3 Ways To Keep A Cat Indoors And Happy
Even though you believe your cat to be a house cat, it might feel differently. Although your cat's life is relatively cushy indoors, its instinct to be outside can sometimes lead on an outdoors adventure. During particularly hot or cold days, keeping your cat inside could be a necessary health precaution. If you are having trouble convincing your cat to stay indoors, here are some tips to help make it a more inviting option for the cat.
Look for Signs of Illness
Some cats tend to hide when they are experiencing sickness. Unfortunately, your cat might choose to hide outside, which can hinder your ability to get it help when needed. To help encourage your cat to stay indoors, focus on keeping it healthy.
One way to do this is to stay alert and look for signs of illness. Since your cat cannot verbally communicate its sickness to you, it is important that you observe it on a daily basis. Signs of sickness to look for include coughing, diminished appetite, fatigue, and vomiting.
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian. Remember to trust your instincts. Even if your cat is not showing any of these signs of illness, but you believe that it is not feeling well, contact the vet.
Bring the Outdoors Inside Your Home
Another way to keep your cat indoors is to bring a bit of outdoors inside the home. There are several ways you can do this. For instance, you can put cat grass in pots around your home. The grass is specially designed for cats and can be used for grazing.
You can also ensure that your cat has places that it can perch to see outdoors. As an added bonus, you can place a bird feeder near a window so that the cat can see the birds that visit it.
Let the Cat Outdoors When Possible
Occasionally letting the cat out to roam the backyard can help keep a restless spirit away. Before letting your cat out, consider having a microchip inserted under the skin by the vet. The microchip can be used to help identify the cat in case it goes beyond the boundaries of the yard and ends up in a shelter.
If possible, build an enclosure or fence that keeps the cat within the yard. Ensure that all potential exits are closed so that your cat can roam freely through the yard.