How to keep cats healthy indoors

Keeping an indoor cat happy isn’t as hard as you might think; all you need to do is promote and encourage their natural behaviours. Here are some things your fearsome (and adorable) little hunter can get their claws into, according to the RSPCA:

Scratching

Cats like to scratch – and your skirting boards might be on the receiving end without a good scratching post. You could also use scratching boards in addition to the post. Ensure that any scratching board or scratching post for your indoor cats is sturdy and tall, so it holds up even when your cats stretch out.

Hunting behaviour

Your cat might be your precious baby, but in their mind, they’re a ferocious and skilled hunter. That means your moggie has a natural inclination towards hunter-like behaviour. If you don’t tickle that part of their brain with interactive toys, they may become bored.

Marking territory

When you think about an animal marking territory, you may assume that it’s through urine. However, cats have something else up their paw – their claws. Scratching is a form of marking territory, as cats have scent glands in their paws. This, alongside claw shavings, marks an area – another reason scratching posts are important for indoor cats.

Eating

Ensuring your cat is eating well is important, but you also don’t want to overfeed them. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs with a light stroke across their body. You can use food games and devices to keep your cat engaged and control the amount they eat to avoid obesity. 

Litter trays

Unlike dogs, cats are a touch more particular about where they go potty. Try to place their tray somewhere private and give them space to move around in the tray. Your fussy feline won’t fancy going to the toilet in a smelly, used litter box. So, you’ll need to empty it regularly. Cats are sensitive to strong smells, so avoid scented cleaning products and litter.

Sharpening

Did you know that sharpening their claws is also referred to as stropping? Adorable – but don’t patronise your kitty to their face or you’ll be the next scratching post. This practice is essential for the health of your cat's claws. When they scratch, they remove the outer layer of their claws and exercise their forearms. Perfect for pouncing on your knee while it’s under a blanket.

Your indoor cat needs exercise, even if they’re in great physical shape. Playtime and indoor exercise can keep your cat healthy and happy, both physically and mentally. It’s an important part of stopping boredom and destructive behaviours. You can create an incredible atmosphere for your cat both with and without toys.

Interactive cat toys

If you want your cat to feel like the fluffy yet furious hunter they are, then interactive cat toys are a choice worth pouncing on. The classic fishing rod toys are a great way to get your cat leaping, clawing, and lunging. However, you can also play to their inherent curiosity without spending a fortune. Cats can spend hours happily playing inside boxes or roaming through newspaper and cardboard structures. Remember when you used to make forts as a kid? Cats are the same and will love having their own castle.

Indoor cat exercise

One of the best ways to exercise your cat indoors is to give them lots of hiding spaces, places to climb, and objects to scratch. With wall-mounted furniture, your cat can use much more of your home's space to explore and move around in. It’s best not to use your fingers or toes to play. If you do, you may find yourself constantly being nipped. 

According to Blue Cross, inadequate indoor cat care can lead to the following issues for indoor cats:

Anxiety

Cats that are kept indoors aren’t as used to change as those who adventure outdoors. That means changes in their environment, such as people, pets, or rearranging furniture, can cause them upset. 

Obesity

Cats that don’t exercise enough may lose their waistline. Because an indoor cat has easy access to food, they can quickly gain weight  if not monitored. Use your home environment to create an exciting playground for your cat to climb and play in to encourage physical exercise.

Stress 

If a home is busy, your cat can’t rest – and they spend a lot of time lounging. Give your cat dedicated quiet spots and hidey holes so they can seek refuge in a busy household. Because indoor cats rely on their owners, they can become over-dependent and get stressed when you leave for prolonged periods of time.

Boredom and destructive behaviour 

Bored cats break things. If an indoor cat isn’t cared for properly with enough stimulus, they may entertain themselves in other ways. This could mean that your desk lamp becomes a floor lamp, or your sofa takes on the appearance of ripped jeans. 

If your cat displays these sudden, destructive behaviours, visit a vet. They can assess the reasons behind it and assist with any physical problems or suggest the best course of action if it appears to originate from stress.

Yes, it’s okay to keep a cat indoors, but it depends on the cat and its needs. Just because a cat is an indoor cat doesn’t mean you can’t let it out into a secure environment occasionally. Ensure you’ve got the space, environment, and resources necessary to care for your indoor cat. By ensuring your cat gets enough exercise, using interactive cat toys, and curating a proper environment, your indoor cat can thrive with minimal time outside.