It seems that PETA are campaigning for more full-time indoor cats because of a ‘plague’ of ‘poisonings, shootings, burnings, and beatings’ of outdoor cats across the US. They want to abolish the concept of indoor-outdoor cats because it leads to animal cruelty. The quotes below and their video explains. I can’t watch these videos anymore. Below the video I discuss one aspect of the PETA campaign that concerns me.
“Here Kitty, Kitty” depicts just four examples of real-life cat killings from across the U.S. to encourage cat guardians everywhere to keep their feline companions inside.
This video will surely serve as a wake-up call for anyone who thinks these types of cases are rare. In fact, PETA receives emergency calls about incidents of cruelty to “outdoor cats” nearly every day of the year.
“This Video Shows Why Cats Belong Inside” – How PETA describe the video below
The point I’d like to make is that, of course, a domestic cat is much safer inside the home full-time compared to being let outside unsupervised. There are numerous hazards outside, one of which is being deliberately poisoned by unscrupulous cat haters. There are quite a lot of them. Every community probably has one.
But I don’t think PETA has addressed a much less obvious but milder form of cat cruelty: being kept indoors without any attempt to mentally stimulate the cat. Without any attempt to ensure that the cat can express their instinctive desires. They need to do this to feel contentment.
Without enriching the home environment from the cat’s perspective, the cat is effectively living in a zoo enclosure with a concrete floor and not much else.
I would respectfully suggest that this is a form of cat abuse. It may even be elevated to a form of cat cruelty if a timid cat is being perpetually bullied by a more dominant cat in such an unenriched home.
As there is a trend towards keeping cats indoors full-time there needs to be a campaign for a concomitant upgrading of the interior of homes to ensure that the domestic cat has a chance to avoid extreme boredom leading to passivity, over-eating and obesity followed by health issues brought about by these circumstances.
From my perspective, having kept abreast of these developments, I see a crisis for the domestic cat arising out of the trend to keep them inside.
I appears that many cat caregivers are ignoring the sentience of domestic cats; their ability to feel sadness and contentment, stress and relaxed fulfilment.
For me, you can’t just park a cat indoors and say ‘job done’. You have to do so much more, which is troublesome to many which I understand and am sympathetic about. Most people make their home enjoyable to live in from a human perspective. They don’t want to upset the conventional appearance and function.
But you have to change things if you have a couple of more cats living all their lives inside your home. It has to be a home for cats and humans. The domestic cat is essentially a wildcat when peering into their head: their thoughts, motivations and desires. Their likes and dislikes. These are all based in wildcat inheritance.
Although the domestic cat will find a lot of human furniture, fixtures and fittings okay as sleeping areas and places to climb, they are not wholly suitable.
You need climbers and hiding places. High places. Tree substitutes and so on. I asked my faithful assistant, Charlie Bottomley, for some details on this. Here they are:
Enriching the indoor environment for a full-time indoor cat is essential for their mental and physical health. Cats are naturally curious and active, so providing stimulation that taps into their instincts can prevent boredom, stress, and behavioral issues. Here are some creative ideas to enrich your cat’s indoor environment:
1. Vertical Spaces
- Cat Trees/Condos: Install multi-level cat trees where your cat can climb, perch, and rest. Cats love being up high to observe their surroundings.
- Wall Shelves: Create “cat highways” by adding wall-mounted shelves, allowing your cat to explore elevated spaces around your home.
- Window Perches: Set up a secure perch or hammock near a window so your cat can watch birds, squirrels, and outdoor activity. Even though they’re indoors, cats can enjoy “cat TV.”
2. Interactive Toys
- Puzzle Feeders: Stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts by using treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders that make them work for their food.
- Motion-Activated Toys: Automated or motion-activated toys mimic prey and keep your cat entertained even when you’re not around.
- Chasing Toys: Use toys like laser pointers, feather wands, or battery-operated toys that move unpredictably to mimic hunting.
3. Environmental Enrichment
- Cat Grass: Plant cat grass (like wheatgrass or oat grass) to give your cat something safe to nibble on. Cats enjoy the texture and taste, and it helps with digestion.
- Feline-Safe Plants: Create an indoor garden of cat-safe plants like spider plants, bamboo, and areca palms to add natural elements for your cat to explore.
- Scent Enrichment: Rotate scents around your home using catnip, silvervine, or honeysuckle. These scents can excite, calm, or stimulate your cat’s senses.
4. Sensory Stimulation
- Sounds: Play nature sounds (birds chirping, flowing water) or cat-specific music designed to calm them when you’re not home.
- Visual Enrichment: Play videos of birds, fish, or other wildlife on your TV or tablet to engage your cat’s visual sense.
- Fountains: Cats are often attracted to running water. A pet water fountain can provide drinking water while engaging their curiosity.
5. Scratching Posts
- Variety of Textures: Provide multiple scratching posts with different textures like sisal, carpet, or cardboard, so your cat can satisfy its need to scratch in different ways.
- Horizontal and Vertical Options: Some cats prefer vertical scratching, while others enjoy horizontal surfaces. Offering both can keep their claws and muscles healthy.
6. Hideouts and Safe Spaces
- Boxes and Tunnels: Cats love exploring enclosed spaces. Simple cardboard boxes, soft tunnels, or cube hideouts can offer a sense of security and fun.
- Caves and Cushions: Create cozy, soft areas in your home where your cat can retreat when they need peace and quiet. A designated “safe zone” can reduce stress.
