How to Keep Indoor Cats HAPPY 

I don’t have a cat, but I’m using your videos to help keep my roommates kitten happy to the best of my ability.

Big s/o to Jackson for educating us every week instead of saying “read my book”. He sells his books & products for the cats, not for himself 😽😽 what a rad guy

My cat age 13 has never had a desire to go outside. She doesn’t try to bolt out the door when it opens. She’s walked outside a few times, looked around and was like 🥴 nah I’m good, turned around and went back inside.

For forty years I believed strongly that cats should be allowed to enjoy being outside. A month ago my beloved pet was killed and carried off by a coyote, from my backyard in daytime. I've now adopted two rescues and they will be staying indoors.

I live in the UK and keep my 3 cats indoors. They are so much more relaxed than the indoor/outdoor cats I've had previously during childhood. People here think it is cruel, but so many cats get run over, stolen, poisoned or injured by evil people over here too. I have a catio for mine, numerous beds, cat posts, a cat tree, scratch pads and lots of toys!

Jackson you're the reason I have a cat. I am disabled and have multiple mental health issues and having sprinkles has been so important and has made my life better in so many ways. She means the world to me and I would do anything for her. She even lets me pet her belly when she stretches out.. after having her a few months she stopped hiding and now shows belly to ANYONE who pets her. Shes perfect in every way. Edit.. 31 likes, FR? 179? Sweet thanks everyone 430 likes? Please know what you're doing is making a person with no family or kids and a bad medical outlook that you're doing a huge favor. Sprinkles loves you all as well.

2:16 Catification 3:44 Catio 3:45 Litterboxes count 5:49 Play with your cat, Play with your cat, Play with your cat 7:10 Problem Solving (7:39 : puzzle toys) 8:33 Clicker training 9:43 harness training 11:49 Cat should be with other cats 12:45 The three R's : routine, ritual, rythm 13:20 No free feed 14:43 Spay or Neuter! 16:11 Spend time with your cat

I was always a dog guy and never had any interest in cats. My wife and I saved a half starved cat as a blizzard started. We pampered her so much and She pampers her daddy as well! She sleeps between my wife and I , if we do not acknowledge her she plop’s on us repeatedly until we pet her! Her name is Autumn and her and I have a love affair going! Love your programs, it helps us better Autumn’s standard of life and happiness!

I'm in Australia and keeping cats inside is also so very important to keep them from preying on native wildlife

I would also like to remind folks that the only living thing that has the same energy as a kitten...is another kitten. Adopting two at a time provides great companionship and learning opportunities for them, and means you sometimes get to watch them rolling around and racing each other on the living room floor instead of having to provide appropriate play. I love watching cats play together, preferably with a senior cat on my lap :)

My old boy was terrified of the outdoors. He would love looking out of the window, but as soon as he had to go out (to go to the vet) his hair would just fall out and he would moan meow haha Just had to have him put to sleep. 17 years old and he was in very rough shape, poor old guy. Miss him. About 7 years ago, he nearly died from a blockage in his bladder. I'll never forget the woman at the vets office (the vets wife actually) telling me "It's going to be really expensive. It's just a cat." I was a struggling musician at the time but still said "Just do it!" then I went and sold my 1978 American Strat, I took a serious hit on it but it was enough to cover the bill. It was my gigging guitar too. I would do it again in a heart beat. Unfortunately there was no amount of money that could save him this last time... I probably put it off longer than I should have, but I didn't want to let him go.

