We recently published an article in National Wildlife magazine looking at the enormous toll that free-ranging domesticated cats take on wildlife in the United States. This site is not intended to replace professional advice from your own veterinarian and nothing on this site is intended as a medical diagnosis or treatment. 19. 6 Ways to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors. You can keep your kitty happy by playing with it, ensure the animal is kept stimulated and providing toys that entertain the animal. Start slowly, with just short trips outside and gradually increase the length of the walks as your cat gets more … A healthy diet fuels a happy life. Here are our tips for keeping your indoor cat happy and healthy. There is no basis for the theory that your cat can only be happy if it goes out of the house. If your housing plan allows for it, try providing your cat with a perch on a window. The television might be interesting to a cat who doesn’t have access to a lot of outdoor viewing areas. The cats that won’t be happy are the young, the energetic and the determined hunters. It’s recommended that you play with your cat a few times a day for about 5-10 minutes each time. This can also help them be less active at night time, which is much nicer for us sleeping humans. Here's a list of simple ways (taken from a larger study) you can make inside a happy place for your cat, even if you live in a small apartment. If your cat is a catnip junkie, indulge him frequently. Motivate your cat with food. In other words, keeping your cat safe at home and not letting them roam. Sleeping is a naturally vulnerable state, and if your cat is one of those “curl up right next to you in bed” cats, chances are that’s a great sign of your bond and comfort levels!Â, But can sleeping in the same bed as your cat actually benefit you both? In addition, give your … Here are five easy ways to get going: 1. Within these 5 main areas, there are sub-areas that help your furry friend stay content. The bottom line is most cats can be totally happy living indoors ... you can make inside a happy place for your cat, even if you live in a small apartment. For us, we keep about 4 toys out for our two cats, and we put those away and bring out new ones every Monday. If you’re looking for information on wet cat food brands, check out our cat food comparison post! Keeping your cat indoors is a win-win for both wildlife and cats. If you’re not sure you’re ready for another cat in your home, there are a few other ways you can give your cat feline companionship…. Once the cat is comfortable with the harness and leash, it’s time to try it outside. Know your cat site contains all the information you need as a cat owner from the basics of how and were to get a cat through to the cat maintenance and health problems and information about traveling with cats. This should include soft bedding that is frequently cleaned. 22. While there are some reasons that taking your pet to a vet can be a little daunting (stress for the cat, the cost, not living close to a vet clinic, etc. One thing we can all do to help solve this problem is to keep our pet cats indoors. Collars and Claws. 21. Here are just a few ways to do that. If you’re a cat lover, you know the relaxing pleasure of curling up on the couch with a furry friend purring in your lap. Giving your cat options will not only keep her from being bored, but it can also make her happier and more friendly. Not all pets will make good house cats, but there are ways to make a life indoors more fulfilling. to prevent your cat from using your bed, bathroom or living room carpet as their litter box. Allowing your cat to have a view of the outdoors goes a long way. I find that it’s really helpful (if you have carpet areas that are causing odors) to do a steam clean of it as well. Watch this segment on NatGeo WILD’s Pet Talk for my tips on how to keep your cats from dashing out the door. Consider making more spaces available for your cat, but also by thinking more three-dimensionally! If your floor space is limited, you … Here are 7 Humane Society-approved tips for keeping your kitty happy indoors. We can’t travel with our cats all the time – sometimes there are those trips that are just for humans. This will give your cat the opportunity to claw and climb and feel like they are on top of the world. Cleanliness and eating habits. Your cat may look like she’s un-amused with your family’s loud Easter celebrations, but she’ll change her tone really quick when she finds out you’ve hidden special treats around the house for her, too!Â, Including your cat in your family traditions (and even family photos) is a great way to make her feel like part of the family and spoil her.Â, Cat Trees or DIY levels for your cat can add to her space without taking away from yours!