Outdoor cats face a lot of dangers, such as getting hit by a car, catching diseases, and encountering predators. As a result, outdoor felines have much shorter lifespans compared to indoor cats. However, many cat owners worry that they are depriving their pet of natural instincts, fresh air and exercise.
Keeping an indoor cat happy is all about satisfying their instincts and keeping them stimulated so they can live a healthy and happy life.
In this video, we will talk about 11 essentials to keep your indoor cat happy.









Bring the outdoors… indoors
Do your best to bring in the things that make up the outdoor experience, things such as places to climb, spots to hide, or high places with good vantage points. Make sure there are window seats where your cat can get some sun and watch the world go by. Installing some shelves around the walls of your room is another way to provide indoor enrichment for your feline. You can also plant catfriendly grass in indoor pots so your feline can graze as most cats love nibbling on grass.
Another way to give your kitty some outdoor experience is to install a “catio,” which are enclosed outdoor patios for cats.
Go for a Walk
Walking outside can be great fun for cats — it gives them new things to see and sniff out.
It is also a great way for your pet to get exercise, and it provides enrichment to their lives.
Start by getting your cat used to wearing a harness indoors, then move on to attaching a loose leash. When your cat is comfortable with both the harness and leash, it’s time to try it outside. Start gradually on dry, temperate days with just short trips outside as your cat gets more comfortable.
Optimize Your Cat’s Litter Box
Litter box maintenance and setup are important for your pet’s indoor enrichment. Oftentimes, we set the litter box up for our convenience and preferences—such as small, covered boxes with scented litter in a dark corner in the basement. While most cats might tolerate that, it is important to keep the comfort and preferences of your pet in mind.
Having multiple litter boxes in different areas of your house is great for your cat's sense of territorial security. This is because cats are very territorial animals. Another reason to consider multiple litter boxes is cleanliness. Cats are very clean animals and they hate dirty litter boxes.
Engage Your Cat’s Hunting Instincts During Mealtime
Cats are born to kill and hunt prey. As a loving pet owner, it is our responsibility to provide our feline friends with an environment that mimics their natural habitat as closely as possible. Owners can make attempts to simulate natural scenarios by hiding small amounts of food in multiple locations in the house. Food puzzles and cat toys that can be stuffed with treats or kibble for your cat to find are also great games to bring out natural feline behaviors and entertain your pet.
Use Cat Interactive Toys
You also need to have interactive toys that allow cats to carry out components of the predatory sequence, including chasing, stalking, catching and biting. Plush mouse, feather, and toys that move or can be pulled on a string are all good options.
Playtime is crucial for keeping an indoor cat mentally happy, physically healthy, and content to be inside.
Spend time with them
Domesticated cats crave human attention. Oftentimes, the most effective way of keeping your indoor cat happy is to just pay attention to them. Snuggle with them, play with them and pet them every day.
Pets in pairs
Although there are cats who prefer to be alone, most cats enjoy each other's company, especially if the introduction is done well. Having a buddy to play and interact with can go a long way in keeping indoor cats stimulated and happy.
If you are adopting a kitten, it is best to adopt two.
Establishing a consistent routine
The best way to keep your indoor cats healthy and happy is to keep their routine as consistent as possible. Cats are creatures of habit. They want to know when they'll be fed, when it's time to play or sleep, and when their litter will be fresh and clean.
A simple, steady schedule will help reduce these stress levels greatly.
Get Involved with Cat Training
Training is a form of stimulation. It is a great workout for your feline’s brain and is a wonderful enrichment.
Besides leashtraining your feline companion, there are many other cues you can teach your pet.
Spay and Neuter
Always neuter and spay your pets. Indoor cats can be driven by hormones to try to escape outside to find a mate. By neutering and spaying, you eliminate this added stress on your feline and minimize the allure of the outdoors.
Provide Cat Scratchers
Scratching plays a crucial role in a cat’s overall health and happiness. This one activity satisfies many instinctual needs. In addition to burning off some energy, cats have scent glands on their claws and they mark their territories when they scratch. Cats also need to scratch to keep their nails strong and healthy.