In honour of Max, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA wants to remind cat owners of the importance of keeping your cats inside. Cats allowed to roam outdoors face daily dangers from vehicles, predators, disease, injury, inclement weather and unfortunately conflicts with humans. It’s this simple: Cats are Safer at Home.
Did you know that the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is only two to five years? Meanwhile, cats curled up on the couch and in your lap can live 10 - 15 years and sometimes longer!
Cats are Safer at Home
Did you hear the story this Summer about Max? The outdoor cat in Hamilton’s North End who was shot by an arrow and tragically passed away despite the intervention by friendly neighbours? Max, “a beloved” community cat in the neighbourhood was seen wandering residential streets for days with an arrow in his neck before he was trapped and brought to an emergency vet for care.
Unfortunately, his injuries were too great and he passed away. Not long before Max was found shot, in May, another community cat in the neighbourhood named Fern was shot with a crossbow. Fern is on the mend, but neighbours are on watch.
How to Keep Your Indoor Cats Engaged, Enriched, and Entertained
The most common reason we hear from pet owners for letting their cats outside is that they want their cats to be stimulated, to hunt, and to explore. While this intention is good, the risk is simply too high. For this reason, we do not adopt our cats and kittens to potential adopters who plan to let them outside.
So, you want the best for your indoor cat. We want the best for your indoor cat too! Here are some tips and tricks to keep your kittens purring:
1. Simulate Small Prey Hunting
Use a variety of cat toys that have feathers and fake fur. Bonus points for toys that chirp or make sounds when they’re moved. Rotate toys regularly for additional novelty and stimulation.
2. Play WITH Your Cats!
Toys that can be thrown and chased are more fun for your cats and will enhance your bond with your favorite feline.
3. Keep Catnip on Hand
Spread it on scratchers, roll their favorite toys in it, or, if you’re feeling creative, make inexpensive catnip toys!
4. Provide Scratching Posts
Scratching gives cats a sense of satisfaction and a way to express emotions. Scratching posts or platforms help them feel stimulated and allow them to decompress. Plus, it’ll keep them from working out their feelings on your favorite furniture!
5. Cardboard Boxes and Paper Bags
Cardboard boxes and paper bags are great low-cost sources of entertainment for cats. Leave one out for your feline friends on recycling day, and they’ll thank you!
6. Create Perching Areas
Set up perching areas near windows or elevated spaces (like a cat bed or scratcher with a built-in perch) so that your cat can enjoy the purr-fect view of the great outdoors. You might even get a giggle when they start chattering at the birds and wildlife!
7. Running Water
Let your bathroom or kitchen tap run on a slow drip for a couple of minutes. Not only does it provide hydration, but it also serves as a source of entertainment. If you’re lucky, your cat might dunk their whole head under the stream!
Feeding Can Be Fun!
Up-level mealtime and make food fun and enriching for your cats! Here are three quick tips to keep your cats engaged during feeding time:
1. Hide Treats
Hide treats around the house and encourage your cats to hunt and find them.
2. Puzzle Feeders and Lick Mats
Use a puzzle feeder or lick mat to make your cat work for their food, turning mealtime into a stimulating activity.
3. Fresh Cat Grass
Keep fresh cat grass indoors so your cats can enjoy different textures and chewing approaches. It’s great for their digestion too!
Still think your cat needs outside time? If you’re still feeling like your feline needs time outside, consider a safe and enclosed “catio” on your balcony or in the backyard. Or, train your cat to wear and walk with a harness and a leash with you. (Don’t forget your flea and tick prevention in the warmer months!)
Cats are Safer at Home
Providing a stimulating environment for your indoor cat is critical for their mental health. No different than humans, cats need novelty, adventure and entertainment and you’re the perfect person to share that experience with them. A few extra minutes of enrichment indoors far outweighs the risk of harm while wandering outdoors. Don’t put your cat at risk, keep them safe inside your home.
Spread the word, Cats are Safer at Home.
