How to Keep Indoor Cats Happy and Healthy

The post How to Keep Indoor Cats Happy and Healthy appeared first on Katzenworld - Welcome to the world of cats!.

The great debate of indoor vs. outdoor cats makes it hard for a lot of new cat owners to know which lifestyle to choose for their cat. While both are good options, and the most important thing is keeping a loving home, there are many benefits to keeping cats indoors. These include protection from other animals, busy roads and infectious diseases.

If you do choose to keep an indoor cat, there are some things you should be aware of. Without access to an outside space, cats are more sedentary and may not get as much exercise as those who can wander further afield. On top of this, the outside world contains a lot of stimulation for cats, whereas indoor cats may become bored.

Don’t worry – there are easy solutions to these potential issues! Below, we’ve outlined some simple ways you can keep your indoor cat happy and healthy.

Involve exercise in their daily routine

Indoor cats can risk becoming sedentary as they don’t have as much a space to run around and play. However, you can easily incorporate physical activity into their everyday life by taking some time to play with them. We would always recommend investing in a range of fun toys which will encourage cats to run, jump and play.

Monitor their eating habits

One big fear associated with keeping an indoor cat is that they will eat a lot and risk becoming overweight. It is therefore important that you carefully monitor your cat’s eating habits, and let them consume only what is recommended by your vet. Since your cat isn’t going outside, there’s no chance that they’ll be getting meals elsewhere which is a bonus!

Spend quality time with them

If you are out at work all day, your indoor cat may become bored and lonely. Make sure you dedicate some time each day to playing and cuddles, as interaction with your cat will make sure that he or she stays happy. Another thing to note is that your cat may be more scared than outdoor cats if they have to go to the vet, so be patient on these occasions and spend time getting them used to it.

Create a window seat for your feline friend

Cats enjoy visual stimulation and there is a lot to see in the great outdoors! However, your cat doesn’t actually have to go outside to observe the activity in your garden or out on the street. A great idea for indoor cats is to create a comfortable place for them to sit by the window. You can place blankets or cushions on a window ledge to make a cosy space.

Take medical precautions

Although your cat is not going outside, it is still important that they get vaccinations. You never know when circumstances will change: your cat may accidentally get outside one day, or there may come a time when they come into contact with other cats. It’s also important that you get your cat wormed because fleas and other parasites can come into the house on your clothes or other fabrics.

About the author: SynergyVets is a dedicated veterinary recruitment agency, with almost 30 years of experience supporting the profession with locum and permanent personnel. They have a great blog which, alongside advice for veterinary candidates, includes useful animal care tips for pet owners.

The post How to Keep Indoor Cats Happy and Healthy appeared first on Katzenworld.

from Katzenworld https://ift.tt/2UtV0EZ