoh Alfonzo

    LOL i thought all cats were both indoor and out especially when adults coz you can never keep a cat indoors at all times. they roam so much as it is, they just always come back indoors for food and comfort.

  • Guest

    LOL i thought all cats were both indoor and out especially when adults coz you can never keep a cat indoors at all times. they roam so much as it is, they just always come back indoors for food and comfort.

  • Guest

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