Many cats spend a lot or all of their time indoors. During winter months, even “outdoor” cats may be inside more than they are outside. For some cats, living indoors is unnatural and their health can be adversely affected, especially when multiple cats live together. What can you do to create the best possible indoor environment for your cat(s)? 
Cats are solitary hunters of small prey. There is a significant number of cats who will develop physical ailments from living indoors in an inadequate environment and/or from their social interactions with other family cats. Ailments developing from inadequate environment or social interactions may include bladder disease, obesity, and diabetes.
There are steps that can be taken to keep your cat happy and healthy by enriching their environment and modifying the interaction between cats.
Cats should be fed separately, in a quiet place where they will not be startled or threatened. You can determine a cat’s water preference. Some pets like moving water while others will drink only from a certain type or size of bowl.
Especially important is to give your cat space. Provide things to climb and places to hide and rest. This can be as simple as boxes or crates. Cats also enjoy vertical and horizontal scratching posts.
Litter box problems are common in multi-cat households. You should determine the type of box you cat prefers: large? or covered? There may be issues with the type of litter. Most felines prefer unscented, clumping sandy litter. The litter box should be kept clean and located in a quiet, convenient spot with a good escape route.
Another way to enrich a cat’s environment is with play. This can be in the form of petting and grooming, or with a variety of toys that encourage activity and offer challenge and variety.
There are veterinarians who specialize in these issues. Such vets can be a valuable resource if you have concerns about your cat’s behavior or environment.
Cat Care is designed to give feline owners information on a variety of topics to promote a healthy lifestyle for their pets. If you have topics or questions about cats you would like to see addressed, please feel free to contact us at info@stcroixanimalfriends.org with CAT CARE in the subject line.
This article was contributed by Dr. David Datt, D.V.M., in Hudson, WI. He can be reached at www.croixvalleyvet.com.