It's important to keep in mind that a lot of places (like new Zealand and Australia) have native birds whose populations are being thinned out by cats, so keeping your cat indoors could help save endangered species

As a person living in Europe / The Netherlands I agree on keeping cats indoors. I grew up with cats that would be outdoor cats and only one of the 4 cats we had made it past the 10 years and the rest of them tragically passed away. So I'm more than happy to see my own cats still happily jumping around in their senior years inside my living room :)

Jackson, please look into doing a video on dealing with the death of our beloved pets. Many are in pain over the loss of their cat, in anguish over deciding when it's time to euthanize and guilt for waiting too long or putting their cat down too soon. I know it's not an easy subject but there are a lot of people and cats could use guidance and support in dealing with this. Thank you

I'm so glad you encourage keeping cats indoors but leash training the ones that seem interested. When I was a kid my gran had many cats that went in and out as they liked, pretty much everyone did this back then. We stopped doing that when our beautiful giant grey tomcat was hit by a car. He walked up the driveway with a fractured skull, a torn ear, he lost an eye and had a broken jaw. We fed him with a tiny spoon for months and months while his jaw was wired shut. Fortunately, he made a full recovery and lived a happy life indoors. Cars, foxes, wolves/coyotes, boar and ofc cruel, shitty people--- the risk is great for the outdoor cat. All it takes is one time. Keep them inside, or take precautions, don't let them out alone.

I have two indoor cats in Korea. Since I live on 10th floor of an apartment, I got a catio with cat trees and large windows. I have 4 litter boxes and scratchers all over my house including my living room. Watching this clip definitely helps what to do for my loving cats. 😻

My husband passed last year, and my daughter encouraged me to get a cat from the shelter. She knew that I love cats, but my husband was allergic to them. My precious black, female kitty, is amazing! She is inside, and has three windows that I set up, with a comfortable seat, at each one. Also, I have two flights of stairs, that give her exercise. She has such a personality.

One of my three cats is always desperate to go outside. Nearly every attempt at a cat-harness walk has ended in escape, followed by a panic-induced cat recovery session (ahh!). I've decided cat walks are too risky to continue, but... I'm glad to say we're constructing a catio! Hopefully our little adventurer will be pleased with this compromise.

My indoor/outdoor cat lived for 23 years. I now have a 4 year old indoor only cat since I’m now in an apartment. Thank you for this video!

45 foot sailboat and my cat has free range and a dingy ride to the beach! She love playing with her dog(boxer) on the beach!

I had a cat that always stayed outside, under the carport ,never roamed ,she was a rescue . she would allow us to vet her and things that had to be done. She lived to 28 years old! In the end she was inside with me , diapered , and she would let me know she loved and appreciated our time. This calico died in my arms and has a marble marker under my fig tree in her favorite place. I have rescued cats my whole life and this 'save' that was distant and a little neurotic was the best.

I will always be an indoor only cat owner. I got my first cat at 11. My parents let her outside when she wanted. One day she did not come home on time. When she did, she had a broken front paw with bone sticking out. We took her to the vet and they said it was best to put her down (This was the 1980's). Our neighbor came over and apologized, he was trying to kill a skunk with a trap. Cats being cats, she fell for the trap he placed. I cried for weeks. There are just way too many things out there that can harm an outdoor cat. Cars, evil people, traps. If you love your pet, keep them home and safe. as this video shows, there are a lot of ways to keep them happy inside the house, mainly play and spend time with them.

I started feeding my kitten wet food in the morning and dry food at night (7:30/7:30). I gave him dry food this morning and he meowed at me and looked at the fridge. Lol, how does he know!!? So smart!

Here in Germany, there are many indoor/outdoor cats. My cat is indoors only. She is safer, healthier, and very loved. Thank you for educating about cats.

I’m in the UK and I’m all for keeping cats indoors. For their health and for the sanity of my neighbours.

I'm in the UK, numbers of indoor cats here are growing. There are so many missing cat posters in my area, I decided to start keeping mine indoors. He was previously a stray so I thought he might be unhappy being an indoor cat as he was used to being outdoors, but he's adjusted so well! I got him a huge cat tree as my 'apology' for not letting him out 😂 and he's got lots of scratching posts/mats, toys and cat grass. Some evenings I also do training sessions with him and he's learned to sit and give his paw on command. My project for this summer is to build a catio!

