Most cats will spend every minute they can outdoors exploring the neighborhood, playing with other cats and chasing birds. But some cats stay inside all the time [or for months at a time because of super cold winters]. These “indoor cats” are still cats. They are curious, need exercise and need something fun to do.

If they don’t have “outdoor stuff” to do indoors they can get totally bored, stressed and start doing bad stuff. This is stuff like scratching your furniture, almost always meowing and even using your home like one big restroom.
They may start eating way to much [out of boredom] and that can make them over-weight and unhealthy.

Here are a few things to do so your indoor cat gets some exercise and entertainment so they will be happy and healthy:

Jumping …
Cats were born to jump and climb. They love being up high in a tree. You can buy a “cat tree” for inside your home. This lets your indoor cat still do some climbing and jumping.

Claws …
Cats want strong and sharp claws sharp. Outside they use tree trunks to sharpen their claws. Indoors they will use your furniture [not good]. Make sure and get them a scratching post or scratching mat.

Hunting …
When a cat is outside they are almost always looking for something to chase and catch. It helps them to stay alert, stay in shape and it’s also just plain fun. Here are a few things you can give your indoor cat so they can still “hunt and play”. Soft toy mice, cat fishing rods and balls with bells inside. Also leave a few empty boxes around your home … cats love to hide in them.

Other Animals …
our pets need to socialize [hang-out] with other animals. Indoor cats don’t get to do this. It can make them really lonely and bored. Put a chair by a window so your cat can see other animals outside, even if they just want to stay indoors. There are also special cat DVD’s that you can play on your TV.
They show lot of different kinds of birds and small animals running around.

Challenge …
Cats are really smart. They need exercise for their minds. Take a cardboard tube and put some dry cat treats, or catnip, inside it. Tape up both ends and
punch a few holes in the side of the tube. Your cat will have to think about how to get the treats out. [Make sure the holes are big enough for the treats to fall out when your cat pushes the tube around.] You can even make the tubes the way they get their food while you are away through the day.

Indoor Cat “Basics”

 All windows closed
 Doors closed to rooms that has stuff you don’t want broken
 No plants around that could poison your cat
 TV and computer wires / cables tied up and out of sight
 Curtains closed on hot sunny days [so rooms stay cool]
 Fresh water every day
 Enough dry food left for them during the day
 Litter trays, with clean litter