Environmental Needs
Basic Environmental Modifications
Cats care deeply about their external environment. Free-roaming cats get to choose where to spend their time, so it is up to us to create a satisfying environment for our indoor cats. Tension between multiple cats or between cat and dog can often be greatly improved by environmental modifications.
Create safe spaces in every room
As both predator and prey, your cat will often want to hide when they feel worried, so provide them with multiple places to retreat to. Make sure they have some hidey spots both high up (higher than your head) and down low. Here are some ideas:
Cardboard boxes
Covered beds
Cat trees
Wall shelves made for cats
Cat hammocks
Provide multiple separate resources
Food & Water: Don’t feed more than one cat in the same spot. Provide more than one water bowl, preferably away from the food spot.
Litter boxes: Provide one more litter box than you have cats (2 cats need 3 boxes). Spread boxes out in locations that are not noisy but also not hidden or hard to reach. Placing all three boxes next to each other is like having one giant box.
Scratching: Scratching is a natural behavior that serves many purposes, so it is crucial to provide places your cat is allowed to scratch. Place multiple posts or pads throughout the house and change them out when it’s no longer possible to keep scratching.
Leave familiar scents for security
Cats communicate with each other through a secret language of scent!
Not only do they leave their scent for other cats, but it also serves as a marker for themselves saying “I felt comfortable here before, I should feel comfortable here again.” Avoid constantly washing your cat’s bedding, keep scratching posts as long as possible, and do not use scented cleaners or litter in your cat’s areas.
Daily Enrichment Strategies
Whether your cat has many behavior issues or none at all, providing mental enrichment is important for every indoor cat. Try incorporating as many of these strategies into your cat’s life as you can.
Interactive predatory play
Research has shown that cats often prefer playing with their caregiver over solitary play and play with other pets. Offer your cat at least two 10 minute play sessions each day, using interactive play techniques that activate their hunting behaviors.
If you think your cat doesn't like to play, it's highly likely you just haven't learned the best techniques. Check out a visual guide from Dr. Mikel Delgado here. If you want to see it in action, we recommend this 30 minute video with demonstrations.
Foraging opportunities
Cats are excellent predators who want to catch their food multiple times per day when left to their own devices. Using food puzzles is a great way to keep your cat’s predatory brain active and satisfied.
Cats naturally prefer to eat 8-10 small meals per day, so splitting their meals up into as many meals as is possible for your schedule is ideal. Check out the food puzzles compiled and reviewed by Dr. Mikel Delgado and Ingrid Johnson here.
Positive & consistent human interaction
An often overlooked source of enrichment for cats is you!
If your cat doesn’t experience fear, anxiety, or stress when you touch them, consider daily cuddles a part of your daily enrichment routine. If you aren't sure, learn about cat body language and consent tests at the button below.
If your cat doesn't like to be touched, simply sharing the couch with them is a wonderful way to bond as well. Positive reinforcement training games are also a great way to bond and create memories with your cat.
Sunshine & wildlife observation
The decision to keep your cat indoors or let them have unrestricted access to the outdoors is highly individual to the cat and your household. Whichever path you take, your cat still deserves opportunities to observe the outside world and take a nice sun bath.
Many cats prefer to have spots to warm themselves, so setting up a spot to relax by a sunny window is a great kindness to your cat. It also serves as a safe spot to watch birds and bugs go by. Take it up a notch by giving your cat a secure “catio” that allows them to enjoy the outdoors without risk of illness or injury to the cat or wildlife. Another option is training your cat to wear a harness and taking them for leashed adventures.
Reward-based training
Did you know that cats can learn tricks just like dogs? And it doesn’t take a professional to do it either. Simply grab your cat’s favorite treats or toys and check out this video by Julie Posluns. Trick training is great for cats with lots of energy but also for cats who lack confidence.