How to Keep Indoor Cats: The Right Way.
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Keeping indoor cats entertained can be seriously challenging; otherwise, they may become bored and destructive little things! One second they may be scratching at your expensive furniture, and the next, they’re chewing on something they really shouldn’t be. Or maybe they’re constantly meowing for food and not even because they’re hungry, just bored! Animals aren’t too different from you and me in that way! Fear not, because in this guide I will be sharing boredom busters and healthy habits while you’re home and while you’re away, tips for keeping indoor cats, the right way
Keep furniture from looking claw-ful
When it comes to indoor cats, they tend to want to scratch any surface that they like the feeling of on their claws. Depending on what your cat likes to scratch, you can determine what kinds of scratching posts to get for them because there are quite a few different textured posts.
Some are cardboard, rope, or carpet-covered. If your cat has unfortunately picked the carpet as a scratcher a few times, you can guess that you should get carpet-covered scratchers. If you have multiple cats, the rule should be one scratcher for each cat, depending on their texture preference, and I would recommend one extra on top of that, just like you would do with litter boxes.
Cats that have scratched on unwanted surfaces will return to the same spot because claw marks leave behind a scent marker that encourages the cat to return. To stop this behavior, take a warm, wet rag and wipe the spot, followed by a no-scratch spray like Feliway Classic.
If your cat isn’t sure where the correct area is to scratch, keep it by their bed so they will positively associate the post with their area until they are trained!
Get your kitty a condo
Cat condos are awesome because of their multiple functions: a bed, a scratcher, and a way to feel like they are climbing trees, which is a natural behavior cats like to do. Putting the condo near a window will also satisfy their hunting instinct if they can climb up high and watch wildlife from the window! Enjoy as your kitty starts chirping like the birds while watching, it's super cute!
If you have a house, I would recommend two condos; if in a smaller space, one will do, and maybe you can add kitty wall ledges to your space to fulfill their desire of being up high!
I found two great options from Amazon that are a great price for the quality and sizes.
The BestPet condo comes in seven different colors, depending on your style, and four heights from 54 in. to 81 in. high. It also features sleeping huts and scratchers, as well as three levels for your kitty to go! And can't forget the swatting ball to keep cats entertained while you're away. Get yours here.
The Made4Pets Small Cat Tree Tower isn’t very tall at 19 in. high. But I loved the features on this one, so I had to share! This post has a scratching pad on the very bottom as well as a scratching post, depending on how your kitty likes to scratch, from above or below. It also features two swatting ball toys for entertainment and a bristled self-grooming post, who doesn’t want to benefit from cats brushing themselves!? The less work, the better! Check it out here via Amazon.
Make meals exciting!
Meals can get boring, you meow for food, and I give it to you, and the same old cycle continues! Not that there's anything wrong with routine, but repetitive cycles breed boredom and unhealthy eating due to that fact.
To switch things up for meals, especially when you may not be home, is to try putting some food or treats in a dispensing toy like this one here by PetSafe on Amazon. It holds ⅔ cup of food and has two different-sized openings for a fast or slow dispense that your kitty can bat around and keep busy. Working for their meals will also keep your indoor kitty from gaining weight. Indoor cats are not as active as outdoor cats; therefore, keeping them active while eating maintains a healthy weight and metabolism!
One simple activity you can do at home with your cat is to toss their kibble around the room. Yep, it's really that easy! Once again, this will keep your cat active and stimulated while building a fun bond between you. If you want, you can use this treat shooter to make it even more fun. If you won't be home to throw meals around, try this automatic kibble/treat launcher to do the job for you! Try it here on Chewy.
Make sure your cat food is the correct formula
To help your indoor cat maintain a healthy weight, make sure to feed them an indoor formula, especially if they are not very active. Assessing your cat's activity level at home can prevent weight gain from food that isn’t suited to their lifestyle.
Indoor formulas typically have lower fat and slightly reduced protein, which helps ensure that your cat can effectively burn off these nutrients. Additionally, be sure to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the back of the food bag to maintain a healthy weight. If your cat needs to lose a pound or two, you can follow the weight loss guidelines or consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist for help. If your cat is young and very active, you may not necessarily need to use an indoor formula.
Check out this calorie calculator by petnutritionalliance.org if you would like tips on where your cat's weight should be without having to go to a vet right away. It will ask you some questions about what your cat currently looks like and what you are feeding, and it will give you great advice from there! https://petnutritionalliance.org/resources/calorie-calculator?type=cats
Experiment with toys and puzzles
Cats enjoy a variety of playthings, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different types and styles of toys that offer various textures and features. Consider trying rubbery toys, soft toys, and frilly toys. You can also opt for interactive options like wands for playing together. Additionally, there are suction cup toys with danglers that can keep your cat entertained while you’re away. The possibilities are endless!
You can also get catnip toys and hide them around the house before you leave to provide your cat with the ultimate hunting experience. SmartyKat, which is popular at the pet store where I work, is refillable with catnip! Check out this little lamb catnip toy on Amazon by SmartyKat.
Puzzle toys provide great stimulation for cats and will eventually wear them out the more they have to solve! Puzzle toys can involve hiding treats or food in them, like snuffle or hide mats I love this adorable silicone grass mat for hiding treats. Or maybe a soft snuffle mat like this fun under-the-sea snuffle mat on Chewy!
Tunnels, Tents and Boxes, Oh my!
Cats enjoy hiding and stalking their prey, be it a toy, another cat, or even you! Creating plenty of hiding spots enriches their environment, making it feel more natural and keeping their attention away from undesirable areas. You can provide a simple hiding spot, like a cardboard box filled with rice (just be prepared for some cleanup afterward!). Alternatively, you can buy crinkly cat tunnels or mazes for added fun. This one on Amazon by Fhiny looks like a tree and has interactive leaves for added entertainment!
Get your kitty a sibling <3
Sometimes, adding a new member to the family is the best thing you can do for a lonely cat. As long as you introduce them correctly, they often form the sweetest friendships and keep each other company, especially for owners who can't be around all the time. Stay tuned for my upcoming post on how to introduce cats to each other!
Catio’s: Bring your cat outside safely
Have you ever heard of a cat patio? That's what we call a catio! Catios are extensions added to windows or doors that allow cats to enjoy the outdoors while being sheltered in an enclosed space. Think of a bird aviary, but for cats! This is the ultimate interactive experience for your cat so they can feel the wind, climb, and watch the birds go by without fear of harm or them running away!
Catios can be DIY projects, or you can order extensions online. If you want to know where to get a catio, check out this catio here by Aivituvin on Amazon. This is a wooden gray catio that comes in two sizes. There's a large size with dimensions of 62.6"L x 32.6"W x 70.1"H and an extra large size with dimensions of 71.1"L x 38"W x 70.8"H. This catio also features multiple levels of climbing and opening doors on the sides if you would like to purchase cat run extensions!
Ensuring your indoor cat leads a fulfilling life is all about creating an enriching environment filled with play, comfort, and stimulation. With a little effort and attention to their needs, your feline friend can thrive indoors, enjoying a life full of adventure within the safety of home.
By incorporating interactive toys, climbing spaces, and plenty of affection (and maybe some friends!), you’re giving them the best of both worlds—security and joy. A happy cat means a happy home, and with these small but meaningful steps, you’re strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion every day.
