Cats are beautiful, sensitive, intelligent and curious creatures that fill a special place in our hearts and homes. Domestic cats are descended from wild felines, and while they are not the same, they retain behaviors and social needs from their ancestors.\u00a0 In their natural environment they would be spending their days hunting, exploring, maintaining their territory, resting and socializing.<\/p>\n
Keeping cats indoors helps keep them safe and healthy (and protects wildlife), but it takes some effort to make sure an indoor home provides for your cat\u2019s emotional and physical needs. When we take a naturally active creature and place them in an indoor environment with little to do other than sleeping and eating, we open the door to problems like obesity, compulsive behaviors, and stress.<\/p>\n
Health consequences of Stress<\/strong>:\u00a0 Some common illnesses we see in cats are a direct result of stress.\u00a0 A problem known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), is usually associated with increased stress.\u00a0 Symptoms include painful urination, blood in the urine, and possibly urinary blockage.\u00a0 Obesity, which can lead to diabetes, is often associated with a sedentary indoor life style and may contribute to bladder problems, too.\u00a0 Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can be worsened by stress.\u00a0 Behavioral issues such as inter-cat aggression, compulsive over-grooming, and urine marking are common in cats that don\u2019t have an outlet for their natural needs.\u00a0 Environmental enrichment for indoor cats is essential for reducing stress and preventing these problems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The good news is there are many simple things you can do to provide a healthy and stimulating environment for your kitty.<\/p>\n Toys and daily play time:<\/strong>\u00a0 Provide a variety of toys and schedule a daily play session to strengthen the bond with your cat and get rid of some of that play energy. Keeping the daily schedule regular also helps reassure him that all is well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perches and resting areas: <\/strong>\u00a0Cats need resting and sleeping areas where they feel safe and can monitor their surroundings. Consider putting some shelving up high where the cat can climb to a comfortable nest, or put in a window sill bed with a bird feeder nearby to keep him interested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Feeding: <\/strong>\u00a0Rather than leaving food out as an \u2033all you can eat\u2033 buffet, try feeding some of kitty\u2019s daily ration in a food dispensing puzzle toy, or hiding food sources in different areas to stimulate his hunting and foraging instincts. This also helps provide exercise which can combat obesity.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Litter boxes:<\/strong> \u00a0Keep litter boxes clean, and make sure they are generous in size and easily accessible. \u00a0The rule of thumb is to have one box per cat, plus one extra.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Water:<\/strong> Cats tend to love to drink from running or trickling water sources.\u00a0 Kitty water fountains can stimulate your cat\u2019s interest and encourage healthy water consumption.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consider a <\/strong>\u2033Catio<\/strong>\u2033:<\/strong>\u00a0 Installing a secure, screened-in outdoor area attached to a window or a cat door can provide exercise and mental stimulation, as well as a patch of sunshine to sleep in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keep changes to a minimum:<\/strong> Introduce new pets gradually and under supervision. Consider a pet sitter when you go on vacation so your kitty can stay in his familiar environment. Make sure there is a \u2033safe place\u2033 your cat can retreat to when she needs alone time from other pets or small children.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pheromones are fabulous!<\/strong>\u00a0 Cats mark and organize their environments with invisible scents, and commercially synthesized pheromones can help reduce stress and marking behaviors, especially when bringing cats into a new home or apartment, or introducing a new cat to the household.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more information on keeping your kitty healthy and<\/strong> happy, ask your veterinarian, or go to:<\/p>\n Ohio State University\u2019s indoor cat initiative at https:\/\/indoorpet.osu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n