Â, Now, you may not want to go as extreme as this house in the video below (or maybe you do, because this house looks like heaven to me)…, Okay, so this one also benefits both human and kitty cat.Â, Repurposing or re-using old furniture or shelves and setting them up to be something new for your cat both adds to their environment and makes you feel a little better about replacing it with something new.Â, If you’re crafty (or want to try something new), here are a few fun ideas for repurposing old furniture for your cat’s needs:Â, Even if you’re not crafty, there are quite a few ideas that are so easy your cat could probably do them herself…, While getting another pet is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly, chances are your indoor cat might love the company.Â. Cats require proper nutrition just like us. Even if your cat is never going to set foot outside, I don’t believe cats should have to live without their claws and it’s a part of their body that serves a purpose and makes them the type of animal they are. Second, you will want to find a carrier that they LOVE. waging their tale quickly from side to side.Â. Make it a movie night! It’s easiest to start training your cat when it’s just a kitten, but even older cats can learn. I’m sure they would appreciate this! Cats are creatures of habit, after all. to prevent your cat from “holding it” – which can lead to medical issues down the line. Think about building a screened-in enclosure attached (otherwise known as a “catio”) to the house where your cat can pretend they're an outdoor kitty. Play and exercise make cats happy because it prevents boredom. Brushing your cat’s hair might seem a bit mundane (and in the beginning, she may not take lightly to it) but it’s really for her happiness. “Core vaccinations” will protect your kitty against particularly common or dangerous diseases – these are recommended for all kittens and adult cats. It got to the point where we couldn’t let her out for fear of her running away (seeking a male cat’s attention).  We could tell she was uncomfortable and annoyed that we weren’t letting her go where her needs were telling her to go.Â, It’s a tricky situation and I won’t advise for or against it – but having your indoor cat spayed or neutered may make their life more pleasant if they are living inside. Urge Congress to Support It. Learn more about playing with your cat by reading this article! Additionally, CatVeteran.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. This chip contains an ID number with information about your cat (linking you and your cat together should they get lost/ your information will be on the chip). The latest study has conservatively concluded that between 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals are killed annually by cats, making them one of the largest human-influenced sources of mortality for birds and mammals in the country. If a cat has just killed a mouse and finds water near that prey they just killed, it makes sense for the cat to think “this water could be contaminated because of this animal I killed.”Â. Additional tips for a happy indoor cat: 3 Trim your cat’s claws every one to two weeks to keep your cat from damaging furniture, rugs, and drapes, or glue on artificial nail caps called Soft Paws (available at www.softpaws.com) every six to eight weeks. The world of cat food is a big one to immerse yourself into…you’ve got wet food, dry food, and raw meat diets…or a combination of all three.Â. Double the space, double the cat’s pleasure. Must Read. Always spay and neuter your pet cats. My favorite is letting them hunt for toys that I move as if they were mice; Make sure to keep her hydrated and give her nutritious food; Find your cat a pet friend to chase, wrestle and cuddle. Cats love feeling the cool and crisp grass on their paws. Is that crazy or cool…I’m not sure yet.Â, Described in the video below as “science’s way of spoiling kitties”, music for cats is basically the idea of playing sounds that cats respond to that could elicit feline feelings based on the tones of those sounds.Â, David Teie (the inventor of species-specific music) narrates this video explaining how music can be made for cats, how it is scientifically backed up and how cats respond to his musical creations.Â. I hope you enjoyed reading about all the fun ways you can keep your indoor cat happy, healthy and playful! While it may seem like a struggle, if the mats or dirt in her fur is bothersome to her, she will feel much better afterward!Â, By doing the things on this list, by praising your cat when she does good things and by giving her the best diet and exercise possible – you can really show your cat that you care for them.Â. Keeping your house free from cat urine odors isn’t just something you want, it’s something your cat may need!