If you are an indoor cat owner, you may sometimes feel guilty that your cat’s world is so constrained. However, if you are attentive and intentional about giving your furry friend enough stimulation, then your indoor cat will live a life full of entertainment and exercise. Plus, indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats and don’t pose a threat to the wildlife around your home.

Here are some ways you can keep your cat fit and happy.

Give your cat supervised outdoor time

If you want to let your cat enjoy the outdoors safely, consider making a cat patio or a “catio.” This is an enclosure, kind of like a playpen, for cats. You can buy a ready-made catio or make one yourself. The access point can be from a door, a window, or you can create a wall cut specifically for your cat.

Another option would be to walk your cat on a leash. Training your cat to walk on a leash will take a bit of effort, but it will be worth it when you have the freedom to take your kitty to many new and exciting environments.

If you want to go one step further, then you can opt for a cat backpack complete with ventilation holes, leash clips, and plenty of space. This is a great option for when you want to go on a longer trip as it gives your cat the option to get some exercise when they want it but also a refuge when the environment may not be the safest.

Enrich your indoor environment

If your cat spends a lot of time indoors, then you should invest in fun toys and activities for your cat to partake in.

Puzzle feeders are a good option that will simulate the “hunt” for food. Instead of just getting their food served in a bowl, puzzle feeders are contraptions that come in various shapes and sizes that make eating a game.

Interactive cat toys will also afford your cat hours of play. Luckily there are plenty of cat toys available such as wands, teasers, ball chasers, and battery-operated toys that can move around and light up. A scratching post is also a fantastic source of entertainment for your cat that will satisfy their natural urge to scratch and will probably save your furniture from getting damaged by your feline’s claws.

Lastly, a cat tree is a great purchase that will encourage a lot of jumping and leaping from perch to perch. It can also provide for them a space of their own that no other pets (like dogs) can get to.