Here are some great tips from the Humane Society on how to keep your cat happy indoors:
Although many cats enjoy being outside, it's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness.
Here are some tips for making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs.
Start Young
Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.
Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a "cat fence" or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without the risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside.
Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making
toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.
Pledge to keep cats and wildlife safe »
Walk this way
If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness
and training your cat to
walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationary object).
Hang out
Install a perch indoors near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores, through catalog retailers,
or at our online store. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can "hang out." Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It's best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise.
Tree's company
Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree
may stretch from floor to ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors.
Play time
Play with your cat each day. Try
different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce, and kick. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm him (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. Leave out "toys" such as paper bags, with the handles removed, or cardboard boxes when you cannot supervise. Be sure to switch the toys
from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat.
Bring the outdoors in
Plant
cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze.
Clean house
Clean the litter box regularly. Here are some tips for
preventing and solving litter box problems.
ID, please
Even cats who are protected from roaming free should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification
. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat to explore the outdoors. And your cat may become frightened and make her way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you.
Chip in for safety
For extra insurance, consider having your cat
microchipped and keep your contact information with the registry up to date. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely. Also read
our tips for finding a lost pet.
