Indoor cats are generally healthier and live longer lives, but without opportunities to express their predatory nature, they can get bored and frustrated, which can lead to behavior problems. Our team at Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital wants to help you keep your indoor cat mentally and physically engaged, and we’ve enlisted help from an expert. Luna, a 3-year-old tabby who lives a lavish life indoors, shares her secrets to help you keep your indoor cat happy. 

#1: Let your cat climb

Luna: Like all cats, I love—and need—to climb. I like to find a spot up high and away from the commotion where I can see all the action without getting involved. I feel safe knowing that I can see any potential threats—like that rascally dog who lives here—from a secure vantage point. I have all sorts of places to climb in my house, which keep things interesting, because I have different views everywhere I go. My favorite things to climb include:

  • Bookshelves — My family has many books, but they also know that shelves are fun for cats to climb. They cleared away some of the books on a shelf I can easily access, and I spend much of my time curled up among the classics. 
  • Cat tree — I also like to climb my cat tree, which is made of several different materials that feel great on my claws, and has three stories—perfect for cats. I spend time on each level every day. I use the bottom level to stretch because it’s nice and tall, and climb to the top level to take one of my—many—catnaps. The top level is right next to the window, so I can watch the action outside, like the bird flying by to eat the seed my family puts out. Then, when I’m ready to sleep, nothing is better than a nap in the sunshine.
  • Window perch — In addition to my cat tree, I have my own perch in a different window with a different view and more fun things to watch outside. My family recently put a heated pet pad on my perch—boy, am I loving it. 

#2: Teach your cat where to scratch

When I first joined the family and was still learning the ropes, I wasn’t sure where I was meant to scratch, which is also important to cats, but often gets us into trouble. The arm of the door catch was exactly the right size for a good full-body stretch and scratch, but my family didn’t seem to like that. Then, they bought me scratching posts and put them in all the right places—next to my water bowl and near my favorite napping spot, both places where I spend a lot of time. My family knows me so well! When I wake up from my naps, I head straight to my scratching post to stretch and to sharpen my claws. My scratching posts are much more fun than the door or the couch, and my family is much happier, too. 

#3: Give your cat fun toys

I often nap during the day and, of course, I dedicate a lot of my time to my grooming, but I always find time to play. My family knows I’m a natural-born hunter, and they like to watch me silently stalk my stuffed mouse, before I pounce and throw it in the air. My feather wand is another favorite toy, although try as I might, I never seem to catch it. I’m lucky to have so many toys, and luckier to belong to a family who plays with me every day. I also enjoy simply cuddling and socializing with my family—sometimes I’ll even curl up with the dog. 

#4: Keep your cat healthy

OK—I admit I don’t love going to the veterinary hospital, but once I get there and see all the nice people who care for me, and give me cuddles and treats, I remember that my annual wellness exam is extremely important for my good health. The doctors ensure my vaccinations and parasite preventives are up to date, check my weight—it’s easy as an indoor cat to put on weight if you don’t get enough exercise, which, thankfully, my owners know—and look for any signs that I might not be feeling well. Taking care of my health is one of the biggest ways my family shows me how much they care. 

My life is pretty great, and I know I’m safer living inside, where I don’t have to worry about terrible events like being hit by a car or another animal wanting to fight. I appreciate all that my family does for me, and I hope you will follow my tips for your own indoor cat.

If your indoor cat is due for their annual wellness examination, or you need help because they are behaving inappropriately, do not hesitate to contact our Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital team.