Instructions
Give your indoor cat a taste of the outdoors. This can be done safely by putting a cat tree or perch near a window with a panoramic view. Put a bird feeder outside the window to create "cat TV." Your indoor cat will love looking out the window from a front-row seat. You can also buy "cat grass" at pet stores and grow it in your home. This will give your indoor cat the chance to chew on fresh greens.
Spend some playtime with your indoor cat every day. When a cat is outside, it spends a lot of time stalking and chasing prey. You can simulate this activity inside by playing regularly with your indoor cat. You can use a ball, a piece of string, or anything else the cat can chase. If you prefer to sit and relax while giving your cat a workout, use a laser pointer. Many indoor cats love to chase the point of light.
Give your indoor cat places to hide and explore. Outdoor cats love to hid in bushes, under porches, and in other dark and confined places. Inside you can provide hiding opportunities by placing a bag or box on the floor. Most indoor cats will immediately be drawn to a paper bag or an old box.
Make your indoor cat work for treats. An outdoor cat will chase down prey. Indoor cats get their food handed to them literally on a platter. To make your indoor cat's life a little more challenging, buy a treat dispenser that forces the cat to work for its reward. As an alternate, hide treats in various places around your house for you cat to find.
How to Amuse an Indoor Cat
Keeping your cat as an indoor-only pet is the safest option. Indoor cats tend to be healthier and live years longer than their outdoor counterparts. But just because you keep your cat inside the house doesn't mean that is has to have a boring life. There are many ways you can enhance your indoor cat's environment and keep it happy and amused.