Many cat owners feel a certain amount of guilt over keeping their cats indoors versus allowing them to come and go as they please outdoors. After all, cats are naturally active and curious creatures, they enjoy exploring new things, climbing up trees, stalking birds, and lying in the sunshine.

The potential hazards that exist for an outdoor cat are many.  From the well-meaning stranger who may take your cat home thinking she is homeless to the very real dangers of being hit by a car, exposed to diseases and harmful substances, or being attacked by another animal.  Consequently, living outdoors greatly decreases a cat’s expected life span from the average 15 years of the indoor cat down to a mere 5.

The secret to keeping your indoor cat as stimulated as his outdoor brethren is to mimic the things cats love about being outside.  Here are three things you can do to stimulate your indoor cat without the dangers of the great outdoors:

• Provide Cat Trees – Cat trees are a great way your cat can get the climbing exercise he craves while also providing him with a bird’s eye view of his world.
• Use Cat Condos – Cat condos will allow your cat to “hide away” when he wants to be alone and are the perfect secluded napping place.
• Install a Window Perch – A window perch will quickly become your cat’s favorite place to be when he wants to watch the world outside or sleep in the sunshine. Hang a bird feeder in close proximity to the window and your cat will be happy for hours.

Please write to us at Found Animals with your own suggestions and we will share them on The Pet Club website.  Email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

As I watch my own cats sleeping peacefully on my bed, with full food bowls, fresh water, and an assortment of toys, cubbyholes, and cat trees available for their amusement and pleasure I’ve come to the conclusion that my cats are doing just fine as indoor cats.  My reward for taking the time to provide them with a cat-friendly indoor home is they will be around to keep me company for a very long time. I hope you will give your cats the same gift of a happy, healthy, and long life indoors.

By Rita Reimers

Rita Reimers
Rita Reimers is Owner and CEO of Cats 90210 Professional Cat Sitters and The Cat Analyst Feline Behavior Counseling Service. Working as a kitty expert with cats of all kinds for over 25 years, Rita hasn’t met a cat she couldn’t help! She lives in Los Angeles and shares a home with her very own frisky felines and is a dedicated animal rescue volunteer.