Even the most domesticated cats have deep-rooted instincts that were passed down from their wild ancestors. Indoor cats retain the desire to hunt, climb, scratch, and hide to satisfy their natural instincts. Our team at Pets & Friends Animal Hospital suggests the best ways to allow your indoor cat to express their natural needs. 

Cats are hunters

In the wild, cats must hunt smaller animals, such as mice and fish, to survive. Indoor cats have the luxury of being served pre-made meals at set times each day. However, domesticated cats still enjoy satisfying their primal urge to hunt. Since letting a few live mice loose in your house is impractical, there are several other options to allow your cat to “hunt” for prey. Examples of toys that can stimulate your cat’s prey drive include: 

  • Stuffed mice — Your cat will enjoy batting stuffed mice around the house, and you can get involved by tossing them for your cat. 
  • Motorized toys — From scampering mice to squirming fish, motorized toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained and feeling like they are hunting live prey. 
  • Feather wands — Wands that have dangling feathers or toys allow your cat to pounce on prey as it hops around them. 
  • Puzzle games or feeders — Puzzles stimulate your cat’s brain while also rewarding them for a successful hunt. 

Occasionally rotate your cat’s toys to introduce new “prey” and prevent them from getting bored. 

Cats love to scratch

Cats scratch for many reasons, including to:

  • Maintain their nails at a healthy length
  • Sharpen their nails 
  • Mark territory with scent from their paw glands
  • Stretch their bodies

Scratching is not only an enjoyable behavior, but also fulfills an instinctual need for your cat. If you don’t provide acceptable scratching options, your cat may resort to tearing up your favorite chair. 

Scratching posts can fulfill your cat’s scratching needs without sacrificing your furniture. Place several scratching posts of different sizes and materials throughout your home to let your cat decide which they like best. Scratching posts come in vertical or horizontal options, and are made of various materials, such as wood, carpet, cardboard, and sisal. 

Place scratching posts near surfaces your cat currently scratches. You can sprinkle  catnip or a cat-friendly scent on the posts to entice your whiskered friend to sharpen their claws on them instead of your couch. Finally, no more chair replacements! 

Cats are climbers 

You might notice that your cat prefers to hang out on the kitchen counter or your dresser. Cats like to climb onto elevated surfaces to observe what is going on below them, and being up high makes them feel safer. While your cat keeping you company as you eat may sound lovely, you may not appreciate cat hair in your food. 

Cat trees are a great source for climbing and physical exercise. Cat trees can range from three feet tall to ceiling height, and can resemble a carpeted scratching post, an actual tree, or a modern skyscraper. Some trees are equipped with dangling toys, covered hiding spots, scratching posts, and ladders. You may also consider installing floating shelves or perches along the walls so your cat can jump from one to the next as they traverse the room. This will allow your cat to have fun while satisfying their climbing instincts!

Cats need to hide

A gray cat peeks through an oval window in a cardboard box, with one paw reaching out through the opening. The cat's nose and one eye are visible, while the soft, fuzzy paw is prominently extended. The box sits on a wooden surface.

If your cat is hiding under beds or in the closet, don’t take it personally. Hiding is a normal behavior cats use to feel safe and secure. Cat trees that include covered resting spots are ideal, and you can also leave cardboard boxes and cat tents around the house for when your cat needs a break from socializing. The easier it is for your cat to hide, the more confident and outgoing they will be when they’re out and about. 

While an indoor life is safest, your cat still has natural instincts they need to satisfy from the comfort of your home. Providing your cat with outlets to express these natural behaviors will keep them happy, healthy, and feeling like a proper lion. If you have any concerns about your cat’s behavior or want to schedule a routine check-up, don’t hesitate to contact Pets & Friends Animal Hospital.