Whether you live in an apartment that doesn’t have easy outside access or you’re just worried about your cat, many cats live their lives indoors. However, like humans, cats will eventually get used to their surroundings, which could lead to boredom and unhappiness.
Fortunately, keeping your indoor cat happy isn’t so hard! With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can help your indoor cat stay happy for years to come.
How Can I Tell if My Cat is Happy?
Cats are expressive in their own ways, and based on how they act, you can deduce whether or not they’re happy. If you’re concerned that your cat might not be happy, odds are that something isn’t right at home.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s happiness, monitor their activity for a few days. Signs of unhappiness could include:
- Slow movements
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Less frequent grooming
- Destroying furniture
- Avoiding the litterbox
Perhaps the best way to tell if a cat is happy is by looking at its eyes and face. Bright eyes, a relaxed face, and slow blinking are all signs that your cat is more than content with its surroundings. If your cat doesn’t show these signs, they could dealing with unhappiness.
You should know your cat better than anyone, so do your best to gauge their happiness. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and take steps to ensure your cat’s happiness.
Do Cats Get Bored Living Indoors?
All living creatures get bored, cats included. The good news is that boredom is nowhere near as problematic as unhappiness and could be much easier to mend. To help break your cat out of a rut, check out these tips for what to do if your cat is bored.
6 Tips to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
Worried about your cat’s happiness? Here are tips to keep your indoor cat happy.
Give your cat somewhere to climb
If your cat is stuck on the ground all day, give them a new vantage point. Cat shelves are easy to install and work on just about any wall. This can provide your cat with plenty of entertainment.
Bring in new toys and hide old toys
Your cat could be tired of seeing the same things over and over. Bring in a bunch of new toys and store old, unused toys. Eventually, you can bring the old toys back out, and your cat could be excited to see them!
Get a window perch
One of the best purchases a cat owner can make is a window perch. These are easy to install and fold up, letting you close your blinds or curtains as needed. During the day, a window perch provides your cat with a great spot to sit up high, look outside, and maybe even catch some sun!
Get a cat water fountain
Fresh water and a change of scenery can do good for humans, so why not cats? A cat water fountain can make drinking water interesting for your cat and is a great way to change up your cat’s habits without shaking up its routine.
Spend more time with your cat
Did you ever consider that your cat may be unhappy because you’re never home? If you’re busy or on the move, remember that your cat is stuck at home waiting for you. Make an effort to spend some more time with your cat.
Get a second cat
If you’re too busy to set aside time for your cat, then seriously consider getting your cat a playmate. Not only will a second cat keep your cat entertained, but you’ll also be giving a cat a happy home!
Keep Your Home Enriching for Your Cat
Unhappiness can always come back, so you should actively take steps to make your home more enriching for your cat. With a little bit of effort now, you could set your pet up for years of indoor happiness and satisfaction.
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