There’s no definitive evidence as to whether it’s better to let your cat have freedom to go outside or to keep him or her confined indoors.

However, there is a risk of depression, anxiety, lethargy and destructive behaviour if they do not adapt well to living solely indoors. You should always make sure your cat is happy to be kept inside before deciding to keep them as an indoor cat. If you choose to go down the indoor-only route, here are some tips for raising a happy and healthy house cat.

Creating the Right Environment

Mental stimulation is crucial to stop indoor cats from getting bored and lonely. Indoor cats will not have many opportunities for social interaction and will rely on you for company. Because of this, it’s important to spend time with your cat every day. This can be as simple as letting your cat pounce on a piece of string or playing a game of catch to let them act out predatory instincts.

While you are not at home, you can also provide your cat with opportunities to play and exercise via cat trees. Scratching posts that feature multiple levels and hiding places are also a good option.

Many cat owners look to have more than one cat in the household to offer company. This can sometimes backfire, especially if the cats are not introduced to the household at the same time. If they do not get on, indoor cats will have fewer opportunities to seek their own space.

Avoiding Separation Anxiety

Indoor cats who form a strong bond with their owners can display signs of separation anxiety when they are left home alone. This will often be demonstrated through uncharacteristic behaviour, such as urinating on your belongings and excessive grooming. Play with your cat on a daily basis so that he or she is less likely to feel neglected while you are out of the house. In addition Feliway for cats, which releases a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, can help reduce fear and stress related problems.

Feeding Your Indoor Cat

There are foods specifically developed for indoor cats that ensure they get everything they need to maintain a good weight and reduce the risk of health issues. Hill’s Science Plan Adult Hairball Indoor Dry Food is low in fat and includes natural fibre technology to reduce hairball formation.  Due to a lack of exercise indoor cats can struggle with a slower intestinal transit and smelly stools, Royal Canin’s range of Indoor Cat diets contain a highly digestible protein to help regulate the quantity and odour of stools.

Do you have an indoor cat? Do you have any tips and advice to share? Let us know in the comments section below!