How to keep house cats happy
Cats with outdoor access benefit from more opportunities to exhibit natural behaviours like climbing, exploring, roaming their territory and communicating with other cats in the area. That means an indoor cat will need a lot more of your time and effort to be happy and healthy.
How to keep house cats happy
Cats love to scratch, as you will no doubt discover. They scratch their claws for many reasons, including the following.
Claw sharpening
Scratching, also known as stropping, removes the outer layer of a cat's claw to reveal a new, sharper surface. This action also exercises the muscles in a cat's forelimbs, which helps keep them in good condition for hunting.
Marking territory
Scratching is a territorial instinct that helps cats leave scent messages for other cats and can help mark their territory. Cats' paws have scent glands that release pheromones onto objects when they scratch, leaving a chemical and visible scent marker. Scratching also leaves behind shredded material as visual evidence of a cat's territory.
Relieving stress
Scratching can be a healthy way for cats to relieve stress. It also allows them to stretch out their back and shoulder muscles.
Relieving boredom
Scratching can be a sign of boredom, especially in house cats. Providing cats with plenty of mental stimulation can help prevent this behavior.
Scratching posts
All cats need opportunities to scratch, so provide at least one good scratching post. It needs to be tall and sturdy enough so it doesn’t tip over when your cat stretches up fully. You can also add extra scratching items such as disposable scratching boards.
Litter trays
Cats have specific toilet needs. A lack of a suitable litter tray can be stressful and lead to discovering poo in unexpected places, as well as health problems.
Just like us, cats like privacy. Make sure their litter tray is placed in a quiet location away from any busy or noisy parts of the house. Always use the biggest tray you can for your cat as they like to move around a lot before they toilet. The litter box should be at least 1.5 times the length of the cat, from their nose to the base of their tail.
Fill the trays with a good depth of litter (at least 3cm). This lets your cat dig and cover up their mess.
Cats like to use clean litter trays, so scoop out any mess as soon as possible and (at least daily). The whole tray should be cleaned at least once a week. Cats can be extremely sensitive to strong smells, and it can put them off using their litter tray, so don't use very strong-smelling cleaners, air fresheners, or scented litter.
There are many types of cat litter, and each cat will have their preference. It’s fine to try new types or brands but changing their litter type regularly can upset them and put them off using their litter tray. If they seem happy with a type, it’s a good idea to stick with it.
You’ll need more than one litter tray if you have more than one cat, as this should stop one cat monopolising the litter tray so other cats don’t have proper access. Even if you only have one cat, it’s helpful to give them a choice of toilet places. Some cats prefer to poo in one tray and wee in another. Multiple litter trays means it’s easier to make sure there’s always one clean tray available as cats often prefer to go in a clean tray.
Never punish your cat if they poo or pee outside the litter tray – they won’t understand it and it’s likely to make things worse. Going to the toilet in the house is quite common and is caused by several reasons including fear and illness. If you suspect that your cat has any problems, it’s best to speak to your vet.
Diet and weight
Making sure your cat doesn’t become overweight is essential for their health. They need a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Cats naturally eat several small meals per day and so we recommend splitting your cat's food allowance into a number of small meals. Try to give these at the same times each day. The amount of food you give them will depend on the diet you are giving your cat, their body weight and how active they are. Always follow the feeding instructions on the packaging.
Keep an eye on your cat’s weight. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily when you stroke their body lightly and, from above, you should clearly see a waistline. A cat’s belly should also be tucked up when viewing from the side.
Food games and feeding devices can help your cat to keep active. They can extend the amount of time your cat spends eating and can give them great mental and physical stimulation. Try filling treat balls with your cat’s dry food – they can have fun rolling them around on the floor until the food falls out through a hole. You can make your own version by taping together the inside of toilet rolls and placing food inside each one.
If you are using treats in the food games and devices, be aware of the calorie content – account for these in your cat's daily calorie intake.
Playtime
As well as physical exercise, playtime provides mental stimulation – essential for making sure your cat is healthy and happy. Find out what toys your cats like and spend plenty of time playing with them every day. Some cats will play on their own but a game with you can add variety and fun and is a great way to bond with your cat.
Fishing rod toys can encourage your cat to stalk, chase and grab the toy. Many cats enjoy fast-moving objects that are about the same size as their natural prey (like mice or small rodents).
You can make your own toys cheaply too: try kitchen foil or paper balls, feathers or cardboard boxes. Regularly refreshing or rotating toys will help to keep them interesting for your cat.
Many cats respond well to catnip. Spraying catnip scent or stuffing toys with dry catnip can encourage cats to play and stimulate their excellent sense of smell.
Human contact
As your cat won't have the freedom to interact with people or other animals outside, you'll be their main companion. They might not appreciate a squishy cuddle or belly rub, but it’s important to spend regular time interacting with your cat in a way they do enjoy.
When cats groom and rub against each other they focus on the head and neck, and they prefer these areas when being stroked by people too. Allow your cat to approach you and treat them to a gentle chin, cheek and head rub. Never force yourself onto your cat and always look out for any signs that they are feeling anxious or afraid; if they are, let them to move away.
Another way to provide human contact is through grooming. Grooming helps remove dead hairs, improve circulation and can feel great. Brush your cat at a quiet time of the day, be gentle and calm, giving occasional treats to make the whole experience positive. Let your cat be in control; if they’ve had enough, stop.
Training can be great fun for both of you. Daily sessions will help to keep your cats mentally stimulated – keep training simple and fun.
Don't leave your cats alone
You shouldn’t leave cats alone for long periods during the day. When they are left, provide them with toys and food devices to help prevent them from getting too bored.
Household hazards
You shouldn’t leave cats alone for long periods during the day. When they are left, provide them with toys and food devices to help prevent them from getting too bored.
