Keeping a cat indoors is a great way to protect them from traffic, predators, and other outdoor dangers. However, indoor cats need mental stimulation, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment to stay happy and healthy. Without these, cats may become bored, stressed, or even develop behavioural issues.
If you have an indoor cat, here are some expert tips to ensure they live a fulfilled, enriched life. We’ll also recommend some of the best products from Woonona Petfoods to support their well-being!
Provide a Variety of Cat Toys
Cats are natural hunters, and without the thrill of stalking prey outdoors, they need interactive playtime to satisfy their instincts. A variety of toys will keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
Wand toys like the Trouble n Trix HiJinx Wand encourage chase and pounce behaviours, and can keep your cat entertained for hours on end. You may also like to offer treat-dispensing toys such as the Kitty KONG to stimulate your cat’s mind while rewarding them with snacks. At Woonona Petfoods, we stock a wide range of interactive cat toys designed to keep your feline entertained and mentally stimulated!
Offer Cat Scratching Posts and Create Vertical Space
Scratching is a natural and necessary behaviour for cats, it helps them shed old claw layers, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. Without proper scratching surfaces, your cat may turn to furniture instead! You should offer multiple cat scratching posts in different areas of your home, and choose sturdy, tall scratchers that allow a full-body stretch.
In addition, cats love to climb and perch up high, giving them a sense of security and a great view of their surroundings. Providing cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or multi-level scratching posts helps satisfy this natural instinct.
Benefits of vertical space:
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Helps cats feel safe and secure
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Encourages exercise through climbing
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Prevents boredom by adding variety to their environment
Give Them a Cosy Bed for Rest & Relaxation
Indoor cats spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, so providing a comfortable and secure bed is essential. Cats love to curl up in warm, enclosed spaces, so consider beds with high sides, enclosed domes, or plush cushioning. The Pet One Cat Igloo provides a soft, enclosed space where your cat can feel safe and relaxed. Available at Woonona Petfoods, this luxurious cat bed is perfect for cosy naps!
Keep Their Litter Box Clean & Comfortable
A clean and accessible litter box is crucial for an indoor cat’s happiness. Cats are fastidious creatures, and a dirty litter box can lead to stress, avoidance, or inappropriate toileting habits.
Litter box tips:
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Use a low-dust, odour-controlling litter for a pleasant experience
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Have one litter box per cat (plus one extra) to prevent competition
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Clean the litter box daily to ensure hygiene
At Woonona Petfoods, we stock premium cat litter options, including Breeders Choice Recycled Paper Litter, Trouble & Trix Crystal Litter, and natural clumping litters like Natty Cat and Ozpet.
Offer Safe and Stimulating Window Views
Even if your cat stays indoors, they love watching the outside world! A window perch or cat bed positioned near a sunny window allows your feline to observe birds, people, and nature while soaking up the warmth of the sun.
Bonus idea: Install a bird feeder outside your window to create a “cat TV” experience - just be sure your cat stays safely indoors!
Encourage Mental Stimulation with Food Puzzles & Slow Feeders
Cats are natural hunters, so simply pouring food into a bowl doesn’t provide the stimulation they need. Instead, try puzzle feeders, lick mats, or treat-dispensing toys to engage their minds and slow down eating. You can find a range of puzzle feeders and slow-feeding solutions at Woonona Petfoods to help keep mealtime fun and engaging for your indoor cat!
Rotate Toys and Activities to Prevent Boredom
Just like humans, cats get bored with the same activities. Rotate their toys, scratchers, and food puzzles every few weeks to keep things fresh and exciting. You may even choose to store half of your cat’s toys in a box and swap them out every fortnight, this makes old toys feel new again!
Use Calming Aids for Stress Relief
Indoor cats can sometimes experience stress, especially when faced with changes like moving house, new pets, or loud environments. Natural calming aids can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Woonona Petfoods offers a range of calming products to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Feliway Diffusers & Sprays mimic natural feline facial pheromones, creating a sense of familiarity and security in your cat’s environment. Another great option is Vetalogica VitaRapid Tranquil Treats for Cats, a fast-acting formula containing Chamomile and B-Group Vitamin Complex to promote emotional balance and calmness. These treats are ideal for cats experiencing stress from situations such as fireworks, thunderstorms, car trips, vet visits, or being left alone.
Ensuring your indoor cat is happy, healthy, and engaged requires a mix of mental stimulation, exercise, comfort, and environmental enrichment. By incorporating interactive play, vertical space, cosy beds, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders, you can create a fulfilling and enriching indoor environment for your feline friend.
At Woonona Petfoods, we stock everything you need to keep your indoor cat happy, from cat trees and toys to premium cat litter and calming aids. Visit us in-store or online today to explore our full range of cat products!
