We know that keeping cats indoors especially at night, is better for the environment and our native wildlife. In addition, outdoor cats can have increased risk of injury and disease leading to a shorter lifespan.
If we keep cats indoors, how can we ensure we meet their needs and natural instincts? Cats are obligate carnivores, predators and hunters. They are deigned to capture and kill prey, so we need to harness this to give cats satisfaction and prevent unwanted behaviours such as scratching furniture, being too active at night and disrupting the household.
We can address indoor cats’ needs in the following ways:
Using the senses via enrichment
The sense of smell is much more prominent than the sense of sight in cats, and variance in texture under the paw is heightened in cats compared to humans. Think of ways to bring interesting odours into the house by bringing in leaves, cat safe flowers, bark off trees, herbs etc. Cat grass, cat nip plus different materials and surfaces can provide texture and odour interest too. Rotate these frequently.
Include hunting games such as hiding treats around the house/enclosure and interactive play with toys such as flirt poles and interactive toys. Encourage your cat to use their paws like they would when reaching for a mouse down a hole – e.g. putting treats down a tube for them to reach for.
Provide a variety of water sources as often cats will hunt out water, so place water in small containers such as bottle lids or small bowls and hide them on shelves or behind things. Avoid putting water next to food bowls as cats don’t tend to eat and drink in the same place. Cats may like running water so using water fountains in strategic areas can provide enrichment too.
Vertical space is important for cats, so providing different chest high cat towers, access to high places to rest and view e.g. tops of bookcases and access to high furniture. They should be placed so cats can’t view every doorway or litter tray. Older cats especially like safe places to view if they are not as mobile.
Diet
Texture in food for cats is not as important, but the type of texture exposed to as a kitten will stay with them as adults e.g. kibble v soft/wet food. A species appropriate diet for a cat should always include forms of high quality protein and whole prey if possible. Experiment with different foods such as raw meaty bones – chicken necks and wings, quail portions etc. There are lots of excellent premade raw diet options for cats which are more species appropriate than processed kibble.
Cats can often use similar or even the same enrichment toys as dogs do, so play around with different toys and textures, licking and interactive toys such as treat balls.
Litter trays
Keeping cats happy indoors includes appropriate places to toilet. The rule is one tray per cat plus one more, in separated areas that are secluded and quiet. Sandy substrates are usually preferred – the more artificial the less likely cats are to it, but it depends on the cat. Empty every day and clean thoroughly weekly. The size of the tray needs to suit the size of your cat.
With just a little imagination we can provide for all our cats needs keeping them safe inside and still giving them a fulfilled life.
Thank you to Ros Taber and Anne Hardacre from Pawsitive Connection for this article and sharing their expertise!