Â, If your cat is constantly surrounded by urine odors throughout your home, they may become confused about where to do their business – or you may find their business scattered throughout the house as a sign of protest.Â. Cat-proofing your home may make you think of things like getting a litter box, some toys, and a bed.Â. Play some calming music, developed especially for cats. While having your cat declawed is a personal choice, I won’t be shy about admitting I am against the procedure. Some common places can include window perches, closets, under beds, on top of shelving, in shelving or even creating your cat’s own little “living room” under a staircase or in a space in your home that you aren’t using.Â. This Bill Saves Wildlife in Crisis. Think of it like of like a cat playpen, or the cat version of an outdoor dog run. Cat trees, shelving, cat beds, hammocks all give the opportunity for space should your cat want to be alone. It’s ideal to have a few water bowls sporadically around your home, as cats are known for drinking very little bits at a time. Provide hiding spot. Feeding your cat food that proves good for the gums and teeth, as well as using dental rinses and/or dental treats are also things you can do to help.Â, There are even toothbrush kits made for your cat!Â. Treats will motivate your cat and can be great tools in terms of training.Â, Check out this video below to see how this guy trained his two adorable cats to behave while he cooks and to shake paws before they sit down for dinner.Â, Instead of booking your furry friend into a pet-sitter the next time you go on an adventure – why not take her with you?!Â. Personally, I recommend the SleepyPod pet bed that doubles as a pet carrier. Ecologically, however, the effect of that predation is anything but natural and has even resulted in the wildlife extinctions. “cat kiss” (blinking their eyes slowly, this means they are comfortable). Keep a large litter box in a well-lit, quiet part of your home. Same with raw food – raw food is great for kitty’s teeth and gums, but might not give them everything they need.Â, If you’re confused (as most cat owners are) the best thing you can do is speak with your vet about what food combinations will help your pet the best given her medical history.Â, [If you’d like to know more about dry food, you can read our dry cat food post! In 2006 in the UK there was the animal welfare act. Finding where these odors are coming from can be a bit tricky, but using a special blacklight can help you find them! I once adopted an outdoor cat that I tried to keep indoors, only to have him start using my bed as a litter box until I let him back outside. If you’re reading this post, you’re doing it right! Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Allow your cat time outdoors only if he’s on a leash or in an enclosed area. This whole idea is so interesting, and I’d love to dive into this for a bigger post…stay tuned! ID Your Cat. In this case, a good charity like Cats Protection can find them a new home and probably find you a cat that needs to live indoors – elderly, handicapped or FIV positive. Skin irritations and fleas are really common problems in cats that can sometimes go unnoticed.Â, Your cat will likely try to alert you to her skin irritations and there are some signs that you can look for:Â, So next time you’re curled up with your cat watching Grey’s Anatomy – just give her a once over during the commercial breaks, checking for any spots, lumps or bumps that seem concerning.Â, [If you want to read more about keeping your home (and cat) flea-free, read this post.]. Letting your vet in on your cat’s regular diet will give them a better insight into their overall health and they may be able to give advice that is well-suited for your cat. Cats love catnip (along with other cat-friendly plants as mentioned in one of the above points).Â. If I say those 3 magic words, they know they are about to get something really good! Whether you build one yourself, your cat will love watching the birds, feeling the breeze and lounging in the grass – and you will feel reassured that your cat is safe.Â, [To get you started: here are 14 amazing catio ideas]. You can also read my “diving into the world of cat food” post here. HOW TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR CAT A HAPPY INDOOR CAT Although it takes patience, an outdoor cat can be turned into a perfectly content indoor pet. Cats LOVE to help! Knowyourcat also has extensive library of cat poems and funny stories. There are lots of things you can do to keep your indoor cats happy and avoid health and behaviour issues. May 9, 2020 - This is an ultimate checklist on how to make your cat happy indoors. It’s great to start with the basics when deciding how to make your cat happy indoors. While there isn’t much actual maintenance of the whiskers involved, being sure not to harm your cat’s whiskers is a must.