Is your indoor cat bored? Does your indoor cat get little exercise—physical or mental? Are you concerned that your indoor cat may become destructive or aggressive, for want of anything better to do? Could boredom be contributing to your indoor cat’s stress, anxiety, or depression?
What’s the solution for bored, under-exercised indoor cats?
Enrich their environment!
Environmental enrichment is a phrase that may not be familiar to you but it’s important that you become familiar with it and what it means to your cat. A boring environment can contribute to problems such as destructive behavior, inter-cat aggression, depression, and anxiety. Under-stimulated cats are at risk of developing boredom-related or stress-relieving behaviors such as over-grooming, chewing inappropriate items, picking on companion pets, retreating into isolation, over-eating, self-mutilation, compulsive behavior and loss of appetite.
—Pam Johnson-Bennett
This week, I outline four ways you can enrich your indoor cat’s environment.
Photo by Anna Abney
Catios
What is a catio? It’s a patio for cats!
For indoor cats, a catio can be the ultimate enrichment environment—a completely enclosed, escape-proof, open-air space where cats can enjoy warm weather, observe the outdoors, and interact with each other. In some climates, a catio can be used year-round. With chilly winters or hot summers, access may be more seasonal. Costs vary: order an entire set-up online; hire a local contractor; do it yourself. Catios are a luxury for cats, but building one doesn’t have to be expensive.
Location is everything, as in all real estate. Don’t risk constructing a “cat space” that can be easily accessed by passers-by, human or animal. That’s asking for trouble, whether from neighborhood kids, dogs, outdoor cats, wild critters, or humans with nefarious motives. Safety is critical, since your cat or cats will most likely not be supervised at all times when they’re in their catio. Decide, too, if you want “open” access to the catio area from inside the house, or if it would be better to control access with something like a cat door with a locking flap.
For inspiration, check Pinterest!
Here are three great catio links:
http://www.adventurecats.org/pawsome-reads/catio-hacks-every-cat-owner-should-know/
https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g3263/catios/
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-catio-is-the-coolest-thing-you-never-knew-your-cat-needed-230323
Climbing Walls
You’ve seen climbing walls for humans—maybe you’ve even climbed one? It’s no surprise that climbing walls can be exciting for cats, but consider how entertaining they might be for the humans in the household, too, to watch!
Vertical space for cats can be found almost anywhere with walls. Installing cat versions of footholds, shelves, and stairs can be a simple process or an engineering feat—it’s entirely up to you. YouTube offers a variety of videos with step-by-step instructions.
I particularly liked this tutorial because it took into account the cat!
How to build a wall-mounted cat tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK1FAs_nk8c
Other sources describe how to use store-bought shelving and how to recycle old dresser drawers. Again, expensive “systems” can be purchased, but do-it-yourself cat-climbing contraptions can offer a creative alternative to high-priced style. It’s up to you. If it works, your cat won’t know the difference!
http://www.whycatwhy.com/cat-vertical-space-101-the-ultimate-guide/
http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-create-a-cat-climbing-system-in-your-home
Tunnels and Tubes
You can make tunnels for your cat from cardboard boxes, if you wish, or you can shop around for commercially made cat tunnels, in person or online. Of all the equipment made for cats, cat tunnels are among the least expensive and, within reason, the most durable. Fabric cat tunnels are almost always collapsible, too, which makes them easy to pick up and store if space is at a premium. Fabric tunnels can usually be cleaned easily, as well—hose them off outside or in the shower stall.
Not all cats necessarily like cat tunnels . . . at least initially. Investigate the various styles of tunnels available before you invest. This article explains how to introduce your cat to a new tunnel, how to encourage your cat to play in the tunnel, and how to make sure the tunnel will fit the size of your cat:
http://www.best-cat-art.com/cat-tunnel.html
Ten reasons you should get a cat tunnel for your cat:
http://www.wwwallaboutcats.com/10-reasons-get-buy-cat-tunnel
Here’s an excellent visual inventory of what’s available in cat tunnels today:
http://www.whatcatsneed.com/cat/cat-tunnels/
This link has descriptions and photos of a variety of available tunnel types:
https://www.thehappycatsite.com/cat-tunnels/
Cat Castles
My local library branch recently hosted a popular workshop on building “living spaces” for cats. Families got involved—it’s a three-generation project! Expensive materials are not required. Cardboard boxes are the building blocks, with construction paper and fabric for decoration.
For inspiration, here’s a great guide:
Cat Castles: 20 Cardboard Habitats You Can Build Yourself, by Carin Oliver
Shoeboxes and paper bags are fine for other cats. But your favorite felines deserve luxurious living spaces! This DIY construction guide includes fun and easy instructions for making cardboard trains, ships, food trucks, rockets, and other hideouts. Also included are tips for climbing towers and scratching pads that they can use to stay sharp.
All twenty projects are quick to assemble and require inexpensive and easy-to-find materials. You can customize them to match your cat’s wildest desires!
Whatever steps you take to enrich your indoor cat’s environment, remember:
▪ Safety is always first and foremost.
▪ Start small and add on as you go.
▪ Let your cat lead the way on what works and what doesn’t.
▪ Don’t forget, each cat is entitled to her own opinion. What works for one cat may not work for another.
▪ Don’t invest time and money in equipment that fits your kitten but that won’t fit when he’s a grown cat.
