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Cats make fascinating pet companions, and one of the reasons so many people love them is how closely they remain linked to their wild ancestors. Unlike some dog breeds, cats seem to have a deep connection with nature and enjoy roaming the outdoors. If you have a cat that enjoys the freedom of your backyard or porch as well as a comfortable space indoors, BaxterBoo has a variety of products to enhance and enrich their lives, along with a few tips for keeping your indoor/outdoor cat happy and healthy.
1. Give Them a Cat's-Eye View of Your Home
Cats love to lounge in places where they can observe their environment and feel safe. When your cat is outdoors, she probably climbs trees or sits on fences and walls to remain alert for a variety of circumstances, including:
• The chance to stalk prey
• The presence of other animals
• Possible dangers from unfamiliar humans
Offer your cat a place to scope out her indoor surroundings at night or during poor weather with The FurHaven Skyscraper Playground Cat Tree. This multi-level cat tree allows your cat to sleep comfortably in the built-in hammock bed and perch just as she would when she enjoys her outdoor environment. The adjustable levels grow with your cat and encourage instinctive behavior, such as claw sharpening, without sacrificing your couch or favorite recliner.
2. Offer Your Cat Running Water Indoors and Out
Many cats prefer running water to drinking from a bowl, and when your kitty enjoys time in your backyard, she might drink out of a water feature to enjoy the fresh taste. Since proper hydration can prevent urinary issues, such as urinary tract infections, setting up a cat water fountain both indoors and out can keep your cat healthy and enrich her life. A PetSafe Seaside Stainless Pet Fountain that resists rusting can give you peace of mind that your cat has a healthy and consistent water source at all times.
If you choose to put a cat water fountain outdoors, choose a location that discourages other animals from using it. Birds, rodents, and stray cats usually carry parasites and viruses that might make your cat sick if they share her water. Clean the outdoor water fountain daily to ensure the drinking water quality.
3. Explore the Outdoors Safely With a Cat Harness
While letting your cat outdoors provides her with a world of adventure, danger lurks as well. Encounters with stray cats, aggressive dogs, and the possibility of picking up a virus all present the risk of injury and illness. Exploring the great outdoors and keeping your cat within arm's reach with an Adventure Kitty Cat Harness with Leash by RC Pets increases her safety and encourages bonding time as you enjoy time outdoors together.
Remember to measure your cat before you buy a harness. She may slip one that is too large or feel uncomfortable in one too small. Measuring the chest area behind the forelegs gives you an approximate idea of the size she needs.
4. Grow Catnip Indoors
If your cat enjoys cat grass and catnip in your garden during warmer months, you can still tempt her with herbs and grasses that keep her entertained and relaxed when the weather turns cold, and indoors is the safest place for her. You can grow catnip on almost any windowbox or offer your cat organic catnip with a Yeowww! Catnip Bag! for safe indoor play.
5. Create Hiding Places Indoors and Out
Open ground can cause your cat to feel exposed, making her fearful or anxious. Giving her a place to hide where she can groom or nap in peace makes her a more confident kitty. Creating these safe spaces both inside and outdoors gives your cat territory she can claim for her own. A Trixie Nayra Scratching Post Cat Condo provides your cat with a place to hide, sleep, and play.
If you have an enclosed outdoor area for your cat, you can use a variety of boxes, including ordinary cardboard cartons, to increase your cat's enrichment when they use the area. Hang cat toys at the entrance of any hiding place to encourage natural behaviors, like swatting and catching.
6. Play Treasure Hunt
Cats love to stalk and pounce, so a treat treasure hunt is a great way to encourage your kitty to exercise outdoors. Hiding treats around your yard allows her to sniff out prey and satisfy her hunting instincts. Crunchy cat treats, like Blue Buffalo Bursts Savory Seafood Cat Treats, help keep your cat's teeth healthy and offer a satisfying crunch as well.
7. Hang Cat Shelving Indoors
It is no secret that cats love having a bird's eye view of the world, both indoors and out. However, when bad weather means keeping your kitty inside, you can still provide her with perches by installing cat shelves. Bridges, boardwalks, and other types of shelving that allow your cat to cross rooms without ever touching the floor encourage positive play and exercise.
You can blend cat shelving with your current decor by choosing products with neutral colors, such as the Trixie Wall Mounted Bridge/Boardwalk. This set comes in two colors so you can add it to any room without having to change or update your current decor.
Cats are clever, curious, and intelligent. They live their lives with a connection to nature like no other pet, and providing them with both indoor and outdoor enrichment ensures that your feline friend enjoys a well-balanced and happy life.
