In This Chapter
- Having enough toys to play with
- Providing diversions, leafy or otherwise
- Finding a place in the sun
- Enjoying each other’s company
When we first became interested in a career involving
animals, the idea of keeping a cat inside at all times was considered unusual
at best, and cruel at worst. Cats are free spirits, people argued, and should
be allowed to roam at will. About the only people who kept their cats inside
were those in high-rise apartments or those who had pedigreed show cats. As for
the rest of the cats, they came and went as they pleased, and few people saw any
reason to change how they cared for their pets.
In the last couple of decades, the trend toward keeping cats
indoors has gone mainstream. If you want a pedigreed cat, most reputable
breeders won’t sell you a pet unless you promise to keep the animal inside.
Shelters, too, have started to push the idea of keeping cats indoors — and even
insisting on it, in some cases. Some of the largest animal-advocacy groups are
likewise spreading the word: Indoor cats live longer lives, they say.
The real change came from cat lovers themselves. Instead of
just accepting the belief that to own a cat was to lose them young to the
hazards of the outdoor world, cat lovers decided to protect them by keeping
them inside.
The idea has been catching on ever since, and many cats are
living longer and healthier lives as a result. But are they happier lives? The
debate still rages among cat lovers.
The Cat’s Meow
Indoor cats are so common these days that you can even buy books dedicated to the care of indoor cats. One book we particularly like is Christine Church’s Housecat: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Sane and Sound (IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.).
Cat Tracks
If you’re still on the fence when it comes to bringing your cat indoors for good, read up on our reasons why it’s a good idea in Chapter A New Appreciation of the Cat. You’ll find our tips on the best way to convert your free-roaming cat to the indoor life in Chapter Getting the Relationship Started Right.
You can’t just bring a cat or kitten inside, close the door,
and expect instant contentment. Cats who have access to the outdoors claim a
considerable amount of turf — an acre or more, some experts say — and spend
their days exploring their territory. Cats can find plenty to interest them
outdoors, with a constantly changing array of sights, smells, and sounds.
If you ask your cat to give up all that, you have to make
some adjustments. You need to provide your pet with what zookeepers call environmental
enrichment to keep your pet happy. What’s in it for you? Plenty! Boredom is
stressful for a pet, and stress can be a factor in illness. Further, if you don’t
provide your cat with things to do, he’ll make up activities on his own. You
may not like his choices quite so well, especially if they involve clawing your
best piece of furniture to bits.
Remember
We’re not trying to scare you off the idea of keeping your cat indoors. We’re in favor of it! With some effort and creativity on your part, your cat can be blissfully happy with the indoor life — and you’ll see the benefits, too.
A Cat Can’t Have Enough Toys
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on cat toys. Some of
the most amazingly cat-appealing toys are even free, so go nuts. (We put a list
of our favorite freebies in Chapter All the
Right Stuff.) Surprise your cat with a constantly
changing variety of cat toys — toys to stalk, toys to bat, toys to bunny-kick,
and toys to snuggle with.
Toys do more than keep a cat from being bored; they also
speak to her basic need to hunt. Toys are prey substitutes, and if you watch
your cat in play, you’ll see her as the hunter — the stalking on her
unsuspecting “victim,” the leap, the bite, it’s all there. No matter that her
prey is a little ball with a bell inside or a piece of rabbit fur shaped like a
mouse. The challenge of a toy hunt is pleasing to your cat and quite a lot
nicer for us humans than having to deal with the results of a real hunt!
Cat toys come in two basic varieties — those meant for play
between cat and human, and those meant for play by cat alone. Your indoor cat
should have both, because when you’re home you should be putting aside some quality
time for your cat.
Cat toys is one area of the pet industry where the
entrepreneurial spirit has flourished. You can find basic, mass-produced toys
at any pet-supply store, catalog, or Web site, and it’s a good idea to lay in a
supply. But keep an eye out for toys offered in smaller quantities. You can
find these handmade items (a labor of love from people with home-based toy
businesses) in booths at any cat show. Some of these toys are among the most
adorable and whimsical you’ll ever find, and they’re well worth seeking out.
Cat Tracks
You can also find handmade cat toys on the Internet; in fact, we feature one of these “catrepreneurs,” Cat Faeries, in Chapter Ten Cat-Related Attractions on the Information Superhighway.
Caution
Make sure you’re thinking of safety when choosing toys, especially those toys your cat will have constant access to. Stay clear of anything with sharp edges, or strings or fringes that a cat can chew off and swallow. (The “fishing pole” toys are wonderful for interactive play with your cat, but you should put them away when you’re not supervising.) And while kittens love to play with a ball of yarn, don’t indulge your pet in this whim — unless you’re looking forward to taking your pet to the veterinarian to have the yarn removed from his intestine!
Scratch, Climb, Stretch . . . Ahhhhh
Every cat needs a cat tree. Scratching is natural behavior
for cats, and doing it feels good to them, besides. Cats use scratching to keep
their claws sharp, to mark territory with their scent, and to get a really,
really good stretch. These are all important activities to a cat, and even more
so to a pet who’s not going to get the chance to do the heavy-duty scratching
that’s available on a variety of outdoor surfaces, from trees to fence posts.
