Tips to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Healthy

Research indicates that dogs may have been domesticated and integrated into the lives of humans as companions between 18,000 and 40,000 years ago. Cats, on the other hand, may have only been domesticated in the past 9,000 to 10,000 years. Studies show cats do not share the same “domesticated” characteristics as other household pets like dogs and still retain many “wildcat” characteristics. With that in mind, is keeping these animals indoors their entire lives safe? How do you ensure your indoor cats stay active, healthy, and happy?

At Pure Peak, we want to help you find ways to keep your indoor cat healthy and happy. They include fostering good habits that reduce anxiety, encouraging activity and playfulness, and allowing your feline to express their natural cat behavior. By focusing on the well-being of your indoor cat, you can reduce unwanted or destructive behaviors and ward off common indoor cat health concerns.

How Can I Make My Indoor Cat’s Life Better?

It is essential to understand that by keeping your kitty indoors, you are already significantly prolonging your pet’s lifespan. Indoor cats typically live for ten to 20 years, while the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is generally only two to five years. If you are keeping your cat inside, you are already ahead of the healthy and safety game.

The biggest challenge for indoor cat owners is keeping their cats active and exercising their natural, predatory instincts. Like humans, overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and other health problems. Consider keeping your cat entertained by investing in puzzle feeders or interactive toys.

These products give your kitty extra playtime, engage their minds, and can help them exercise their hunting instincts.

Cats love to climb and explore. Give them a space in your home where they can do just that. Introduce them to shelves, window seats, or cat towers where they can climb, jump, and play. If you don’t provide climbing opportunities for your indoor cat, you may notice that they use your grandmother’s China cabinet for their activities instead.

Scratching is natural. If you want to preserve your furniture, give your furry friend lots of scratching posts. It keeps their nails healthy and allows them to leave their scent on familiar objects, which may reduce stress and anxiety.
Want to bring a bit of the outdoors inside for your cat? Look for safe, non-toxic plants like catnip or “cat grass.” Although many plants are beautiful and can spruce up your home, use caution when purchasing indoor plants. Many are toxic to animals and, when consumed, may be fatal.

Is It Safe to Keep a Cat Indoors All the Time?

Yes. Keeping your cat indoors is much safer than letting it roam freely outside. Outdoor cats can be exposed to viruses like rabies, feline immunodeficiency, feline leukemia, and gastrointestinal parasites, some of which may also be transmissible to humans. They are also at an increased risk of fighting with other cats, dogs, and wildlife like raccoons, foxes, or coyotes. If the cat survives, infections are common. Outdoor cats are also prone to flea and tick infestations, making everyone in your house miserable and spreading disease. Cats who roam outside are also at risk of getting hit by cars or poisoned by lawn treatments or other harmful chemicals.

Providing your cat with activities, a balanced diet, plenty of water, and, of course, love and lots of pets is all your cat needs to live a healthy and happy life with you. Focusing on these things allows your cat to thrive and express its instincts and behaviors. You are not depriving them of anything by not allowing them to go outside. You are protecting your family members and the natural environment around you. Many organizations now list domesticated outdoor cats as a global threat to biodiversity because they kill wildlife and can ruin the delicate balance of local ecosystems.

If you are concerned about your cat’s lack of outdoor exploration, consider an outdoor “catio.” A catio is an outdoor, escape-proof enclosure that lets your cat enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about getting hit by a car, escaping into the neighbor’s yard, or encountering cv local wildlife. These structures can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you want. Some are outdoor extensions of a small window, and others are giant enclosures with multiple levels and seating areas.

Exercise and Healthy Habits for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats can be at risk of living a more sedentary lifestyle. Without a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, this can lead to obesity, joint and mobility problems, and other significant health conditions. It would help if you gave your cat plenty of opportunities to exercise and play. Invest in plenty of toys and interactive games of puzzles for your cat to enjoy. Not only are these physically stimulating, but they can also be mentally stimulating for cats. It also allows them to hone their hunting instincts and engage in stalk or chasing play.

Give your four-legged friend some vertical space so they can run, jump, and play. This area can be a designated “cat shelf” or cat tower where your cat can freely play without you having to worry about them breaking things or knocking stuff over. Cats are like children; sometimes, even things as simple as an empty cardboard box can provide hours of free entertainment.

Another healthy habit that is a must for indoor cats is a private and clean space for their litter box. If you have multiple cats, multiple litter boxes are a must. The general rule is n+1 equaling the number of litter boxes you should have available. Litter must be cleaned and replaced regularly to keep your cat healthy and happy and prevent urinary tract infections. Clean litter also helps to ensure that your cat does not urinate or mark other areas of your house.

Pure Peak Wants to Help You and Your Cat Live Life to the Fullest

Pure Peak commits itself to elevating pet wellness. Our innovation, integrity, and commitment to helping all pet families live happy and healthy lives are paramount to our mission. If you are looking for high-quality, clean pet products for your feline friend to help them live their best cat life, you’ve come to the right place.