Cats benefit from the safety of an indoor environment which protects them from extreme outdoor weather, predators, and cars. Cat experts say that the average lifespan of an indoor-only cat is double or more than one that spends time outside. However, confining your cat indoors is not without it’s problems, namely boredom and obesity from an indoor cat’s typically less active lifestyle.
So what’s a worried cat parent to do?
Plan more activities, of course!
The exact type of activity you plan for your cat will depend on her personality, but several forms of play and activities can help keep your cat calm, healthy and happy.
1. Cat toys.
Cats are natural predators. To stimulate their hunting skills, have a few cat toys around the house that your cat enjoys. Popular cat toys include stuffed mice, balls, and wand toys. It’s good idea to have different types of toys stashed away. This way you can rotate the toys as kitty becomes bored. Shop around and test a few different toys to find what appeals to your cat.
Several cat-specific toys are sold to encourage your feisty kitty to find his own play time. With food-release toys, the cat is encouraged to pounce and bat around the toy. Once he bats it the correct way, he is rewarded with a tasty treat. These are good toys for keeping your kitty interested when no one is around to play.
2. Climbing and scratching.
Scratching and clawing come instinctively to all cats. Keep your indoor cat scratching safely (and save your furniture) with scratching posts, cardboard scratch boxes, or climbing trees. These items will keep your indoor cat’s claws healthy and climbing and scratching will help keep kitty’s muscles strong.
3. Bird-watching.
Cats also love to observe. Set up a bird feeder or two outside and a comfortable place near the windows for your indoor cat to sit and bird watch from a safe perch inside.
4. Brushing your cat.
Most cats love to be brushed. Grooming is a social activity for cats and getting involved in your cat’s grooming can strengthen the bond with your cat and help prevent hairballs.
5. Training and tricks.
Yes, believe it or not, you can train a cat. Especially if your cat is food-motivated, teaching your cat to do a few tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for you both. Use positive reinforcement like food or a toy to reward your cat when she gets a behavior right and ignore, never punish, her mistakes. Keep your training sessions fun and short so your cat doesn’t get overwhelmed or lose interest.
6. One-on-one time.
One of the most important things to do for your cat is spending time with him each day. Whether it is playing, training, or relaxing together on the couch, bonding time is essential for you and your cat.
Keep Your Indoor Cat Active Even While You’re Away
Exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time essential for indoor felines. When going out-of-town, remember to add your indoor cat’s favorite activities to your Ready Pet Go pet sitter’s list. Contact us today to book pet sitting visits for your cat.