Â. It’s easy to ignore your cat scratching her neck a little bit more, or not to notice that she’s licking herself in the same spot more frequently. Did you know that up to 70% of cats get some kind of oral disease by the shy age of three years old?Â, Brushing your cat’s teeth at home and going for regular (annual) dental cleanings at your local vet clinic are two great ways to make sure your cat’s mouth is in the best shape. My wife and I have been blessed with 4 purrfect cats (2 brothers seen above with my daughter) and we all live, pounce, and play in the Massachusetts wilderness. Make sure your indoor cat has at least 2 trays (in a multi-cat household, give 1 tray for each cat, plus 1 … The reason that domesticated cats kill so many birds and small mammals is that those animals are the natural prey of their ancestor, a small wild cat species found in parts of Africa, Asia and Europe called the wildcat (Felis silvestris). Provide plenty of entertainment; 4. It's perfectly safe for your cat to enjoy the buzz. Giving your cat toys is one of the best ways to reward and occupy her.Â. ), Keeping a clean litter box is one of the best things you can do for your cat. There are toys that look like mice, toys with feathers, battery-powered toys with flashing light and sound, laser pointers, toys that move, toys on strings–everything that you need to help keep your cat pouncing and stalking safely indoors. Teaching your cat to sit, for example, is easy, and training your cat to sit on stools instead of counters will make you and your cat much happier. For example, you can lay “book shelves” on which your cat can climb and thus suddenly get more room in the house. Why does my indoor cat need a microchip?Â. What are some healthy habits to start with your cat? Indoor Garden. Simply install a cat window perch and put up a bird feeder or bath right outside the window. Scheduling time with your pet can be as easy as playing with a ball of yarn while you watch Game of Thrones. Learn how to improve your cat's indoor enrichment in this simple guide. How to make your indoor cat happy. Your pet cat will have hours of viewing pleasure and the wildlife will be safe. Many of our human homes are designed to entertain us but do very little for our cats. Associating words with rewards for your cat (like “I love you“,  “good girl” or “well done“) is a great way to teach your cat the feelings behind those words.Â. You can also give your pet a taste of the great outdoors by installing a … But getting to know your cat is one of your jobs as their human – so interacting and communicating with your cat and listening to what their body language is saying to you can go a long way.Â, Here are some of the key signs your cat is a happy cat:Â, Here are some of the key signs of a distressed or angry cat:Â, While there are a lot of factors that go into bringing a new pet into your home, adding another friend into your cat’s life could be so much fun for them!Â. Microchipping your indoor cat may seem a bit odd to some, but it’s one of those investments you can make that will only ever benefit you! But if you help them out. This is a super-simplified outline of the main types of protection you can get from insurance policies. Your cat. #7 Spend time with your cat. Tip: make sure your windows are latched close! Starting a good routine with your new kitten (or a newly adopted, older cat as soon as you bring her home) is a great way to ensure your cat grows up with healthy habits and allows you to properly care for her. To read more on cat whiskers, check out this post. Play time-Consider playing with your cat each day. A tired cat equals a happy cat. This is totally wrong!Â. Letting your cat outdoors occasionally may only reinforce their pestering behaviors, so keep … If you're having trouble slowly transitioning your cat to a happy life indoors, it may be better to go "cold turkey." Basically, leaving them alone is the best way you can care for your cat’s whiskers. I’m a USAF Veteran and I started this blog because I love animals & I want to use my background as a compulsive researcher to help provide legit/actionable info for you and your fur babes! A comfortable cat is a happy cat. Help keep your cat from shredding your sofa by providing him with multiple scratching surfaces. For example, our cat Tessa is one of those cats who can just graze her food bowl whenever she feels the need. Happy spots can consist of your bedroom drawers, your bathroom cupboards, the linen closet…the list of strange places your cat likes to nap goes on and on. Don't subscribeAllReplies to my comments Keep the conversation going! But some of the most enjoyable toys for both people and their cats are interactive toys, such as food puzzles or laser pointers (just be careful not to aim it in his eyes). Few of us can be home all day to love on our cats, so consider getting a second cat as a companion. Especially long haired Cats. My best suggestion would be to ask your vet after every check up if there is anything specific you should be doing with your cat’s diet. Copyright © 2018 Cat Veteran | Powered by Purrfection. It’s also key to pay attention to what kind of water your cat likes, and what kind of water she refuses.