Whether it's for your cat's safety or for the neighborhood birds' safety, we have a number of reasons to keep our feline family members inside.
Trouble is, it can get boring indoors. And as much as cats like to sleep, they do need some playtime and mental stimulation. So what to do?
The Humane Society offers tips for keeping your cat happy inside:
* Start young. Kittens who grow up indoors are typically happy to stay inside.
* Screened porch. Let your cat onto a screened-in porch to get a feel for the great outdoors without the risk. If you are able, consider building a "catio," or a screened-in area dedicated solely to the kitties.
* Take a walk. It can take a bit of adjustment and training, but cats can be walked on a leash same as a dog can. But speaking of dogs, scout the neighborhood for threats before heading out.
* Window perches. Let your cat bliss out in a sunny window.
* Toys and playtime. Give them plenty of both and you won't have nearly as much trouble with your cats getting antsy (and destructive).
* Cat condos. Also called cat trees, they allow your cat some space to climb, play, and chill. Place it next to a window for even more interest.
