If You Have an Indoor Cat, Never Do THIS! (Common Indoor Cat Mistakes)

Many cats live indoors with their owners. This can work well, but you must meet all their needs. As a responsible owner of an indoor cat, it's important to avoid these 15 mistakes to keep your beloved pet happy and healthy.

Lack of outdoor experience
Cats are animals that enjoy being in touch with nature. Even if your cat stays indoors, it's important to provide them with opportunities to experience grass and plants. One option is to create a catio in your garden. But you can put catnip in a pot inside your home.

Not neutering or spaying them
Indoor cats can be driven by hormones to try to escape outside to find a mate. By neutering and spaying, you eliminate this added stress on your feline and minimize the allure of the outdoors.

Toxic houseplants
Some plants are toxic to cats. Removing toxic plants from your house, or moving them to a room where your kitty doesn’t have access to, is the best way to protect your cat.
Among the most toxic plants are daffodils, English Ivy, azaleas, Calla lilies, aloe, begonias, and ficus.

A single cat
Most cats enjoy each other's company and they thrive on building intimate ties with other felines.
If you leave your cat alone every day and you can’t provide your pet with enough interaction, playtime, and stimulation, consider getting a second cat to fill the need.

Too little time together
Contrary to what many people believe, domestic cats are not solitary animals.
Many cats will follow their owners from room to room because they look to them for company and love. .
Make sure to provide your pet with cuddles and regular social interaction. This makes your pet feel more loved and cared for.
Dirty litterbox
When cats live outdoors, they take care of their bathroom needs outside. They have plenty of clean space to bury their waste, or leave it uncovered as a way to mark their territory.
However, if you have an indoor cat, it becomes your responsibility to regularly clean their litterbox. If you don’t, your cat may avoid going to the litterbox and will find another place in the house to relieve themselves.

Not deworming or vaccinating them
Even if your cat is an indoor cat, it is at risk of catching parasites and infectious diseases. Doors open and window screens aren’t foolproof. If you bring in ticks or mosquitoes, your pet could be exposed to heartworms, Lyme disease, or even the plague. Your cat can also catch contagious diseases when they go for grooming or stay at a boarding facility.
To protect your cat, make sure they receive vaccinations regularly.

Not cat-proofing your home
Cats love climbing vertical spaces. It's important to make sure all electronics and shelved objects are secure. Make sure there aren't any free-hanging cords, tassels, or fabric strips that could spell trouble for a climbing feline.

Not brushing them
Cats are excellent at grooming themselves and they rarely need to be washed.
Instead of giving them a bath, you can brush them regularly. Regular brushing not only helps keep their coat clean but also prevents hairballs and strengthens your bond.

Not enough scratching posts
Cats need to scratch to maintain their nails and muscles in good condition.
Make sure to provide your pet with enough scratching posts to keep them physically and emotionally well.

Leaving them alone too long
In general, adult cats are content being left home alone for 8-12 hours. If you’re going to be gone for more than one night, arrange for a friend or pet sitter to look after your cat.
Although your cat may seem to be very independent, if you leave them alone for too long, it can cause them stress and separation anxiety – not to mention the risk of accidents or illness. Fevers, urinary blockages, blood clots — these are common cat-health emergencies.

Giving them access to open windows
Every year, animal hospitals treat cats who have fallen from great heights, often out of windows of multi-story buildings. Some make a recovery, but devastatingly, many don’t.
If you live in an apartment or high-rise building, don’t leave any windows open.

Human Habits
Did you know that certain habits people have, like smoking or making loud noises, can be bad for health and cat's well-being? That's why it's important to be cautious when inviting people to your home, as their shouting or loud music can negatively affect your cat's happiness and health.

Not having a safe place
Cats are very skittish animals. They are also very sensitive to their surroundings, and they can easily get stressed. It's important for your cat to have a safe place and several hiding spots to go to when they feel scared or threatened.

Not providing enough mental stimulation
It is important to remember that cats need opportunities for enrichment.
If your feline friend is food motivated, then treat based puzzles can be a fun.
Television can make for great entertainment.
Cats often like videos that show animals like birds and mice running around or fish swimming.