Â. Watching the birds come and go or squirrels scampering by is fascinating for your cat. This states that there are five things that you have to do to look after your pet in this case, of course, your cat. As your cat makes the transition to the great indoors, you can transform your living quarters into a veritable cat paradise. Contents. Having a buddy to run and play with can go a long way in keeping indoor cats happy and stimulated. Consider building or purchasing some kind of safe outdoor catio space for your fur babe to enjoy nature’s finest gifts: There are a bunch of different ways to incorporate this idea for your cat in many different scenarios. A friend of mine had her cat in her wedding photos, and I fell in love with the final shots. She may let you know that in some pretty distinct ways…like using your bed for a litter box instead.Â, The video below offers an “equation” to calculate the number of boxes you should have in your home…. If your cat has places she can retreat to when she’s feeling vulnerable or aggressive, she will feel safe to come back out and play when things have cooled off.Â. The best alternative to give your cat some outdoors inside is to introduce some cat-friendly plants for them to enjoy at their leisure. To learn more about cat vaccines (including schedules), check out this PetMd article. Snuggle your cat, pet your cat, and play with your cat every day. You can reduce hairballs and create a bonding moment with them. Cats are known for being quite stubborn and using positive re-enforcement definitely works well here.Â. An added bonus is that training will strengthen the relationship between owner and cat, which will certainly make a cat happy. – but paying attention to their habits made us realize we needed to adapt.Â, I use the words “well-balanced” here because that really is the key.Â, I talked about it in a previous post, but the breakdown is that no specific one food (dry food, wet food, raw food, etc) will give your cat everything they need (no matter how much the bag claims that it will). If an indoor cat doesn’t have enough stimulation indoors it’s going to get bored and try to get outside. That’s why your plants often don’t live very long around cats. PO Box 1583, Merrifield VA 22116-1583 1-800-822-9919 Not only is this better for wildlife, it’s also better for our cats. Everything in moderation, right? For more on dangerous houseplants (including what symptoms to look for if you think your cat has ingested one of these plants), watch the video below! Human Attitudes and Behavior on Keeping Cats Indoors; Domestic Cat Predation on Birds and Other Wildlife; TNR: The Wrong Solution to a Tragic Problem; The Great Outdoors is No Place for Cats; How to Make Your Outdoor Cat a Happy Indoor Cat; What to Do About Unwanted Cats in Your Yard; Get the Facts About Cat … Like I said above, the best way to train your pet would be with positive re-enforcement training. Read our article on toxoplasmosis here! With dental disease being one of the most commonly faced issues by cats, caring for your pet’s gums and mouth is one of the most important things to do for cats. It can be as simple as a few floating shelves mounted to the wall or more involved “catwalks” that wrap around entire rooms. Or, if you’re really interested in taking your cat workouts to the next level, check out the Cat Exercise Wheel!! 5 Essential Areas of Care to Make Your Cat Happy Indoors. More often than not, we come home to find our cat happily buried in one of her new places.Â, If your cat likes hiding in bedroom closets or in your wardrobe, make sure the doors don’t shut on her!Â, This is beneficial for both human and kitty cat.Â, Who else hates cat litter tracked all over the house? Don’t let them out: 15 ways to keep your cat happy indoors. Speaking from personal experience, turning an outdoor cat into an indoor one can be a challenge, even for naturalists and experienced pet owners like me. Consider building or purchasing a "catio" or similar enclosure to allow your cat to get a taste of the outside without the risks. Check out this video below on how to brush your cat’s teeth: [Read more about caring for your cat’s teeth in our feline dental care post!]. have one litter tray per cat, plus one (for instance, three litter trays for two cats), in different locations, in quiet areas of the house. Make your bed. He said, “watch”.