When you first become a cat owner you're met with a big decision - to keep your cat indoors or not, that is the question. Many owners choose to keep their cats in the house for a variety of reasons: to protect them from outside dangers or to ensure their whereabouts are known being the main factors. While your kitty may long for the great outdoors, there are plenty of ways to make sure your pet lives a happy and healthy life indoors. 

Bring the Outdoors In

Just because your pet is indoors doesn't mean you can't have some of the luxuries of the outdoors in your home. Planting cat grass or cat nip in the home is a nice distraction for your pet. You can also create a veritable jungle on a sunny windowsill for your cat to hide or sleep in. Just be sure to do your research, ensuring the plants are non-toxic and safe for your kitty. Create a 'cat condo' or snooze spot near a window so your cat can enjoy the views of the outdoors. They'll be entertained by the comings and goings of the outside world - especially the frolicking birds and squirrels. If you have an enclosed patio, create a special corner for your pet so they can enjoy the space as well. 

Keep Them Entertained

Keeping your cat indoors may stifle their natural instincts to hunt or stretch their claws, and there's always the fear that they'll become bored. It's important to provide entertainment for your indoor cat. Be sure to have scratching posts, or scratching pads around your home. Not only will this allow your cat to do what comes naturally to them, but it will help to keep your cat's nails healthy, as well as protect your furniture. Offer your cat lots of toys to play with. The toys don't have to be fancy, little mice or fluffy balls will be enough to catch your cat's attention. Another idea to keep things interesting for your cat is to hide treats around the house. This will allow your cat the opportunity to hunt down the treats and give them something exciting to do. 

Keep Them Energized

It's easy for an indoor cat to become complacent in terms of exercise, and for an owner to drop the ball in that regard. However, it's incredibly important to keep your indoor cat active, as they're not able to run and hunt like outdoor cats. Keep your cat fit by playing with them regularly. Whether you're dragging a string around the house, or throwing and hiding toys for them, find ways to engage with and keep your pet active. 

Provide a Safe Environment

As your pet will be indoors at all times, it's imperative that your home be safe, quiet, and clean. Make sure any possible hazards that could cause your cat injury are removed from the home, or put out of reach. Cats are tidy creatures, and don't respond well to a messy space, so it's very important to keep your home clean and orderly not only for their peace of mind, but also for their health. The litter box especially should be placed in a quiet and clean area to ensure your cat doesn't become stressed. 

Do you have any tips to share about keeping your indoor cat happy and healthy? Share them with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!