Cats may be cuddly and sweet, but on the inside, your feline friend has the heart of a little lion. Domesticated cats share many similarities with their wild feline counterparts, accounting for their many natural and instinctual behaviors. Although indoor cats may be safer from predation, cars, and fights, they still need to express their natural behaviors. Cats are curious, adventurous, and athletic, so indoor cat owners must provide environmental enrichment to foster their whiskered pals’ mental and physical health.

Natural instinctual feline behaviors include scratching, hunting, climbing, grooming, kneading, and perching to survey their territory. Without opportunities to engage in these behaviors, indoor cats are at risk for certain stress-induced health conditions such as obesity, feline urinary tract disease, aggression, and compulsive disorders such as over-grooming. However, by learning how to provide environmental enrichment, cat owners can help their indoor kitties live healthy and happy lives. Read our Emerald Animal Hospital team’s tips on how to encourage your whiskered pal’s natural behaviors.

Creating a cat-friendly environment

Creating a cat-friendly indoor environment is essential and more straightforward than you may believe. To create a space both you and your cat love, follow our tips: 

  • Provide vertical space — Cats are natural climbers, so give them spots to exercise this instinct by providing them with a cat tree or wall perches. Cat trees can be any size, from three feet tall to ceiling height, and come in various styles to match any decor. You can also attach a series of ascending shelves to your walls, including a ladder, hammocks, or tunnels into which cats can climb and hide. 
  • Offer perches and hiding spots — Creating perches and hiding spots in your home provides indoor cats with opportunities to satisfy their natural instincts, survey their environment, and find comfort and security. These designated areas allow cats to exhibit natural behaviors and reduce their stress when they feel confined indoors. A cat tree with an enclosed space or a kitty tent placed in a high spot can give cats a place to rest where they feel safe. 
  • Allow access to outdoor views and windows — Indoor cats love to look out the window and watch the birds, animals, and neighborhood goings-on. Install a high perch near a window so they can watch to their hearts’ content. Another alternative is to look for Animal Planet TV shows or other nature specials that your cat can appreciate to see how they react. 

Cats need to scratch

If your cat has scratched up your furniture, you likely feel frustrated. However, your kitty is not being naughty but exhibiting a natural feline behavior that must be satisfied. Biologically, cats need to scratch to stretch their bodies, mark their territory using their paws’ scent glands, and maintain their nail health. Cats also scratch when stressed or excited. 

However, just because you give your cat a scratching post doesn’t mean they will use it. Remember, your cat needs scratching areas that feel good to them in the material—sisal, carpet, wood, or cardboard—and at the angle—vertical, horizontal, or diagonally— they prefer, so place several options throughout your home to see which ones your cat likes. Rub some catnip or Feliway on the scratching posts, and soon, your whiskered pal will forget about the furniture. 

Cats need to hunt

Playtime is essential for indoor cats, who must practice leaping, pouncing, stalking, and other hunting behaviors. A feather wand or pole that dangles a felt toy is an excellent addition to any cat household and can encourage predatory behaviors through play. Mice cat toys can simulate the hunt and provide hours of satisfying playtime. A puzzle feeder and other interactive toys can stimulate a cat’s mind and offer them a food reward for a “hunt” well done. Even an open paper bag or a cardboard box can encourage hours of hilarious hunting play if you engage with your cat as the “prey.”

Although cats love petting and snuggling, they also need 10 to 15 minutes of playtime with you each day. This play encourages activity and movement and creates a strong bond between you and your whiskered pal, improving your health and theirs. 

Allow your cat to practice their instinctual behaviors by meeting those needs indoors. By doing so, you can improve your whiskered pal’s life, health, and happiness in their indoor environments. Remember, however, that indoor cats still need veterinary care, so schedule an appointment with our Emerald Animal Hospital team to ensure your cat receives the care they deserve.