7. Rotating Toys and Furniture
- Cats can get bored with the same toys. Keep things fresh by rotating toys and furniture every few weeks, so it feels like a new environment.
8. Playtime and Bonding
- Interactive Play Sessions: Dedicate time each day for interactive play with your cat. It strengthens your bond and provides both mental and physical exercise.
- Training with Positive Reinforcement: You can train cats to perform simple tricks using clicker training and treats. This adds a new layer of mental stimulation.
9. Social Enrichment
- Feline Friend: If your cat enjoys the company of other cats, introducing a second feline (with proper introductions) can provide companionship and additional stimulation.
- Interactive Feeders for Multiple Cats: If you have more than one cat, try food puzzles or toys that encourage teamwork.
10. DIY Projects
- Homemade Toys: Simple DIY toys like paper bags, crumpled paper balls, or yarn balls can be as entertaining as store-bought ones.
- Obstacle Courses: Create temporary obstacle courses or mazes with furniture or boxes for your cat to navigate and explore.
These enrichment ideas will help keep your cat engaged, physically active, and mentally sharp in their indoor environment, while also providing plenty of variety and stimulation.
And a catio?
A catio (cat patio) is a fantastic way to enrich the life of an indoor cat, providing them with a safe, outdoor experience without the risks of free roaming. It allows them to enjoy fresh air, natural sunlight, and the sights and sounds of the outdoors, while staying protected. Here are some ideas and considerations for designing and building a catio:
1. Types of Catios
- Window Box Catio: A small, enclosed space that extends from a window, providing just enough room for your cat to sit, relax, and observe. This is perfect for smaller spaces like apartments.
- Balcony Catio: If you live in an apartment or have a balcony, you can enclose the balcony with a secure frame, allowing your cat to safely explore the area.
- Freestanding Catio: This larger, stand-alone structure can be placed anywhere in your yard or garden. It often includes multiple levels, walkways, and lounging areas for exploration.
- Tunnel System: Create an extended tunnel system leading from a window or door, which can wind around your yard, connecting to a larger catio or giving your cat various outdoor views.
2. Essential Features
- Secure Enclosure: The catio must be fully enclosed with strong, durable mesh or wire to prevent your cat from escaping and to keep other animals out. Chicken wire, metal mesh, or strong screen materials are commonly used.
- Weather Protection: Include areas with roofs or sheltered spots to protect your cat from the rain or strong sun. UV-resistant materials are a good choice.
- Multiple Levels: Cats love to climb and perch, so adding shelves, platforms, or ramps at various heights will encourage exploration and provide lookout points.
- Resting Spots: Include comfortable resting places like hammocks, cushioned platforms, or soft bedding where your cat can lounge and enjoy the view.
- Natural Elements: Add elements like tree branches, logs, or potted plants (make sure they are cat-safe) to mimic a natural environment and stimulate your cat’s curiosity.
- Toys and Scratching Areas: Include some outdoor toys, scratching posts, or sisal-wrapped poles to keep your cat entertained.
3. Location Considerations
- Access: Place the catio near a door or window for easy access. Many people use a cat flap that leads from the house to the catio so their pet can come and go as they please.
- Shade and Sun: Make sure your catio has a balance of both shaded and sunny areas, so your cat can choose where to relax depending on the weather.
- Scenic View: Position the catio where your cat can enjoy watching birds, trees, or garden activity. A view of a bird feeder can be particularly engaging (but don’t place the feeder too close to avoid frustration).
4. DIY vs. Pre-made Catios
- DIY Catio: If you’re handy, you can build a custom catio using materials like wood, metal, or PVC pipes, and mesh wire. DIY allows you to tailor the design to your specific space and preferences.
- Pre-made Catios: Many companies sell pre-fabricated or modular catios in various sizes and styles. These are usually easy to assemble and can range from small window units to large structures.
5. Environmental Enrichment in the Catio
- Cat Grass or Safe Plants: Grow cat-friendly plants like catnip, cat grass, or valerian inside the catio. These plants will offer a natural environment for nibbling and playing.
- Bird Watching Station: Hang bird feeders or birdhouses nearby to provide some “cat TV” entertainment. Just ensure they are at a safe distance so your cat can’t catch any birds.
- Water Fountain: Install a water fountain or a small water feature to keep your cat hydrated and engaged with running water, which many cats find fascinating.
6. Safety Considerations
- Supervision: While catios are designed to be safe, it’s a good idea to check on your cat periodically, especially when introducing them to the space.
- Secure Latches: Make sure all doors or windows that connect to the catio have secure latches that your cat cannot open.
- Durable Materials: Use weather-resistant and durable materials to ensure the structure can withstand rain, wind, and exposure to sunlight without deteriorating.
7. Additional Enhancements
- Tunnels and Bridges: Add tunnels or bridges that connect the catio to different areas of the yard or garden, providing even more exploration opportunities.
- Nighttime Use: If your cat enjoys nighttime prowling, consider adding solar-powered lights to the catio to create a safe and visible space after dark.
8. Social Benefits
- Multiple Cats: If you have more than one cat, the catio can offer them a shared space to explore and play together, helping reduce any indoor tension.
- Human-Friendly Spaces: Some larger catios are designed with enough room for humans to enter, allowing you to spend time with your cat in their outdoor environment.
A catio offers a stimulating yet safe way for your indoor cat to experience the outdoors, encouraging natural behaviors like climbing, lounging in the sun, and observing wildlife. It’s a wonderful investment for your cat’s mental and physical well-being!
