Hoping your indoor cats are happy with their indoor lifestyle? There are many ways to ensure that your cat is happy indoors! Cats enjoy spending time indoors, especially if that’s all they know. Just because they like to watch the outdoors doesn’t mean they want to live out there. However, if outdoor cats become indoor full time, they may still crave some of that adventure. Here are 5 ways to ensure that your cat is happy indoors from The Refined Feline, designers of modern cat furniture.
#1: Bring Some Of The Outside Inside Your Home
There are a few things from the outdoors that you can bring inside to your cat! Cat grass and catnip are easy ways to turn your home into an outdoor oasis for your cat. Some stores may sell cat grass seeds, which will need to be planted. Many stores will also sell a small plant that is already growing in a disposable container. Just give it water and check the directions to see if it will need to be transplanted to a larger pot one day. Catnip also can be bought in seed form or as a plant just like cat grass. Just wait for it to grow before letting your cat devour it. They can eat the fresh plant or you can let the leaves dry out first. You can also plant it outside so your cat won’t get into it too early! If you have other plants in your home already, make sure they’re safe for your cat in case they get to them. Many common house plants are actually toxic to felines and many people don’t realize.
#2: Playtime is Super Important!
Most cats need at least an hour of playtime and exercise everyday to stay happy and healthy. Getting all of this playtime will keep them occupied and less interested in being outside. Ideally, playtime should be broken up throughout the day. Cats typically get short bursts of energy so they won’t play for too long at once. The amount of playtime they need may come as a surprise since they spend so much time sleeping.
Kittens need even more playtime than this but should have their siblings around to help with that. It’s better to have more toys handy than not enough depending on your cat. Cats will also need to feel like they are hunting and catching their prey. Wand toys and lasers help release this hunting energy in a positive way that leaves them feeling fulfilled. Some cats really enjoy various types of toys and will be pretty open about their toy choices. Anything from shoelaces, to hair ties, paper bags, and boxes can become a fun toy. However, battery operated toys can be used to hold their energy for longer periods of time. Also, don’t leave out any toys that could be dangerous when you leave the house such as anything with strings that they could become tangled in.
#3: Take Birdwatching To The Next Level
Depending on your home’s backyard, bird baths can be a great addition for your cat’s viewing pleasure. You can also add hummingbird feeders as well as a variety of other feeding or watering spots to your backyard. Soon enough, your backyard will be a paradise full of local wildlife! Your cat will have the best bird watching seat in the house. Some people feel like this teases cats because they can’t hunt the animals. So, you will want to have play time afterward to avoid any feelings of frustration for your cat. Tossing a toy for them to chase or using a wand toy for a good 15 minutes will suffice. Give your cat a few treats when they catch the toy to make them feel like they’ve completed their hunting mission. This will leave them feeling satisfied and not antsy after watching the birds.
#4: Make Sure Your Cat Has Cat Furniture
Climbing, playing, and lounging spots are essential for cats to be happy indoors. Cats love vertical space as well so offering them a cat tower and cat wall shelves is ideal. Many types of cat furniture are available to suit all of your cat’s needs. If you’re looking for modern cat furniture, The Refined Feline designs all kinds of modern litter box cabinets, wooden cat trees, wall shelves, and more.
#5: Invest in a Good Cat Harness
Is your cat still wanting to be outside? You can take them on a mini adventure of your own! If your cat is confident enough, going for a walk can help. Choose the right size harness for your cat, as some cats can slip out of them if they’re not tight enough. Let your cat adjust to the harness indoors first before going outside. Stay close to home at first and see how your cat handles it. Your cat may not like it if there’s too much going on around them. Once they get comfortable, they may enjoy it and want to explore further.
Chances are your cat won’t push the exploration if they get exactly what they want close to home. Most cats just enjoy the feeling of grass on their paws and the warm sunshine. Don’t push your cat to go explore more than they’re comfortable with. Walking a cat is much different than walking a dog. If the harness didn’t work well, a pet stroller may be a good next step. Pet strollers have zippered compartments that allow cats to sit safely inside, while being pushed along. A lot of cats prefer strollers more, as they feel protected while still getting the chance to experience the outdoors.
These 5 Ways Will Ensure That Your Cat Is Happy Indoors
If your cat wants more of the outdoor life, there are many ways of making the indoors more appealing. Already having a space or two to call their own will provide some activity for your felines. The 5 ways to ensure that your cat is happy indoors will transform your home into a fun and happy indoor experience for your cat.
