Watching Kasie grow (whenever I am having the pleasure to pet sit her) I also saw growing in her the attraction she has for Casanova , the stray cat that her family is feeding .
Yes, I will admit there were times when I felt sad watching her and I was thinking what it would be like if she was an outdoor cat?
So, I was thinking, is it cruel to keep a cat indoors?
Well I guess there is 2 sides of the coin.
Cats with outdoor access, benefit from more opportunities to exhibit natural behaviours like climbing, exploring, roaming around their territory and communicating with other cats in the area (if of course you are not leaving in a packed block of flats)
But a cat is also exposed to several dangers because of that like:
Being hit by cars, attacked by dogs or other cats, being exposed to parasites or infectious diseases and of course the crazy people that are doing terrible things to cats. So, for sure the freedom for our precious felines comes with a price and a lot of worry from the parent side (the truth is that my both cats are outdoor /indoor, and I am leaving every day with that fear).
Cats are creatures of comfort and can live indoors very happily as well, particularly if they’ve been inside since they were kittens BUT they do have some requirements which providing them, will help ensure your cat's long-term health and welfare.
As they don’t have access to the outdoors, owners should ensure their indoor cats are stimulated and still lead an active lifestyle.
Today’s concrete jungles are far too dangerous But from the other hand some indoor environments can become predictable and boring, leading to stress, inactivity and obesity.
It can be particularly hard for cats to cope with living indoors if they have lots of energy, love to explore and have previously been allowed time outdoors.
So, if you have an indoor cat you need to take some steps in order to prevent her from getting bored indoors and make life inside fun for her.
Here’s how!
Let Your Cat Go Hunting
Supply your cat with a variety of interesting toys to keep her occupied. A cat's play is all based on the hunting instinct, so give them plenty of toys to stalk, chase, pounce on, and kill!!!
Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat. By the way a cheap ‘toy’ that they love are paper bags and cardboard boxes.
Let Your Cat Climb
A climbing frame such as a cat tree that allows her to play and exercise is a great toy for you cat. Cats are natural climbers and providing a cat tree is a true way of allowing your cat to exercise its urge to climb.
You can even build your own, but you can find many in the market as well.
You can also add some cat selves and make it for her an indoor adventure.
DON’T overfed
Provide sufficient -- but not unlimited -- food and plenty of clean water.
Scratching
Cats need to scratch!
Get a scratching post and encourage her to use it so that she doesn't shred your sofa.
You can put in several locations so they can mark territory, strengthen muscles and sharpen claws.
Bird Viewing Stations
I am very happy when my pet sitting customers showing me the ‘bird view station ‘for their cat.All these small birds and small mammals are the natural prey for the cats.
You can indulge that attraction by setting up a bird viewing station inside.
Providing a room with a view is essential for your cat and your pet cat will have hours of viewing pleasure.
Give me my space
Allow your cat access to several rooms in the house so she has ample space to roam around and play
Bring the outdoors in
Plan a pot with grass. This is something your cat will love!!!you will find them in all pet stores
Clean litter!
Place a litter tray in a low-traffic area of the home and keep it clean,
Love Your Cat
Most important of all is to Play with your cat each day.
Make sure to spend some quality time playing with her and give her too much love and cuddles.