A cat tree or post should be
- Stable enough for your cat to climb and to pull on.
- Covered with material your cat can dig her claws into.
- Placed in a prominent area so your cat uses it.
You can make your own cat tree or post pretty easily, but
you can also find them in the usual pet-supply outlets, and in more unusual
places like flea markets.
While it’s a good idea to offer several varieties of smaller
scratching posts or pads, make sure your cat has at least one tall tree with
platforms and cubbyholes. That way, your cat can do some recreational climbing
and, once at the top, find a quiet and utterly hidden place to take a nap. It’s
the perfect place to stay as far as your cat’s concerned until . . . dinner!
Tip
If you find someone locally who makes cat trees, ask if you can choose colors to match your décor. Cat trees may not be the most attractive piece of furniture you’ll ever own, but yours will surely look better if covered in a complementary color.
A Constant Supply of Nibblies
Cats with access to the outdoors like to nibble on plants.
Cats who are kept indoors like to nibble on plants. The difference? Outdoors,
cats are chewing on fresh shoots of grass. Indoors, they’re chewing on your houseplants.
Even if you put aside the issue that some plants are toxic —
we include a list of those in Chapter Ten
Common Household Dangers to Your Cat — you didn’t fill your house with
greenery only to have your cat destroy it. So give your cats some plants of his
own, perfect for chewing.
Cat Tracks
We talk about how to keep cats out of the houseplants in Chapter Solving Behavior Problems. Have a constantly growing supply of chewable plants on hand to help keep your housecat happy. One of the most popular treats is simple rye grass planted in small flats. The tender shoots are what cats adore, so always keep one pot of young plants available to your cat and another pot growing.
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| Figure 23-1: Providing your indoor cat with fresh grass seedlings will keep him happy — and help keep him away from your houseplants. |
The Cat’s Meow
You can also use your cat’s own food to keep him entertained. Some clever manufacturers have come up with products that release kibble in small amounts over time. With one such product, you fill small balls with a little kibble, and the machine releases the balls one by one at preset intervals. The cat can bat the food around, and when she’s done, she has some food to munch on. Clever idea!
Hide and Go Seek
Cats are hunters, and the nature of a hunter is to seek out
prey. Your cat doesn’t need to seek out prey to eat — you’ve covered that need
— but he’ll enjoy the hunt anyway if you give him a reason to go looking.
What should you hide? Small toys and bits of kibble are
naturals for this game, and so, too, are sprigs of fresh catnip. If your cat is
on a diet, hold a few kibbles back from his daily ration for hiding. For cats
who aren’t on portion controls or special diets, you can use any of a variety
of treats made for cats.
Cat Tracks
Your cat may not be among those who get a thrill out of catnip — the ability to enjoy the herb is genetic. For information on catnip, including how to grow a fresh supply for your pet, see Chapter All the Right Stuff.
Use your imagination when hiding items for your cat to find.
Tuck a toy into the cubbyhole atop the cat tree, or hide a cat treat on a
windowsill or on top of the cushions at the back of the couch. Let your cat
watch you while you hide the treats so she can get the idea, and then hide a
couple unobserved.
Remember
Maybe you’ll feel a little crazy hiding treats for your cat. Remember that everything you do to make your cat’s time alone more interesting will reduce his stress, and that pays off in good health and a relaxed attitude.
Cat TV? Why Not?
If you’ve balked at hiding goodies for your cat, heaven
knows what you’ll do with our next suggestion: Find a television show for your
cat to watch. This idea is not as crazy as it sounds: Many owners report that
their cats are fascinated by some TV shows, usually those with animals and
animal sounds. Some manufacturers have taken this idea a step further and produced
videos designed to amuse cats, with clips of colorful chirping birds and lively
rodents to catch and hold feline attention.
You can use such a video, or you can just put your TV on a
timer set to come on during a block of nature programming. Track down a simple
lamp timer at any hardware store and set it up to turn on the TV, if yours is a
kind that can be left in an “on” position. If that won’t work, you can just
tune in a nature channel and leave the set on.
Cool Cat Facts
A TV or radio has a use beyond the entertainment factor. If noise is a problem at your home — if you live in a big city or near a major roadway — you can use TV or radio to mask outdoor sound, making it easier for your cat to snooze away a large part of the day. You can do the same thing with music by setting an easy-listening CD to loop continuously throughout the day.
A Room with a View
Even if they’re not allowed out in the world, cats still
like to see what’s going on outside. Cats also like to sleep in the warmth of a
sunny window. You can help your cat achieve both goals by giving your cat her
own “window seat.”
If you don’t have an existing window seat, you can easily
create one by placing a chest of drawers under a window to give your cat a
place to sit and watch. You can also buy a ready-made “cat perch” that you can
mount on a windowsill.