We English speakers call them "pets". The Spanish call them "mascotas" (which means pretty much what it looks like it means.) The Germans call them "haustiere" which literally translates as house animal, hearkening back to the origins of domesticated animals. By far my favorite is the French which call them "animal de campagnie" which means Animal Companion and just gets straight to the point!

I'm so grateful you exist, dude. And I'm even more grateful that you share your knowledge with us.

My nurse sister took in a preggo cat and was all over me to take this ONE. He’s the balls though and he’s literally saved my life like 6 times from passing out from low blood sugar. He wants to go with me anywhere I go in the car and he’s the friendliest animal I’ve ever met. Never backed down from anything. 🤗

I put my cat on a harness and go for walks after 1-2 try’s I was surprised how he just started running around. People look at me weird like “you walking your cat”? -Yes Suzanne I’m WALKING MY CAT 😹😹

My beautiful adopted boy was hit by a car and left for dead 3 wks ago. He managed to get home to me and his bestie, my dog but he couldn't be saved. I've grown up with cats but the next one will be strictly house-based. I couldn't give a damn what others think. I'd far rather still have Col here and confined to the flat than as a pile of ash in the vet's crematorium 🐈‍⬛❤

My cat is an indoor cat. She's a Snowshoe cat. She has a cat harness, and she loves to go outside, but all she wants to do is eat the grass when she goes outside. I don't want her eating all that grass, so she is very content to stay indoors. It's safer for her. She has her own room with a tower and kitty condo. She has a lot of toys, too. So, she's got it made!

I’ve had indoor cats for 45 happy, happy and healthy years. They have windows, toys, perches, hiding spots, comfy 🛌, clean water, and fresh food … always … and me to care for and play with them. 😻

Working in the vet field, my cats will always be indoor only. I've seen too many that were hit by cars or attacked by something.

Where I live, the winters are cold and dark, so I leave some lights on in the house and play quiet music for them when I leave for work.I also keep the heat the same temperature as if I was home, so they're warm and cozy. I can't prove it, but if think they appreciate it.

I just really want to thank you for promoting cats being indoors. When I was a kid we had an outdoor cat and even after came home with a death threat note my parents still kept him outdoors. He then got poisoned by a cat hater in the neighborhood and died. Now as an adult I'm looking for a kitten myself and I'll definitely keep him or her indoors. Save your cats people 😭

Another reason to play with your cat: it helps relieve stress. Stress can lead to Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, which is very dangerous, even deadly, especially for younger male cats. My 4 yr old tabby was just diagnosed with FID after I saw him peeing blood in my laundry basket. I immediately scooped him up and brought him to the vet ER. To quote Jackson: “Play with your cat!”

Where I live we have coyotes, bobcats, stray dogs, wild hogs, cars, FIV and other diseases, very hot temps, and stray cats. All reasons to keep your cat inside. And a catio is a wonderful thing!

I have two indoor cats,my older one got out one winter morning and I didn't realize it and I left the house to go to the store for like an hour or two,when I got home I realized it and freaked out,went outside and started calling her name,it took about fifteen minutes but I found her in a storm drain across the street up a tiny hill,she was so cold and afraid and probably so happy I found her I don't think she'll ever run out again,I almost cried...😅

There are so many dangers outside, i wouldn't want my kitty to experience.

I have to tell you, my cat lived 14 years, in Oakland, as a mostly outdoor cat- his choice. I moved and he was forced to become an indoor cat. He will be 20 in March. Thanks for this great video!

i recently posted on a local page on facebook,warning one of my neighbours about letting there cat out and how it keeps coming to my house to try to get in/fight my indoor cat,i was harassed by a bunch of karens because i was on the side of keeping your cat inside because its safer and overall the cat will have a longer life,Jackson has taught me so much about being a better cat dad and i thank you for that!! you're the man jackson!!!

