The complete guide to caring for an indoor cat

Keeping a cat indoors can be a safe and rewarding choice. You’ll just need to ensure your home is setup to help them thrive. From exercise and enrichment to health and wellbeing, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors?

Keeping a cat indoors isn’t cruel as long as their physical and mental needs are met. UK charities such as Cats Protection explain that indoor cats can live happy, fulfilled lives when provided with enrichment like climbing spaces, toys, scratching posts and regular human interaction. Some cats, particularly those living near busy roads or with medical conditions, may actually be safer indoors.

Are indoor cats happy?

Yes, indoor cats can be perfectly happy when their environment is set up to support natural behaviours such as climbing, playing, hunting (using toys) and resting in their favourite spots, particularly those off the ground. The key is providing stimulation, routine and companionship so they don’t get bored.

The advantages of having an indoor cat

Here are some advantages of having an indoor cat:

• Your neighbourhood's wildlife population will be eternally grateful – plus the lack of mangled presents will save your carpets!
• You won’t have to worry about road traffic accidents.
• There are fewer risks to your cat in the form of invading feline foes, which can keep him or her happier.
• The chances of your pet picking up an infectious disease drops and you’re more unlikely to have to deal with things like ticks and fleas.

Diet and exercise

Unless you live in a castle, your indoor cat will probably have less opportunity to exercise than an outdoor cat. This can cause your cat to lose his or her sleek feline shape which can result in health issues like obesity and diabetes. Therefore, it’s important to get both their diet and exercise needs right.

Cats naturally eat little and often throughout the day. Food should be measured out according to the manufacturers’ instructions as it can be easy to lose track of how much you’re feeding them.

When it comes to exercise, cat trees with multiple levels are a good source of entertainment and will give your cat the opportunity to climb and explore. There are some great examples on the market or endless opportunities to get creative and do it yourself! Elevated cat resting stations will also keep your cat happy as he or she will be able to observe the comings and goings from a safe spot.

Stimulation

Indoor cats can become bored and lonely so it’s important to ensure they have plenty of mental stimulation. They’ll rely heavily on you to provide entertainment and playing with your cat every day is important to prevent boredom. Simple games such as chasing a piece of string will appeal to your cat’s natural instincts and also offer them exercise.

Here are some more tips on how to keep your indoor cat active

Separation anxiety

Cats can form a strong bond with you and can feel anxious when you’re away from home. Signs of separation anxiety can include urinating around the house, excessive grooming and other uncharacteristic behaviour. Pheromone sprays and plug ins can help with stress-related problems.

Scratching

A variety of scratching posts can help prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. These can be incorporated in to cat trees and can even have toys attached to provide extra stimulation. There are various types available, including those made of cardboard, carpeting, sisal rope, wood and upholstery. If you scent the posts with catnip, it’ll encourage them to use these rather than ripping up your favourite arm chair!

Litter trays

It’s a good idea to provide your cat with two litter trays if possible and, if you have more than one cat, then its two plus the number of cats. This should help avoid any territorial disputes. They should be placed in quiet areas of the house, away from regular foot traffic. Make sure you change their litter regularly as cats are very particular and can stop using their trays in favour of other areas in your house if they don’t find them up to their hygiene standards.

Indoor cat health

Indoor cats may face fewer risks than outdoor cats, but they still need routine healthcare to stay happy and well. Here are some commonly asked health questions about indoor cats:

• Can indoor cats get fleas?

Yes, indoor cats can still get fleas. They can be brought into your house on your clothing, shoes, by other pets, or even carried in by visiting animals. This means year-round flea prevention is still a good idea.

• Do indoor cats need vaccines?

You can speak to your vet about which vaccinations your indoor cat needs. Core vaccinations are typically advised, even for indoor cats, as viruses can be carried into the home on people or objects. Your vet can then tailor a vaccination schedule based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk.

• How long do indoor-outdoor cats live?

A healthy cat can expect to live to about 14 years old, or even longer in some cases. While indoor cats might be exposed to fewer risks, such as traffic accidents, fights and certain diseases, the evidence is pretty limited on whether indoor cats actually live any longer than outdoor cats. The key thing is to ensure all cats are properly cared for, with regular vet visits, a good diet, and keeping on top of their routine vaccinations.

• Do indoor cats need worming?

Yes. Indoor cats can still pick up worms from fleas or contaminated surfaces. Regular worming is recommended, even if your cat doesn’t go outside. Speak to your vet for more information.

• Can indoor cats get toxoplasmosis?

Yes, indoor cats can get toxoplasmosis, although the risk is lower indoors. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) that cats can pick up from raw meat, infected prey, or contaminated soil. Cats usually show no symptoms but can shed the parasite in their faeces for a short period. Good litter hygiene and hand washing greatly reduce any risk to humans.

Do indoor cats have to be microchipped?

In England, all cats must be microchipped by law. Even indoor cats can escape accidentally, and microchipping greatly increases the chances of them being reunited if they’re lost. In other parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, microchipping for cats isn’t mandatory but is still very much recommended.

More information

For more information on cat health, diet and behaviour, see our range of expert guides and advice.

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