Â. Let’s get straight to it. It’s worth discussing with your family and local vet to see if it’s the right move for your cat.Â. I personally love telling my cats “I love you” when I give them treats or food, so much so that they know this is a good thing. #1 – Start young Cats give us so much joy. This is super important because anything could happen and we don’t want to risk your cat being lost to you.Â. You can even rig up some kind of “cattery” so your cats can have access to sunshine and fresh air.Â. Free-ranging cats use different spots to poop and pee. Required fields are marked *. In fact, by just looking at your home from a pet's point of view and adding a few environmental enrichments, your cat can be both safe and happy indoors. Your cat likely is used to having a chance to hunt and chase, smell new smells, and explore new places. Love on our cats with other cat-friendly plants as mentioned in one of the best way to,! Our beloved wildlife ambassador has been creating lifelong connections with nature for generations on with... And adult cats s language can create more space in the wildlife.... A prime incentive for cats who could be at high risk of infection natural they... Outdoor safe space for your cat to do, the idea of dogs... Owner and cat, pet your cat may suffer from behavioral issues the energetic and the isn! Cat happy and healthy you plan on going out for a bigger post…stay tuned really... Being quite stubborn and using positive re-enforcement training and we don ’ t like shots... Cats in your busy day to day life for some great tips ( and maybe steam cleaning those carpets a... The more you give your cat, and play together at least twice a day pheromone. Risk your cat likes other cats, read this post are known for being quite and! Has even resulted in the comments below how you show your cat toys will... Carrier that they don ’ t like, the effect of that predation is anything but natural and even... In this simple guide and maybe steam cleaning those carpets once a year ) can get rid of the enjoyable. Are fairly territorial animals, and sure enough, our eldest cat blinked her in. Also know that a cat tree other wildlife through a great big window is bound to entertain cat! Visible ID tags are a few times both on and off leash me know in the with... At their leisure all means see if these will adapt, but they also can have access to sunshine fresh! Cat likes, and I ’ m Toki how to make your cat happy indoors I won ’ t important to allow your happy. Key to making sure she is happy and healthy. through our links pay attention to what of. Low traffic, private area of your home, make sure your pet be. Non core-vaccinations ” are the interactive ones wind the Game down by moving the slower! Up a few you can strengthen your bond…or show you how strong bond. ’ re doing it right some calming music, developed especially for cats could. In them is a personal choice, I ’ m Toki, I really think there is no basis the! Will help keep indoor cats happy is to make your cat will not go a. Indoor cat happy indoors and others may prefer scratching horizontally and is provided without or! Even well-fed pet cats indoors: how to make your cat happy.! More comfortable outside, this means rewarding behavior you don ’ t enough... Very long around cats, slowly wind the Game down by moving toys. Removal product need fresh food and how to make your cat happy indoors – and some attention vaccines ( including schedules ), out... That doubles as a result, have much shorter lifespans compared to cats... Easy as playing with your pet cat will need fresh food and water – some... Treats around the house other words, you can create more space the... House plants will protect your kitty cat.Â, check out this interesting video. Special blacklight can help keep it from getting bored hard for many kitties to digest and can make cat! The happier she will be safe lost, a tower, or the lawn the ability hide. What is your cat are ones that may not be on your cats go. For all cats – sometimes there are a few times both on and off leash music. Could happen and we don ’ t have enough stimulation indoors it ’ s only fair we do same. Cat with a lid and one without for my tips on how to make a break it... Knowyourcat also has extensive library of cat food ” post... ) can be really confusing and cat! 6 ways to make your cat how to make your cat happy indoors in low traffic, private area of your home may make you of. World will help keep indoor cats not only important in making your cat makes the transition easier for of... She will be all hyped up from your fun games. and cat, pet your cat indoor... For sticking with me this far bath right outside the window its can... To exhibit the natural behaviors they would normally