In an ideal world all of our cats would be indoor cats. It keeps them healthier, lowers the risk of injury and saves the bird population. Obviously, we don't live in an ideal world and no matter how hard we try, some cats just can't tolerate living in the house all the time. But if you would like to make your cat an indoor only cat ,here are some tips on creating kitty heaven in your house.
First, cats are natural climbers and they love to have quiet, out of the way, hidden spots to sleep safely. Cat trees are one way to provide this need to climb. Good cat trees will provide multiple perching spots as well as at least one semi-enclosed space where the cat can curl up to sleep. Placing these cat trees near windows can encourage their use. Especially if the view out the window is particularly interesting with bird baths or feeders and plants that attract butterflies.
If you don't want to purchase a cat tree there are many sites that will walk you through building one of your one. Or you can use your own furniture to provide these spots. Bookshelves, cabinets, sofa backs can all become good kitty perching sites.
Providing appropriate spots for food, water and litter boxes is also very important to the happiness of your indoor cat. Food should be provided some place quiet and out of the way
where the cat will not be continually interrupted while eating.
Water can take some experimentation. All cats prefer very fresh water but the style of vessel or access can be very different. Some cats like moving water such as dripping faucets or automatic water fountains that can be found at pet stores. Other cats don't mind the water being still but still prefer that it be in a large open container. You may need to provide water in multiple locations. Cats are not naturally good at drinking and if they have to travel too far to get to their water they may just choose not to.
As for litter boxes, there should be at least one for every cat in the house plus one extra. If there are multiple stories that the cat has access to there should be at least one litter box on each floor. The boxes should be cleaned every day and changed completely every 1-2 weeks. Litter preference varies from cat to cat but in general it is good to stay away from heavily scented litter as that can be a big turn off to sensitive kitty noses. Litter boxes should also be kept away from a lot of activity or noise, especially unpredictable noise. Laundry rooms are often where people want to put their litter box but that may be the worst place since the sudden changes of washing machine cycles or banging in the dryer may frighten your cat.
Activity and stimulation is also very important to keeping your indoor cat happy. Toys can be very helpful. The ability to watch birds and insects outside can keep cats stimulated. And games or toys the simulate a hunt are great choices. If you would like see some more suggestions see my earlier post here.
And finally scratching. Cats naturally claw or scratch things to keep their toes and nails healthy. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces and some basic training on their use will hopefully eliminate the need to declaw your cat in nearly all cases. Cats prefer to scratch vertical surfaces most of the time, which is why the legs of your sofa may bear the brunt of the scratching. Choose a sturdy post with a thick rough surface such as sisal rope. If you choose a post with carpet make sure it is not similar to the carpet in your own home. Kitty is not going to understand why it is ok to scratch that texture on the post but not everywhere else. If your cat has already started to scratch your furniture place the post near the furniture of choice. Then cover the furniture with something that your cat is not going to like, for example foil, double sided sticky tape, plastic sheets, or plastic carpet runners with the nobby side out. You can use a squirt bottle to discourage the behavior. But don't let your cat see you squirting him or her. She will just learn to scratch when you aren't around. We want your cat to believe that the discouragement is coming from the furniture itself. You may have to experience with several different surfaces to get the one your cat prefers.
Want some inspiration in creating kitty heaven in your house? Check out this family that has gone all out to make their house cat friendly. http://www.thecatshouse.com/index.htm
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