Keeping your cat indoors is safer for a number of reasons: it minimizes its exposure to toxins as well as infections from other cats
. Preventing your pet from venturing outdoors will also protect it from getting run over or being killed by dogs or other cats. Studies show that cats kept indoors live at least twice as long as cats that are allowed outdoor access.
Keeping your cat stimulated and happy is a concern many owners have and here are 10 things you can do to ensure your indoor cat is happy and content:
1. Litter Box: Your cat's litter box should be cleaned on a daily basis with the litter changed every month. The litter box should be kept in a low traffic area so your feline feels safe when using it.
2. Good Food: Cats are carnivorous animals and should be fed high protein diets. Cheap supermarket cat food brands don't provide quality nutrients needed to maintain the health of your cat so always try to choose the best quality food you can.
3. Grass: Cats love eating grass and you should provide your kitty with the opportunity to eat grass every now and then. Special grass growing kits are available at most pet shops or you can easily grow some in a small pot.
4. Toys: Cats love to play so buy your cat some interactive toys to physically and mentally stimulate it. They are fascinated by catnip so you should try to find toys that are stuffed with this herb to attract your cats' attention.
5. Try to set aside some time every day to play with your cat, as they love a good game of chase and there are many toys available that will allow you to play with your kitty such as feline flyers and laser lights.
6. Scratching Posts: Provide your cat with a scratching post if you value your furniture. Cats love using scratching posts to keep their claws sharp as well as to mark territory.
7. Safe Area: Cats like to hide in places they feel secure so place a cat carrier or cat bed in a low traffic area of the house that your cat can go to if it wants some quiet time.
8. Visual Stimulation: Your kitty should have the opportunity to look out a window to see the outside world. A bird feeder placed within view of the window will provide your cat with endless hours of entertainment.
9. Perches: Cats love climbing and there are special perches available at pet stores that can help satisfy this instinct in your feline. Cats love observing their environment from high places and your cat will truly appreciate a perch.
10. TLC: Cats enjoy attention so be sure to indulge your kitty with a lot of tender love and care!