The happy indoor cat

An indoor or outdoor cat?

Although cats are originally outdoor animals, it is not a problem for a kitten that has never been outside to be kept as an indoor cat. However, be aware that if you take a cat that has previously lived outside, it will not be happy to be kept indoors from now on. They are already too accustomed to hunting outside, doing their business, and guarding their territory.

For a kitten or cat that lives indoors, you need to make the necessary preparations at home so that it doesn't get bored inside. This keeps your cat challenged, and when your cat is happy and healthy, you prevent many problems.

Power supply

Because indoor cats move less than outdoor cats, they also need different nutrition. There is special food that is specifically tailored to the needs of an indoor cat. Make sure this food contains enough natural fibers, easily digestible proteins, and omega fatty acids. Besides contributing to a healthy body weight, this food also supports digestion and a beautiful coat.

Not necessary, but many cats love to nibble on plants. There is also special cat grass for indoor cats that is very easy to maintain and also looks nice!

In addition to the regular food, treats can of course also be given; if you do this as a reward after training or playing with your cat, it is a win-win situation for both of you!

Drinking

It is very important that the cat drinks regularly and sufficiently, which is about 40 ml per kg of body weight daily. Therefore, if your cat does not drink enough, make sure to encourage your cat to do so to prevent dehydration.

Make sure you have enough water bowls in the places your cat frequents in the house. It is also important that these are placed in a quiet spot, not too close to the litter box or food bowl, and are kept clean. The water should be refreshed regularly and be at room temperature.

Many cats prefer running water; here you have automatic drinking fountains that provide fresh running water. Ideal for the picky drinker.

Entertainment

To prevent boredom (and thus problems), there are various cat toys that stimulate your cat's hunting instinct and counteract boredom. Think, for example, of laser pointers or automatically moving toys. Cat toys that hide treats also provide an extra challenge. You can alternate the cat toys so your cat doesn't get too used to certain toys. Many cat toys also use catnip, and this scent also makes your indoor cat very happy!

Besides your own company, a second cat is of course also perfect company. This also provides enough entertainment, exercise, and friendship.  

Movement

Although the extent of this varies greatly per breed, all cats need exercise; some are busy with all sorts of things almost all day or night, while other breeds prefer to lounge. You can also stimulate your cat to move more without them needing to go outside. Provide a stable cat tree in the house placed in a suitable spot for the cat. This way, the cat is not only encouraged to move, but afterwards can also lie on it comfortably and safely.

Ceiling-high Cat trees

Cats like to keep an overview from a high place; outside they would do this, for example, in a tree. But inside you can also easily mimic this with a ceiling-high cat tree, challenging them to climb that "cat tree" and thus they can nicely expend their energy. At the top, they have a safe and comfortable place to keep an eye on everything. With such a tall cat tree, they also have more than enough space to fully stretch against the cat tree and maintain their nails and train their front paws.

Cat trees with resting spots and playhouses

Besides scratching and climbing, the ideal cat tree also offers cozy resting spots. This way, you create a familiar place for your indoor cat, where it can also retreat. Do you have multiple resting spots in the house? Very good! This way, they can always choose where they want to lie down, and eventually, a favorite resting spot will probably emerge. A playhouse is also a nice soft resting spot for your cat, because it is sheltered and dark, your cat can quietly retreat here when it feels the need.  

Cat Barrel to Scratch

A standalone Cat Barrel to Scratch is much more compact than a cat tree and still offers enough space to scratch and lie down. Because most cats also love to hide, they can do this in the Cat Barrel to Scratch as well. In addition to a standalone Cat Barrel to Scratch, it is also possible to combine it with a cat tree in one.

One and happy

Research has shown that indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. If you can provide your cat with a happy and healthy life, partly thanks to the above tips, then everyone is happy, right?