Animals
12 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy at Home – Indoor Cats Guide!
by Sara Williams
The average lifespan of indoor cats is 13 to 15 years, which is higher than that of those living outdoors (Source: petMD). However, cats love wandering in grassy parks and leaping from one fence to another, which is why keeping them happy at home requires extra effort.
In this indoor cats guide, we’ll share some practical tips for keeping your cat happy at home.
The Indoor Cats Guide to Keeping Them Happy!
With the following tips, you can make your cats happy indoors.
Tip # 1: Playtime and Fun
Cats are born with hunting instincts! So, it’s important to dedicate a few hours to playtime to maintain their hunting skills. You can use interactive toys, like stuffed mice, feather wands, or laser pointers, to mimic prey and encourage stalking and pouncing behaviors. Rotate toys daily to maintain their appeal.
Tip # 2: Food Puzzles
Food puzzle challenges are also a great way to keep your cat healthy and happy at home. These types of games also enhance the problem-solving skills of cats. Make sure to encourage your cats with delightful praises.
Tip # 3: Window Watching
Cats like to observe outdoor sights and sounds. You can dedicate a window as your cat’s comfy space by placing a perch nearby.
For a wider view, install window perches with suction cups.
Tip # 4: Indoor Playground
Creating indoor playgrounds is a fun way to keep your cats active. Place cat trees, wall-mounted areas, and shelves strategically at different heights. This allows the cat to climb, enjoy, and survey the playing ground with fun.
Tip # 5: Rotate Toys and Flowers
Cats can easily get bored. You can keep things exciting and fun by rotating toys, plants, and flowers regularly or weekly. This prevents boredom and encourages the cats to discover new things.
Tip # 6: Scratching Post Area
Having multiple scratching posts for indoor cats is important. You can place both horizontal and vertical posts near furniture and other target areas. Try catnip sprays to entertain and encourage them.
Tip # 7: Positive Reinforcement
To keep your cat motivated, it’s important to reward them with positive behavior, treats, and praises. Offer delicious treats on using scratching posts or pat them with love on using litter boxes.
Tip # 8: Regular Veterinary Checkups
Indoor cats are prone to diseases. Therefore, it’s important to schedule annual or monthly veterinary checkups for pet health plans, even for seemingly healthy feline fellows. This allows for early detection and treatment of health problems.
Tip # 9: Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays an important role in keeping the cats healthy. Consult an experienced veterinarian for a personalized diet plan for your cat.
Always choose high-quality food for your cat.
Tip # 10: Dental Care
Dental issues like plaque, bacterial invasions, periodontal disease in cats, and bad breath can be irritating and painful for indoor cats. To avoid such issues, stick to a regular brushing routine with cat-specific toothpaste. In addition, dental treats can also help in preventing serious dental issues. Make sure to visit veterinarians for regular checkups.
Tip # 11: Parasite Prevention
Roundworms, hookworms, and all the other types of feline parasites can lead to serious health issues, such as weight loss and vomiting. Take precautionary measures to protect your cats from parasites and use veterinarian-recommended medications.
Tip # 12: Telemedicine
This is one of the best animal health solutions. Telemedicine offers online consultations with experienced and licensed veterinarians for health issues or follow-ups. This can be a great option for both you and your feline friend, reducing stress and saving time.
Wrapping Up!
To keep your cat happy at home, it’s important to understand their interests and preferences. Remember, every cat is born differently.
Some playful cats might like continuous playtime and hunting challenges, while the lazy felines sit and relax on the window.
Depending on their interests, you can choose different activities and follow the above-listed tips to keep them happy at home.
FAQs
How often should I play with my cat?
Depending on your cat’s interest, you can aim for 2 or 3 daily sessions (around 15 minutes each) of playtime. Consider increasing or decreasing the sessions depending on your cat’s behavior.
Is it okay to use a laser pointer with my cat?
Yes, it’s safe to use a laser pointer with cats. Make sure to redirect them to toys or food to avoid frustration.
How much water does my indoor cat need?
The water intake of a cat depends on their weight. A cat weighing 5 pounds should be given 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water daily.
What are some signs my indoor cat might be unhappy?
Unnecessary meowing, excessive scratching, litter box issues, and changes in vocalizations are a few signs of an unhappy cat. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian for treatment.
About the Author
Sara Williams is a professional veterinarian and content writer with 4+ years of experience. She specializes in crafting insightful blogs on animal health, providing valuable guidance to pet owners for the well-being of their furry friends.
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