How to keep your indoor cat happy
Cats are one of the most popular pets kept as compan
How to keep your indoor cat happy
Cats are one of the most popular pets kept as companions in Australia and NZ. They are beautiful, graceful, affectionate, but above all, highly complicated! Many people choose to keep their cats indoor to protect them from fighting, to decrease risk of injury, and to protect them from infectious disease. However, the challenge of keeping a cat indoor is to ensure they receive the environmental stimulation they need to avoid getting bored. Cats have a need to exhibit hunting behaviour, to play and to explore. They must feel in control of what they are doing and, when necessary, be able to find a place where they can retreat and hide. A consistent daily routine is very important, and while it is not difficult to develop a plan to satisfy their behavioural needs, it can be time consuming to commit to a routine. Tips and tricks to help you keep your indoor cat stimulated Play time Cat owners should dedicate two periods of 10 minutes a day to playing with their cat. A variety of toys are needed, with different textures, colours and shapes. Playtime can include throwing your cat’s toys for them or using a cat teaser wand to get them moving. There are a range of fantastic toys that you can purchase, that helps your cat stalk, chase and even kick. Using different toys each time you play can also help motivate your cat. This is a great way to get your furry friend using their natural instincts in a safe environment! Climb, hide, play and scratch Cat aerobic centres and mazes can be wonderful items to keep your cat active when you are not home. These centres have multiple levels for climbing as well as areas designed for play and hiding. As they come in a range of sizes and shapes, you can find the perfect one for your cat and the environment you live in. You can also make your own mazes with card board boxes and tubes. Remember, you will need to change this regularly! Who could forget a scratching post? This is a necessity for all cats, especially indoor cats. Scratching is

