Keeping An Indoor Cat In A Flat: What You Need To Consider
Some might think of a cat as a free-roaming, highly independent animal that is almost more of a roommate than a pet. While outdoor cats are commonplace, other owners keep them inside instead.
Some people keep cats indoors to protect them and the local wildlife, while others will do so because they live in a high flat in an inner-city environment. Regardless, there are a number of things that you need to consider when keeping an indoor cat.
How Secure Is Your Home?
Cats are curious by nature. They’ll be eager to explore every nook and cranny of your home and be desperate to find out what’s behind every locked door. For a cat that’s lived indoors, suddenly making its way to the outside world can be overwhelming, and it will have no experience with things like traffic.
This is why your home must be secured. Doors should close firmly and not offer your cat a chance to prise them open. Securing your windows is vital as well. Cats love to sit at the window and watch the world go by. However, if they were to see a bird, they could leap towards the window and fall out if it’s open.
Baby-proof window locks can be perfect for keeping your cat safe. These only allow the window to open a little bit. This way, you can keep your home ventilated without putting your cat at risk. Even in a home, cats still get injured, so it’s worth getting pet insurance, as it might pay for potential vet bills.
Get Plenty of Toys
Cats love to play. It’s what makes them such wonderful companions. Outdoor cats can make their own fun to some extent, but if your cat lives indoors, you will ensure they are always happy and mentally stimulated.
To do so, ensure you always have many toys to hand. Cats love things with string and feathers on them, while some might love balls or remote control mice. Cats are predators, so stimulate your cat’s hunting instinct to keep them happy.
You might find that your cat doesn’t care about any of the toys you have bought and would rather play with a cardboard box or a paper bag. The best approach is to experiment and see what your cat likes best.
Remove Poisonous Houseplants
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet is entirely meat-based. However, this doesn’t mean your cat won’t chomp on some leaves every now and then. They may do so out of curiosity, boredom, or often for no reason.
Regardless of why your cat has decided to munch some vegetation, it’s crucial that you ensure there are no plants in your home that could harm your cat.
Lilies are particularly dangerous. All parts of a lily plant pose a threat to cats, including the flowers, leaves, and pollen. If lily poisoning is left untreated, then the reaction is usually fatal. Remove lilies from your home and read up on what other plants harm cats.
Conclusion
More and more people are choosing to keep their cats indoors. Follow the tips in this guide to keep your indoor cat safe, healthy, and happy.
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