Did you know that your cat can live a happy and safe life inside with you, instead of roaming around outdoors? Contrary to common belief, cats do not have to roam outdoors to be happy.
Keeping Your Cat Indoors is the Safest Option
According to Animal Welfare League Rehoming Manager Hayley Alexander, it can be dangerous for your cat to explore the streets, suburbs and neighbouring areas.
“They could get hit by a car, attacked by dogs, bitten by a snake or fight with other cats. They are also at risk of catching infectious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)," Hayley said.
By keeping your cat indoors, you’re keeping them safe. If you keep your cat entertained by creating an enriched environment which fulfils their physical and mental needs, they will be content to stay within the confines of your property.
Losing your cat is heartbreaking, and you can never be sure if roaming cats will come home safely. When your cat’s at home, you have the peace of mind that they’re safe and sound.
But most importantly, they’ll be close by for cuddles and company all the time. You and your cat will enjoy much more quality time together.
Transitioning Outdoor Cats Indoors
According to Hayley, there are effective ways you can transition your cat from being an outdoor one to an indoor one.
“Begin the process by setting up your home with everything your cat needs, then gradually keep them inside for longer periods of time so they can get used to it,” she said.
Introduce kitty litter and scratching posts into your home if you don’t already have them. Plus, make sure you’ve got lots of hiding spots, high places and toys for your cat to enjoy.
Place the litter tray in an easy to access, quiet, private place. If your cat is used to going outside, you could try filling the litter tray with outside dirt until the cat uses the box, then transition to litter.
Provide one litter tray per cat plus one extra. Provide lots of fun activities, attention and positive reinforcement while they’re inside to keep them entertained.
“Make sure to look for signs of stress and ill-health such as loss of appetite, lethargy or any changes in their normal behaviour,” Hayley said.
If you notice any changes to their normal behaviour, take it as a sign to slow the process down a little bit more.
“As with all significant periods of change in a cat’s life, there's always going to be a transition time and it will take them a bit of time to adjust, but you can still have cats housed safely in a home,” Hayley said.
“That doesn't mean keeping them indoors 100% of the time. There are lots of options for having them in a secured yard with cat-proof fencing or cat runs.”
“You do need to keep in mind though, that cats love looking outside. So even if you are keeping them inside, you should make sure they have access to plenty of windows so they can look out," Hayley said.
How to Keep Cats Happy Inside
Your cat is naturally curious and social so they’ll need your help to keep their life fulfilled. Other than meeting their basic needs like food and water, litter, fresh air, sunlight and sleeping areas, they need enrichment and stimulation just like any other pet.
Cat trees and scratchers are great, as they will give your cat a place to climb and maintain their claws. . Likewise, toys to chase like balls, corks or wand toys, can trigger your cat's natural instinct to hunt, pounce and play. Even something as simple as a cardboard box can become a toy, indulging a cat’s love of hiding!
According to Hayley, there are also many simple things you can do at home to keep your cat enriched, and they don't have to be expensive.
"You can buy all sorts of exciting cat toys, but household items such as paper bags, boxes, ping pong balls, and scrunched up paper are often just as appealing," she said.
"Try alternating and hiding the toys for extra fun. There are also many cost-efficient things like cardboard boxes, egg carton toys, snuffle mats or even treat scatter feeders to work their minds and claws."
There are plenty of enrichment games and things that you can do to keep them occupied, but most of the time, they are happy being social with you or having a cat-nap in a comfy spot.
Spend quality time interacting with your furry friend so you can work out what they love to do and what enrichment will satisfy their curious minds the most.
How to Keep Your Cats Inside
Whilst keeping your cat indoors is important, if they have been an outdoor cat or enjoy being outside, it can take time for them to adjust.
You can also give your cat the best of both worlds — indoors and out — by cat-proofing your yard. Cat-proofing makes sure they can go outdoors safely without leaving your property..
There are now plenty of products available to keep your cat contained in your property but still get them outside:
Cat runs
Cat enclosures
Temporary/pop-up cat runs
Fence roller systems
Enclose your whole yard with cat netting.
Ensuring your cat is safe indoors is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
It is especially important to desex your cat to prevent them from disease, harm or unwanted litters. Take the Pledge to desex your cat and raise awareness for responsible pet ownership.
