People often believe that apartments cats are less happy than cats who have easy access to an outdoor area. But is this really true? Are we making cats unhappy by keeping them indoors or can a cat thrive as an indoor cat?
Why are indoor cats believed to be more unhappy?
Despite being domesticated, cats are still territorial felines. Out in the wild, cats explore a perimeter of around 150 meters (≈ 492 feet) around their habitat and they spend a good part of their day hunting. When cats live in an apartment instead, their space is reduced to just a few dozen square meters, limiting their possibilities for exploration and exercise. When cats are without enough suitable mental and physical stimulation, they can get bored, stressed, or develop behavioral issues. Additionally, if they do not have the ability to hunt in their daily lives, it can lead to a lack of physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain and various health problems.
These factors could give the impression that indoor cats are at a disadvantage when compared to their outdoor counterparts. But are these cases really mutually exclusive?
Can an indoor cat be happy?
Yes, an indoor cat can be happy as long as their needs are taken into account. Contrary to popular belief, a cat does not spend all of their time hunting and exploring. In reality, they sleep around 15 to 20 hours a day. This is especially the case for kittens and senior cats. For their comfort, a soft pillow or blanket can be enough to keep them happy.
Cats who have never been outside would not necessarily miss it. According to vets, animals can't miss what they haven't experienced. In some cases, cats who have spent their life indoors may be terrified of the idea of going outdoors. When outside, they would even seek to return as soon as possible. Therefore, it all depends on your cat's environment, habits, and personality.
How do I ensure my indoor cat's well-being?
Want to keep your apartment cat happy? Just follow these simple tips! It's important to provide them with an enriching and stimulating environment. Here are a few suggestions:
- Frequent interaction: spend time with them, play, cuddle and stimulate them with toys on a regular bases. According to the SPA, a cat needs around five hours of interaction and activity a day.
- Ensure that they have a variety of games and accessories: something as simple as a cork, string or stick can be enough to awaken your cat's hunting instincts. However, when letting your cat play with these types of toys, be sure to keep a close eye on them. You can also find toys like tunnels, interactive balls, and kibble-dispensing toys to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated.
- Keep access to the outdoors safe and secure: Cats truly enjoy observing their surroundings. So when a cat tree, shelf, or chair is placed close to a window, cats use them as ideal observation posts. If you have a balcony, it's important to keep the space safe it with a net to prevent your cat from accidentally falling and hurting themselves in the process.
- Feed your cat a balanced diet: indoor cats tend to exercise less and can, therefore, put on weight easier than an outdoor cat. For this reason, it's important to provide your cat with food that is good for their health.
So what's the verdict?
As long as indoor cats have their needs satisfied, they can be just as happy as cats with easy access to the outdoors. By providing a stimulating environment and sharing quality time with your cat, you can ensure that they have a fulfilling and safe life, free from external dangers such as road accidents, fights, or disease. In other words, it's less about accessing the outdoors and it's more about the attention and love you give your pet on a daily basis!
This Yummypets article might interest you: 3 reasons to keep your cat indoors
Source: TF1
