Giving your indoor cat its best life
Indoor cats are becoming increasingly common and popular as more people recognize the benefits of keeping their feline friends safe and healthy inside their homes. While indoor cats don't face the same environmental risks as outdoor cats, they still require some special care to thrive. In this blog post, we will cover some tips for looking after your indoor cat, and providing them with an enriched and rewarding home.
1.Create a safe, enjoyable and comfortable environment
Your cat's living environment is important for their physical and mental health. Make sure your indoor cat has access to comfortable resting spots, preferably up high so they can look down on their domain. Vertical resting shelves or bridges are great to increase the space they can explore and are known to reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Have a look at Pintrest for some great ideas! Indoor cats can quickly become bored and inactive, which can lead to obesity and other health problems, encouraging your cat to exercise with interactive and stimulating toys is also vital to keep them entertained. Provide a scratching pole, post, or area to allow them to scratch, exercise their paws, help shed old nails and avoid damage to your furniture.
Ensure that their litter box is in a quiet and accessible area (the most vulnerable time for a cat is when they are toileting so knowing this space is safe and quiet is imperative) . Clean it regularly, many cats will not use a dirty litter box (this includes urine and faeces) and some also have a preference for the type of litter used. If you have multiple indoor cats, the golden rule for the number of litter boxes in the house is “the number of cats +1”, so if you have 2 cats you ideally should have 3 litter boxes! This is especially the case if you experience episodes of your cats toileting outside their litter box. .
2. Provide a balanced diet
Indoor cats have different dietary requirements compared to outdoor cats, they are less active and MUCH more prone to obesity and the health concerns associated with this. They need a balanced diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight. Personally, I find feeding a moisture rich food the best way to go, due mainly to the higher moisture content, most wet foods contain about 3-4x less energy density than dry foods (ie. 1 cup of wet food is equivalent to 1/4 - 1/3 cup of dry food). Speak to your veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your cat and avoid overfeeding them.
3. Keep up with vet check-ups and vaccinations
Indoor cats are still susceptible to health problems, so it's important to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Cats are very good at hiding signs of being unwell until things are severe. Annual checks will check your cats heart, lungs, eyes, ears, oral and dental health. Blood tests are recommended in mature cats as some diseases are not obvious by clinical exam alone. Conditions such as hyperthyroid disease, chronic kidney failure, diabetes and liver disease are all common. Vaccinations are recommended especially if your cat spends any time in a boarding cattery or you are going to be introducing new cats to the environment.
4.Provide mental stimulation
Cats are natural hunters and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Provide your cat with puzzle feeders and toys that challenge their problem-solving skills. You can also play with your cat using interactive toys that mimic prey.
5.Ensure proper dental care
Cats are prone to dental issues, and indoor cats are no exception. If possible and you can keep your fingers while doing it, brush your cat's teeth regularly, provide dental treats and toys, There are some foods that may also help to maintain dental health in cats, It is best to schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to prevent dental problems and get the best advice for your cat/s.
In conclusion, looking after your indoor cat requires some special care, but it's well worth it to ensure your feline friend is happy and healthy. By creating a safe and comfortable environment, providing a balanced diet, encouraging exercise and playtime, keeping up with vet check-ups and vaccinations, providing mental stimulation, and ensuring proper dental care, you can help your indoor cat thrive.