Meeting the Behavioural Needs of the Indoor Cat

Elimination

An indoor elimination area will be required that is desirable for both the owner and the cat.  Litter boxes filled with commercial litter will usually do the trick since cats generally prefer to eliminate in a substrate in which they can scratch and dig.  However, for some cats the type of litter; the number, size and type of litter boxes, litter cleaning, and litter location; may be issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the box is consistently used.

Feeding

Most cats free feed or are fed a few times a day.  However, in an outdoor environment cats hunt, capture, kill and eat about eight mice per day.  Therefore, as alternatives to hunting, cat owners can offer toys that require rolling, batting, or pawing to release the food.  By filling these toys with small measured amounts of food throughout the day, eating will require far greater time, effort and expenditure of mental and physical energy.  Food can also be scattered or hidden throughout the home to encourage food seeking activities.

Social Interactions

Although there is a great deal of individual variability, cats are a social species.  Social times with the owner and/or other cats are an important part of the day both for comfort and play.  Prey type toys attached to a wand or rope can be dangled and pulled in front of the cat to stimulate prey hunting.  However, studies have shown that chasing a toy may further heighten the cat’s level of arousal even though the novelty of the toy may quickly wear off.  Therefore, two or three toys should be offered at each play session, followed by a small meal or feeding toy to redirect the cat’s attention as well as to simulate prey capture.  Training the cat to learn a few simple commands such as come or sit using treats or catnip, also provides a positive form of social interaction as well as an important tool for further communication.

Object play, exploration and scratching

Cats may also have an interest in spending time exploring or playing on their own.  Offering shelled walnuts or ping pong balls to bat around, toys that hang from door knobs or play centers and food filled toys (discussed above) can all help to meet this need.  For scratching, make sure that the surface texture, location and structure of the scratching post appeal to the cat.  Also, provide places for climbing and perching, novel objects to explore such as cardboard boxes, and a comfortable bedding area.

Neutering

This is usually a necessity in males to reduce urine marking, intercat  aggression, and a desire to roam, and to eliminate the heat cycles of females. 

Prevention

Once appropriate outlets have been provided for each of the cat’s behavioural needs, preventive measures including confinement, closing off rooms, or the use of booby traps (e.g. SSScat motion detector spray, double sided tape, upside down carpet runners) might then be used to help prevent or discourage what is undesirable while encouraging what is desirable.  Punishment by the owner should be avoided as it is likely to be ineffective and will weaken the bond between cat and owner.

Gary Lansberg Bsc, DVM and Colleen Wilson, DVM