I have had cats all my life and have always chosen to let them go outdoors to play and roam to their hearts' content. However, my cats were adopted when I was living in a flat abroad - their owner was about to leave the country and didn't want to take them with him - and I had no choice but to keep them inside. To ensure that they were entertained, I read as much as I could on the topic and asked other people what they did. These are my top ten tips.
Provide a Good Choice of Toys
It isn't necessary to spend a lot of money, but it is important to ensure that your cats have plenty of toys to amuse them. This sharpens their senses and gives them a chance to exercise. My cats love simple things like ping pong balls, ribbons and pieces of wool and will spend hours chasing them. Their favourite toy is simply a rod with a mouse attached with a piece of elastic; they love "catching" the mouse and throw themselves round the room in the process.
Have More Than One Cat
Cats are sociable beings when it suits them and like nothing better than a partner in crime. I think this is particularly important when they can't go outside - this way, when their human is absent, they can still entertain themselves.
Use Catnip
Not all cats like it, but those that do get a great deal of pleasure out of it. I usually buy the powdered variety, but it can also be bought as a dried herb. I sprinkle it on the carpet and my cats lick and snort it, after which they become incredibly bright-eyed and playful. According to my vet, catnip is completely safe for cats to use.
Have a Scratching Post
Indoor cats don't have the chance to sharpen their claws and keep them filed down to an acceptable length, so a scratching post is vital. This doesn't have to be an actual post - just something that you know your cats will use. Mine love clawing cardboard boxes. It does make a mess, but I would rather that than the carpet or the furniture!
Allow Them to See Outside
Cats are incredibly inquisitive and love having the opportunity to see outside. Even if they can't see into a garden, watching birds and insects can keep them amused for ages. If your windows don't have a ledge, make one, or put a piece of furniture level with the window so that they can sit on it.
Let Them Sit at Different Levels
Cats love being able to view a room from different heights. Mine particularly enjoy being up on high. Let them have access, if possible, to taller pieces of furniture, such as a bookcase or wardrobe. Alternatively, cat platforms can be bought from most pet retailers.
Groom Regularly
Indoor cats are not subjected to the changes in temperature that they would be if they went out and so lose fur more or less constantly. Groom them regularly to cut down on the amount of fur that they are ingesting. Many cats enjoy the grooming process, which makes it entertaining and soothing for both cat and owner and cuts down on hairballs.
Provide Grass or Another Hairball Remedy
Hairballs can be incredibly dangerous to your cat's health if not passed naturally. Indoor cats don't have access to grass naturally, which will help them cough up hairballs, so either provide grass for them (you could cut a piece of turf and bring it inside) or make sure that they have access to a hairball remedy - most manufacturers of cat food have one.
Watch Their Weight
Indoor cats tend to live a relatively sedentary lifestyle and can easily get overweight. Watch what you feed them - don't feed on demand, because they may well be asking for food out of boredom. Some manufacturers make food especially for indoor cats - providing nutrients that they wouldn't otherwise get - so look out for this.
Keep Their Litter Trays Clean
Provide one litter tray per cat and check constantly to cut down on unnecessary odours. Also if cats have a dirty tray, they will not use it, which can lead to urinary infections as they hold on for a clean tray.
