Cats don't have to leave the house to be happy. One of the keys to keeping a house cat happy and content is to provide it with regular entertainment and stimulation. In addition to exercise and mental stimulation, domestic cats need a safe environment to live in, food and drink, and regular body and health care. If you can provide all of these for your cat, it will live a happy and healthy life indoors.
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Part 1 of 4: Keeping Cats Safe
Step 1. Create a safe environment for cats
Domestic cats are used to entertaining themselves, so they will explore the house and play with whatever they see. It's important to check the house from the cat's point of view for anything that could be hurting your cat and make sure it's safe.
- Be aware that the cat may jump on a variety of surfaces. Just because the surface is waist-high, or even head-high, doesn't mean your cat won't explore it.
- Get rid of objects that appeal to your cat. For example, shiny objects, shoelaces, wool, ropes, all sewing kits are very attractive to cats. If the object is long, thin, and shaped like a snake, the cat will be attracted to play with it. Be sure to tidy up all of these items because if the cat bites the object with its mouth and swallows the piece of wool, it could develop a serious intestinal disorder and require surgery.
- Cats and candles are not a good match. Cats love to jump, so placing candles on high shelves is not necessarily safe. Worst case scenario, the cat doesn't know the candle is there, so it will nudge it and start a fire.
Step 2. Keep the cat away from poison
Always make sure to store cleaning supplies and other chemicals in a safe place. There are many harmful chemicals that we use in our homes and are very toxic to cats.
For example, many floor cleaners contain benzalkonium chloride. These chemicals can cause burns to soft tissues such as the tongue or the line of a cat's mouth. If the cat walks on a floor that is still wet with the floor cleaner and then licks its paws, this can cause severe ulcers on the tongue that prevent the cat from eating
Step 3. Investigate if the plants in your house are toxic to cats
Many plants are toxic to cats. Lilies should not be placed in a cat's environment because the pollen of lilies is highly toxic and can cause severe kidney failure. Other plants to avoid are azaleas, hydrangeas, poinsettias, daffodils, and mistletoe. These plants are not an exhaustive list of poisonous plants, so always check whether your plants are harmful to cats or not before bringing them into your home.
Part 2 of 4: Providing for Cats' Basic Needs
Step 1. Provide a litter box for your cat that can be cleaned every day
Cats need privacy when urinating. Place the litter box in a quiet place so that the cat will not be disturbed or frightened by sudden noises (such as the sound of a washing machine). If you have multiple cats, you will need one litter box for each cat. It's a good idea to have a spare sandbox. So, if you have five cats, it's a good idea to provide six litter boxes.
Keep the litter box clean so the cat will love to come to it. This means that you should scoop up dirt and stains daily and clean the litter box thoroughly every week
Step 2. Give the cat food and water
Be aware that domestic cats are very easy to gain weight. To prevent this, measure the food and give it according to the dosage recommended on the package. If your cat is gaining weight (the ribs will be harder to find), reduce your cat's daily allowance.
- Always provide fresh water AT ANY TIME! This is very important.
- Consider cat food for “domestic” or “sterile” cats, as they contain fewer calories and are suitable for your cat's lifestyle.
- Sharpen your cat's hunting instincts by using a puzzle game where the cat must try to find its food. These toys are available online and at most pet stores.
Step 3. Give the cat a special place to spend time alone
It's important for your cat to have a special room of her own, even when she sleeps with you at night. This small space could be a cat bed or a cat tree so your cat can snuggle in it.
Step 4. Provide a scratching post for the cat to scratch
Scratching is part of a cat's normal behavior. When a cat scratches something, it releases a slight scent that signals to other cats that it has declared its territory. If you don't provide your cat with a scratching post, your cat will find a place to scratch on her own and she will probably use your best couch.
- Pay attention to whether the cat is clawing horizontally (along the carpet) or vertically (over the couch). Provide a scratching post that is horizontal or vertical to match the cat's choice of natural place to scratch.
- Make sure the pole is higher than your cat's and place it firmly so that the pole won't move when your cat scratches it. Place the pole near the entrance or exit as this is a favorite place for cats to release their scent.
- Also place a post near the cat's bed because cats like to scratch something when they wake up.
