It can be particularly hard for cats to cope with living indoors if they have lots of energy, love to explore and have previously been allowed time outdoors. However, for some cats - such as those with a disability or medical problem - living indoors could be a better option, and they may feel more comfortable.
It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe!
Bottom line: AHS veterinarians recommend keeping your cat indoors. But the decision is yours. If you choose to allow your cats outside, take the proper precautions to keep your kitty healthy and safe.
If you are going to have your cat inside, it is important to make its environment as stimulating as possible. If you don't, cats can quickly become bored, stressed and even depressed, resulting in detrimental and destructive behaviours.
Sleep, sleep, sleep
It was no surprise to find my cats spend a lot of time sleeping. It's estimated that cats spend 12 – 16 hours a day sleeping, and as indoor cats, my two love lounging around. They have several different preferred snoozing spots depending on the time of day.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Because cats enjoy roaming and exploring, keeping them inside can lead to boredom. Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety. To prevent these issues, you must take steps to meet your cat's needs.
Many cats will want to go out especially once they have experienced a taste of outdoor freedom, while other cats may be timid and downright wary of venturing into an unknown environment full of unfamiliar sensory experiences. Having said this, cats tend to be curious, and are natural explorers.
A single cat can still be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Just make sure to set aside quality time for human companionship, and keep his environment entertaining and interesting. Guest post by Kristen Levine Pet Living, the place for stories, science & advice for living happier and healthier with pets.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
Indoor cats live longer safer lives than outdoor cats. They tend to be more affectionate as they bond strongly with their owners. however if not properly cared for they can be prone to boredom, obesity and anxiety.
Extra Purring and Stretching When You Get Home
The cats left alone longer reacted by purring and stretching more when reunited with their owners. According to the study, this affectionate behavior suggests that your cat is happy when you return home.
Female cats tend to be more independent than males. If you put in long hours at work and your new pet will spend a lot of time home alone, a female will generally handle this better than a male. Girl cats are often perfectly content snoozing and entertaining themselves throughout the day.
Keep him entertained indoors
If your cat keeps wanting to go outside, he may simply be bored. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and climbing towers can keep your fur baby entertained so he's not constantly meowing at the door. Regular playtime can also help.
He told us how pets grieve, the relationship between cats and dogs and Australia's new cat curfew. Australia's new law will ban cats from going outside, to prevent them from killing billions of native animals. Research has found that each feral cat slaughters up to 740 local wildlife each year.
Stress. Stress is another common reason why cats run away. Cats are creatures of habit – they don't like changes in the household or to their routine.
Cats carry bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to local or systemic infection if a cat licks an open wound. Immunocompromised people are most at risk. Acquiring a disease from your cat is very rare, but to be safe, don't let your cat lick your face or any cuts on your skin.
And unlike dogs, cats actually prefer smaller spaces and tend to find hideaways and corners to retreat when they need their space. Although cats may need a little less, a cat can happily live in one room only if they have everything they need.
Cats do not require regular walks like dogs and their well-being can be maintained with indoor exercise.
One of the things many people find very appealing about cats is that they can be left alone for longer periods than dogs. Even with the convenience of a litter box and an endless supply of food, cats left alone for long stretches of time, day after day, can suffer from loneliness, boredom and even separation anxiety.
While some cats go nuts for on-screen antics, others are content to watch the activity with an air of calm, and still others may not be interested in TV at all. Depending on their temperament and the depth of their hunting instinct, your cat may or may not engage with television or other electronic screens.
How often should you play? Two play sessions a day would be fantastic for both you and your cat. You might find having a playtime just before bed (or even adding a third one) will help settle down a cat that usually gets into trouble at night. If your cat doesn't feel like playing the first time, don't get discouraged.