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.
There is a belief that indoor cats aren't as happy as outdoor cats, but this is not true. Your cat may look happy outside as they're roaming through nature, but in reality, they could be getting exposed to life-threatening hazards.
Happy cats will play with their toys and with other people and cats. Stressed cats tend to hide, avoid interaction, and ignore or refuse to play. Snuggles, Cuddles, Lap Sits and Co-Sleeping. You'll know your cat is happy if they show affection to you and want to interact with you.
While most veterinarians acknowledge that cats are much safer without going outside where they risk exposure to disease or trauma, there are some cats who may resist being indoors only. AHS encourages leash-training kitties who incessantly beg to be outdoors.
Cats are happier and healthier when they're safe, which means living indoors. If they're eager to explore outdoors, you can give them opportunities to do so under supervision. Cats should be allowed outdoors only for walks on leashes that are attached to well-fitting harnesses designed for cats.
Yes, surprisingly cats do get bored. If a cat is left at home alone for hours, with no interaction or stimulation, then the chances are they will get bored. Cats are highly intelligent animals, thus needing a certain level of stimulation. If they go too long without stimulation, boredom occurs.
With birds, chipmunks, fresh air, and so much more just beyond the window, it should come as no surprise that many indoor cats want to be outdoor cats. However, if your cat keeps trying to sneak out and seems happier when they do manage to bolt out the door, forcing them to stay inside might seem cruel.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety.
Is it cruel to have an indoor cat? As long as your cat has the space and resources to express all of their natural behaviours and isn't frustrated when they can't go outside, there's no reason they can't live a perfectly happy life as a house cat.
Council can issue an order to stop your cat trespassing and if you don't comply you can be fined. Some Councils require cats to be confined to their owner's property during certain hours. Others prohibit or restrict cats in some places. Check with your local council to see if these requirements apply in your area.
This independence could be tied their wild ancestors, who were solitary animals. However, domesticated cats have evolved to crave companionship, often forming strong bonds with humans and sometimes even other pets. So, do cats get lonely? Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely!
It's a common misconception that cats don't experience loneliness, but they do, especially when left alone for long periods of time. Learning how to tell if your cat is lonely puts you on the path to helping them feel more content while they're home alone.
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.
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
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. As the sun streams into the lounge room, they can be found having a kip by the window on their cat tower.
How Long Do Cats Live Indoors? On average, indoor cats live to be about 10 to 15 years old, but can reach ages of up to 20 years old. Because indoor cats don't have to deal with predators and some of the other potential risks that come with living outdoors, they tend to live a bit longer.
If you are just looking to get one cat, your future feline pet will not be severely deprived if you do not get another with it. A cat can live a happy life as the only cat in the house. At the same time, cats are more social than we may have at one time believed.
One important component of feline life missing for indoor pets is the ability to run, play, stalk and hunt more freely. As cats age, most adapt well to the calmer environments of indoor living. However, some have the energy of a kitten well into their adult years.
While it is true that cats enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and exercise, they do not need to go outside to be satisfied.
There a several reasons why cats hate closed doors:
They feel trapped. They want to be where the action is. It's a learned behavior. They have separation anxiety.
Lying next to you, but not on you, doesn't mean your cat is not bonded to you. In fact, sleeping next to you means your cat trusts you enough to be in a vulnerable position while sleeping. Some cats are not comfortable sleeping on their cat parent because they prefer the security of a small buffer zone.
Definitely. 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.
Playing, hunting and mental stimulation for indoor cats
Encourage your cat to play with toys and rotate them regularly to prevent over-familiarity and boredom. Use toys that emulate the natural hunting sequence – Locate, Stalk, Chase, Pounce, Kill, Dissect and Eat.