Part 3 of 4: Giving Cats Mental Stimulation and Exercise
Step 1. Make sure the cat is getting enough exercise
Play with the cat regularly. Make sure you have a regular playing schedule every few times a day. Cats are sprinters, not marathoners, three or four sessions lasting about five to ten minutes are better than one session of 20 minutes.
Provide a small feather stick, a toy mouse, or even a piece of string (the cat will never get tired of playing with it). Shake the fur stick as high as your cat. Throw a toy mouse and watch the cat wrestle with it. Grab the end of the thread and run around the house or just shake the thread
Step 2. Don't think that your cat won't play just because it likes to nap
Cats are hunters which means they have periods of laziness interspersed with hunting activities. Just because cats love to sleep doesn't mean they don't need the mental stimulation that comes with smelling mice, stalking, and catching them.
Many behavioral problems such as soiling the house, scratching something, or aggression towards other pets are caused by boredom and frustration. Be sure to provide some interesting objects for the cat to play with
Step 3. Give the cat a view outside the house
Make sure the place has a high perch and windows. This will entertain the cat with the view outside and will satisfy the cat's need to be on high ground, as cats are natural tree climbers.
- If you live in an apartment, make sure that your balcony is cat safe and that it won't fall off the balcony railing. You might consider fencing the balcony so the cat can observe the surroundings without risking injury.
- Also, make sure every window is secure and can't be passed by cats. Check the bulkheads to make sure they're secure and undamaged so the cat can't sneak out when you're not looking.
Step 4. Bond with the cat through practice
It's not just dogs who benefit from obedience training. Try training your cat with a clicker, which provides important mental stimulation for the cat and helps it to bond with you. This exercise is pretty much the same as training a dog, but you have to be patient and figure out what treats really motivate the cat to follow your commands.
Step 5. Give your cat something to play with while you're away
Leave toys for your cat when she can't play with you. You can leave toy mice or catnip behind, but you can also leave new items that are safe for cats. Try leaving a paper bag or cardboard box for your cat to explore.
Step 6. Enjoy time with your cat
Give him love and attention if he wants it. You have about 20 years to spend with your beloved cat, so do your best by building a loving bond.
Part 4 of 4: Keeping Cats Healthy
Step 1. Every now and then, give your cat a treat
Domestic cats need to trim their nails more often because domestic cats don't use them when they go out. You can use the services of a veterinarian or animal salon employee to cut it or you can also ask a doctor for advice to do it. Trim the tips of the nails once a month.
- Comb your cat where it wants. Your cat may roll over and let you brush his tummy if he's being spoiled! Combing your cat is generally not necessary to keep the hair in good shape (cats usually take care of it themselves) but it is a good way to bond with the cat. This is also an opportunity to check for signs of health problems in the cat's coat and body.
- Look for black dots or something moving in the cat's fur. Separate the fur and look for exposed skin. If you notice something moving or lots of black dots (flea droppings), give your cat a flea collar or spray or take your cat to the vet for advice on treatment.
- Sometimes when a cat gets older, it won't be able to take care of its entire coat. The cat will lose its flexibility, making it difficult to reach its full coat. If this is the case with your cat, you may need to groom him more regularly to keep his coat healthy.
Step 2. Neutralize your cat
Animals that are not neutered are more territorial and are more likely to mark their territory (your home) with urine or feces. In addition, urine and feces can also attract stray animals into your home, making your cat feel threatened or distressed by having other cats in the area.
Step 3. Give your cat the vaccine
Even if your cat isn't out of the house, you should still get him vaccinated. Some viral infections, such as feline distemper, are caused by a strong virus that comes from your shoes. Also, if your cat sneaks out at night, your cat is at risk of contracting the disease because her immune system has never been attacked by outsiders.
Cats that never hunt or go outdoors still need deworming twice a year. This is because cats are born with worms that they get from their mother and the worm eggs that are left in their tissues will hatch throughout your cat's life
Step 4. Don't forget to control the ticks
While there's less risk of fleas for domestic cats, if your cat is infected with fleas, it's more likely that the fleas will breed. There are many flea products that are safe and effective for cats. Talk to your vet to find out which product is best for you and your cat's needs.
Step 5. Give your cat a microchip
These are “small chips that are implanted under the skin. When scanned, the chip will provide a unique number that includes your data. If your cat runs away, the chip will provide the cat rescuer a very easy way so that he will realize that the cat has one and he will bring you to your cat.