Tip
Consider the view when choosing which window to turn into a cat perch. Gina has one window that overlooks a cherry tree. When the cherries are ripe, the tree attracts dozens of hungry birds — and a few human passersby, since the tree is on the street. Gina never seems to get more than a couple bowlfuls of cherries, but the tree itself is guaranteed entertainment for cats.
You can even set up a birdfeeder outside a favorite window,
a move that would both entertain your cat and keep the neighborhood birds
happy. Make sure that you mount the feeders in such a way to keep the birds
safe from roaming cats.
Caution
Roaming cats could be a problem for your indoor cat, too. Some cats get so bothered by the sight of cats in “their territory” that they spray, or clobber the nearest living thing — perhaps you — in a burst of what the experts call redirected aggression. We cover how to work with this problem in Chapter Solving Behavior Problems.
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| Figure 23-2: Window perches give a cat a chance to enjoy the world from the safety of the indoors. |
Higher and Higher, Baby
We love Bob Walker, whom we feature in a sidebar at the end
of this chapter. This creative man has set the standard for making a home cat-friendly,
and he has provided all kinds of cat lovers with ideas to try on their own.
Perhaps the most innovative device Bob dreamed up is the
catwalk. While you don’t have to install a catwalk in every room in vibrant
colors as Bob did, you might think about installing a couple of them in the
family room or other places where you and your cat spend a lot of time. Unless
you’re especially handy, you’ll need the help of a contractor to keep the
lumber for the catwalks properly positioned and anchored. You can find detailed
instructions in Bob’s book The Cat’s House, or just come up with your
own plans and wing it.
Tip
If you don’t want to be so bold — or if you’re renting or thinking of resale value — some tall bookcases may give your cat a place to be superior. If you’re inclined to cover the top of the shelves with bric-a-brac, reconsider. We think a cat bed might be a better choice.
Cat Tracks
What about those shelves you don’t want your cat to visit? We offer some tips on protecting your breakables in Chapter Getting the Relationship Started Right.
Whiff of Fresh Air
If you’re fortunate enough to have a screened-in porch, it
shouldn’t be difficult to allow your cat access to it. Consider cutting a cat
door through the wall to give your cat a way to come and go into this safe piece
of the (almost) outdoors.
After you allow your cat access to the porch, add some
interest to the room. Chewable greens are a natural, and so, too, is another
cat tree. For a more natural effect, keep an eye out for a sizable tree limb —
you should be able to get one for free from a local tree service or even a
neighbor. Strip the limb of leaves and anchor it in such a way to give your cat
both scratching and climbing fun.
If your home doesn’t have a screened porch, your cat can
still get some fresh air. You can make or purchase a small cat enclosure — like
a dog run, but with a top — and allow your pet access through a cat door cut
through a wall.
Caution
Simply leaving a window open with a screen in place can provide your cat with fresh air, too, but be aware of the security risks of leaving a window open while you’re away.
Another way to get your cat some fresh air is to walk her on
a leash. Any reputable pet-supply outlet will have comfortable harnesses and
light leashes for cats. Allow your cat to become slowly accustomed to the feel
of the restraints, and then you’ll be set for your walk.
Caution
Never leave a leashed or tethered cat unsupervised. She’s a sitting duck for a cat-hating dog or hungry coyote, among other dangers.
Someone to Play With
The ultimate cat toy for your pet while you’re away is
another cat. If your job keeps you away for long hours, and especially if
you’re often away overnight or on weekends, getting a second cat is a
particularly good idea. There’s only so much your cat can do to keep himself
occupied — at some point he’s still going to get lonely.
The good news is that two cats aren’t quite twice the work
as one. Sure, you’ll have to scoop twice as often and fill extra bowls. The
costs are double, of course, when you’re buying for two, and taking two cats to
the veterinarian instead of one. But beyond that, having a pair of cats can actually
make your life somewhat easier, since they have each other for company and for
playing. And knowing that they have each other for company will definitely ease
your burden of guilt when you have to leave your pets alone.
Cat Tracks
For tips on introducing cats, see Chapter Getting the Relationship Started Right. We also include a whole chapter on the joys and challenges of living with more than one cat — sometimes a lot more, for many cat lovers. You’ll find all that information in Chapter One Is Never Enough: The Multicat Household.
The You Factor
Even if you’ve done everything possible to make your home
more interesting from your cat’s point of view, perhaps the most important
piece of the puzzle will always be missing when you’re gone — because it’s you.
Make time for your cat. Combing and brushing your cat is a
great way to bond with your pet while taking care of a basic responsibility.
But don’t forget in all that feeding, grooming, and taking-to-the-vet regimen
to leave time just for the pleasure of being together.
Spend time with your cat. Make your evenings the time for
petting and for play. Get out that cat-fishing toy and get him all worked up.
Watch TV or read with your cat in your lap. Companionship is the best part of
having a cat. Be your cat’s best friend, and you’ll find that devotion and
attention returned many times over.
by Gina Spadafori and Paul D. Pion
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