Keeping an Indoor Cat Active

Does your feline friend stay indoors? If so, that’s great! Cats are both healthier and safer staying inside, where they are protected from hazards such as cars, wildlife, weather, and other cats. However, indoor kitties don’t get quite as much stimulation as cats that roam outdoors. Fluffy can get bored and restless with nothing to do all day! In order to keep your fluffy pal happy and healthy, you’ll need to offer her some kitty entertainment options. A Brampton, ON vet offer some tips on keeping indoor cats active below.

Vertical Space

Cats often love climbing to high spots. Give your pet a cat tower or some kitty shelves or stairs. Fluffy will get a better vantage point, so she can look down at you with that smug look kitties do so well. She’ll also get some exercise on the way up!

Toys

Making sure your feline buddy has plenty of fun toys is very important. Cats all have their own unique tastes when it comes to playthings. Some like wand toys, some like balls, and others prefer catnip mice. Offer your furball a variety, and see what she likes best.

Playtime!

Take time to play with your furry buddy every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Use a toy that you can control, like a wand toy or laser pointer, to make it even more fun for Fluffy.

Buddies

This one definitely isn’t going to be the right option for everyone. However, if your cat is young and/or friendly with other felines, Fluffy may enjoy having a buddy to play with. Just be sure to think it over carefully first. After all, adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment! You’ll also want to consider the ages and temperaments of both kitties.

Kitty Furniture

Our feline pals love exploring small spaces. Give Fluffy lots of little niches to investigate and snuggle up in, such as pet tunnels or kitty tents or tipis.

Catio

If you have a spare room—or even a sunny corner—make it into a catio by adding plants and some cat furniture. You can find pet-safe plants at the ASPCA website. Fluffy may really enjoy having some green leaves to peek out from and hide behind. For detailed instructions on how to set up a catio, check out our guide on Creating A Catio.

Please contact us, your Brampton, ON pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs, including veterinary wellness and pet vaccinations. We are here to help!