Domesticated cats spend most of their lives indoors, and for several good reasons: there have been too many instances of friendly felines getting hit by cars, contracting diseases, suffering injuries from wildlife, and many other scenarios. Letting cats roam has even led to some lost pets, which means they’re better off in the safety of your home.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to keeping them inside. While they live longer than outdoor cats and are usually healthier and safer, they don’t get to engage in ingrained behaviours like stalking, staring, chasing, and pouncing small prey. They also don’t get to socialize with other cats, which means they’re missing out on numerous experiences when they’re restricted to just your home. When they don’t have the opportunity to explore what the outside world has to offer, they become withdrawn, bored, or stressed.

Here are three ways to provide outdoor enrichment for your indoor cat, ensuring they enjoy a fulfilling and safe life:

• Bring New Experiences Inside

With a little bit of creativity, you can bring the outdoor experience into your own home. Be sure that whatever you get will be safe for your cat, especially if you plan to bring in plants, as your cat may be tempted to nibble on or smell them. It’s also a good idea to supervise your cat when they’re inspecting something new, ensuring that nothing unexpected happens or they don’t get injured.

For example, you can put bird or squirrel feeders right outside your windows, allowing your cat to watch them. Similarly, you can put flowers or plants near your windows, which are sure to attract birds and insects. You can even put a bed by your window to ensure that your cat comfortably enjoys the view.

Bringing in a few items from outside, like leaves, flowers, sticks, or pine cones will engage your cat’s sense of smell. You can also string smaller items and use them as a mobile toy, allowing your cat to bat at them. By bringing various things from outside, your cat will get to enjoy new experiences, helping them stay stimulated.

• Train Them to Use a Leash and Harness

While many cat owners believe that leashes and harnesses are only for dogs, the truth is that cats can wear them just fine, too. Many cats enjoy exploring outside while wearing a harness and leash, allowing you to watch over them and make sure they stay safe. It will help to train your cat to wear a harness while they’re younger, although mature cats are known to adjust quickly as well. What’s important is to approach the process with patience and reward your cat for successfully getting through each step, helping them get comfortable in the harness.

• Bring Them to a Catio or Cat Resort

Another excellent option for your cat to get outdoor enrichment is to bring them to an enclosed outdoor space or a catio. For maximum social interaction and exploration opportunities, bring them to a cat resort in Brandon, where they will also have supervision from pet professionals.

By bringing your cat to a pet boarding facility, they’ll get to enjoy the full benefits of nature while being in a safe place. They won’t accidentally wander into traffic, get lost or injured, or other situations that threaten their safety. You also won’t have to worry about their welfare since they’ll be under the watchful eyes of the cat resort staff.

Conclusion

While cats are usually satisfied just by staying indoors, they must also enjoy everything that the outside world offers to remain healthy and happy. By following these three tips, your cat will get to act on its instincts, interact with new objects, and enjoy new surroundings, ensuring you have a stimulated, satisfied pet.

If you’re looking for cat grooming in Brandon, Manitoba, be sure to let us know at The Pas Resort & Wellness Centre! We are a family-owned pet-focused facility situated on 7,000 acres of lush land, offering numerous pet services under one roof. We employ the high standards that you expect, and your pet deserves because their comfort is our priority. Get in touch with us today to find out what we can do for your feline friend!