Have you decided to keep your kitty inside? Good for you! Cats are both healthier and safer living indoors, where they aren’t exposed to dangers posed by cars, predators, weather, and other hazards. Your feline friend may not see it that way, however, especially if she’s been allowed to roam freely in the past. In this article, a Crown Point, IN vet offers tips on convincing Fluffy to stay inside.
Kitty Luxuries
Turning your home into a kitty luxury palace is actually very easy. First and foremost, offer your feline friend lots of cozy beds and napping spots. You’ll also want to give Fluffy at least one comfy window seat with a good view. Then, put a birdfeeder in the yard, so she can watch birds and squirrels. This will provide your furball with live entertainment, and keep her amused for hours.
Playtime!
Since Fluffy won’t be chasing butterflies or hunting birds and mice, you’ll want to provide her with plenty of fun toys to pounce on instead. Catnip mice and little balls are fine, but you can also offer your feline pal more high-tech toys, like automated laser pointers or robotic mice. It’s also important for you to play with your kitty every day. Use a toy that you control, like a wand toy or laser pointer. A fun play session will burn off your furball’s excess energy and satisfy her innate urge to pounce on things. It will also offer her beneficial mental stimulation.
Discouraging Breakouts
Never punish your cat for trying to go out: you may only make her more determined to escape. Instead, you want to make your kitty wary of the door. When Fluffy sniffs around the door, squirt her with water or make a loud noise. These things won’t hurt your furball, but they will annoy her, and will hopefully make her reconsider the benefits of getting too near the door.
Cat Garden
Give your kitty a taste of the outdoors by putting pet-safe plants throughout your home. Put potted trees or large plants at floor level, so Fluffy can hide behind the leaves and dash out at unsuspecting passers-by. Check the ASPCA site for a full list of non-toxic plants.
Do you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? We can help! Contact us, your local Crown Point, IN animal clinic, today!
