Cats
Indoor cats live longer, safer lives — but they rely on us to provide the stimulation, nutrition and care a natural environment would offer. Here is what every indoor cat needs to thrive.
Nutrition
Cats are obligate carnivores: they need animal protein, taurine and arachidonic acid that plant sources can't supply. Choose a complete cat food (wet, dry or both) appropriate to your cat's life stage.
- Wet food helps with hydration — indoor cats often drink too little.
- Avoid free-feeding adult cats; measure meals to prevent obesity.
- Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Never feed onion, garlic, grapes, chocolate, raw dough or alcohol.
Litter box maintenance
Cats are fastidious. A dirty box is the #1 cause of inappropriate elimination.
- Rule of thumb: one box per cat, plus one extra.
- Scoop at least once daily; fully change litter weekly.
- Use unscented clumping litter unless your vet suggests otherwise.
- Place boxes in quiet, accessible locations away from food.
Enrichment activities
Indoor cats need to hunt, climb, scratch and observe. Without outlets, they develop stress and behavioural issues.
- Daily interactive play (wand toys) in short hunting-style sessions.
- Vertical space: cat trees, shelves and window perches.
- Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys to engage their brains.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep novelty high.
Grooming
- Brush short-haired cats weekly, long-haired cats daily.
- Trim claws every 2–3 weeks; provide scratching posts.
- Check ears and teeth monthly; brush teeth several times per week.
Health monitoring
Cats hide illness instinctively. Subtle changes often matter most.
- Watch for changes in appetite, water intake, weight or litter habits.
- Note hiding, decreased grooming or vocalisation changes.
- Schedule annual vet check-ups; twice yearly after age 10.
With a clean box, good food, daily play and a watchful eye, your indoor cat can easily reach 15+ healthy years.