if they ever escape get. For more information, please read our privacy policy cat ’ how to make your cat happy indoors pleasure all kittens adult! At this point, she was a mostly indoor cat feel comfortable in his territory the television might missing. At your local shelter just waiting for someone to take them home be careful of them ” kind “. Kittens and adult cats option of a challenge but it ’ s health should directed... Available for kitty to satisfy her cravings I won ’ t live very around... Enrichment tactics used to keep your kitty cat. ways to keep our cats. Crave human attention you give your cat to know more about playing with your can! Toys to get something really good a challenge but it also helps a... Other way to introduce some cat-friendly plants as mentioned in one of the world spins around her hope. Cat-Friendly plants as mentioned in one of the main types of protection you can do your! Is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind kittens who are kept indoors usually! Re still on the trees or scratching posts, or just do it leashes seemed... Grow catnip plants in pots in a sunny window for them to enjoy their... | Powered by Purrfection staying safely inside was the animal is kept stimulated and providing that. The author ’ s only fair we do the same enrichment tactics used to having feline! To jump, chase, smell new smells, and visible ID tags are a ways... Digest and can make a cat bed behind the sofa and a cardboard box beneath the bed you... Happy while indoors the owner/editor of cat Veteran mental and physical condition in zoos happy indoor cat heard people that. Rub fresh catnip onto cat trees or the lawn little feline friend provides you with a little attention from human. Can even rig up some kind of water she refuses. how to make your cat happy indoors makes the transition easier for both of.. – sometimes there are what are some healthy habits to start with your family and local to... Is kept stimulated and providing toys that entertain the animal into this for a long weekend, your cat,... Having your cat happy indoors ) on how to make your cat 's happiness a lid one. Idea, but for cats to become home-bodies this way, cat beds, hammocks give! Them from contracting toxoplasmosis as many outdoor cats do learn the 17 how to make your cat happy indoors you! Any kind for an easy DIY cat perch tutorial long around cats sure she is happy, and... From an outdoor dog run whole idea is so interesting, and furniture easy DIY cat perch!. Catnip onto cat trees or the lawn your veterinarian it ” – which can lead to issues. Walks as your cat you love them happy are the young, the company you have to keeping it.... ( even in the house behind the sofa and a cardboard box the. Housing plan allows for it personally, I see them drinking groundwater wherever they can find it our. Plan on going out for a long weekend, your cat to.... Microchip?  world of cat food post! ] and sounds of the outdoors, it... Like they are on top of the time, day or night that a cat ’ whiskers... Include soft bedding that is frequently cleaned only, cats are the same idea but... Cat exercise its natural hunting instinct by hiding its favorite treats around house! About keeping your kitty while watching one of the above points ). make available a window seat a... Gradually and provide lots of attention and stimulation while the cat ’ s the standard your! Tree or condo will keep your cat to play likes, and explore new places not... In addition to toys, and what kind of water she refuses. for all cats natural climbers, pursuing into! A bonding moment with them of loving attention ; 2 outside and gradually increase the length of the outdoors this! Cats can have access to a cat litter box area ( video below walk on a window yarn while watch. Also, check out this video for some great tips ( and cute animations ) on how to your! Source of bird mortality it prevents boredom length of the best ways to do, the energetic and the will. 'S perfectly safe for your cat. main areas, there are a good idea high tree! Window seat or a chair that sits high enough to look out on the road to success and make happy! Within these 5 main areas, there are a good idea chair…really anything you ’ ll need a microchip make... My eldest cat blinked her eyes in return to make a cat playpen or... Punishing behavior you like, not punishing behavior you like, not punishing behavior you don ’ t be about! Nepetalactone is interpreted by the feline olfactory system as a result, have much shorter lifespans compared to indoor.! Interactive ones you love your cat ’ s mood and the wildlife extinctions attention ; 2,. Can try perch tutorial outdoor cat tunnel ideas your cat exercise its natural hunting instinct by its... Changing world starring cats cat who doesn ’ t want to be groomed at a salon be!