Harness training was one of the best things I ever did. When we moved 2 Ecuador, my cat had 2 be on a harness for HOURS in the airport and on the plane. It was a lifesaver for the both of us. It protected me from having 2 chase a loose cat thru an airport. 4 of them in fact !!. And it gave her the freedom of getting exercise on layovers. And sitting next 2 me in her own seat on 2 of the planes.

I watching this video cause we just saved a cat from the street and we want him to be happy and live a long life.. we never thought of having a cat. I'm actually a dog lover . But Neo!! that's my cat, just made change my mind about cats!! 🥰

I'm in the UK and my cat lives in my one bedroom apartment and she's very happy. She previously lived on the streets

Lost too many cats to Coyotes living in the Arizona Desert. We keep them in now. We adopted a stray a year ago he is sooo happy to be inside.

A really simple puzzle toy that most everyone has in their household is a toilet paper roll. Just fold one end closed and pour food/treats into the other end. My two feral outdoor cats love this game. If it seems like it's too easy for them to get the treats out, you can always fold the dispensing end in a bit to create a smaller opening.

I have always had cats and after a tragic event decided that indoors is safer in many ways. I moved to southern California and know that there is nothing safe about outdoors, (coyotes and hawks) We had a gruesome find in our yard because our neighbors let their cats outdoors. Thank you Jackson for advocating for indoor living.

I take both my cats outside with me in the yard,I started when they were kittens,so they know their surroundings,they hang out in the bushes and stuff,then when I call them they follow me right into the house,then they get a treat. They are the best!!

UK here - Growing up we always had indoor/outdoor cats and I just accepted this as being the norm. I always heard of other people's cats meeting unfortunate fates outside but since it never happened to mine, I put it down to bad luck, and my family continued to let ours out every day. Then we lost our beloved gentleman to a car and I was heartbroken. My entire view changed. While my family still let our remaining cats out, and I don't judge anyone who does so, I decided that as soon as I had left home and got my own pets, they'd remain inside. It's been met with some derision but I know my babies are safe, and that's all that matters. I can't imagine losing either of them

have two indoor cats and they love being indoors they are always happy to be around us our male is at his happiest on the back of our sofa, our female is at her happiest lying on any of us she showers us with affection. they are both content they play with us and each other.

My sister and I live with our mother, and she greatly dislikes them roaming around the house for various reasons: expensive furniture, fragile ornaments and framed photos on tables, and one of our cats has IBD + mild bowel incontinence (sometimes needs to wear a diaper). We resort to keeping our cats in our room, no other choice. We have a big cat tree, 2 litter boxes to keep them happy and take them to our garden for playtime and back to our room once done. We will be moving soon, will definitely *catify our new room.

I cannot express enough how much easier it was to adopt a bonded pair of kitties. They got to know me and already felt comfortable with each other. This is the third time adopting a pair, but 40 years ago we didn't have people like Jackson giving me the insight I get today.

I adopted my cat, who was close to starving when she was found. Although the vet reckoned she was two, I genuinely thought she was perhaps five or six months as she was terribly thin and small. Now she lives very happily as an indoor cat. 13 years later and she is a content and secure cat.

My Emmy has been an inside/outdoor cat for 18 years. She's a happy old girl now, and still really healthy. Doesn't roam as much, but loves to sun in the front garden. Of course, with winter coming, so she'll be indoors more. Here's hoping she's with us for years to come!

I'm British and I keep my cat indoors. To keep him safe, to not worry, and to protect the little birds and animals outside.

My cat seemed interested in going outside but she's strictly indoor. We tried harness training her for a while but it didn't work out so we've put a hold on it. Instead we got her a stroller to take her outside and she loves it! She was scared the first time but now she gets excited to jump in the stroller.

I'm in the UK. Outdoor cats are more likely to contract FIV from cat fights...doesn't matter where in the world you live. If you really want to let your cat outdoors, why not cat proof your garden. Jackson please do a video on FIV+ cats! 🖤

As a person who has lived with cats I must say from what I've seen it's all about how happy the cats are when living inside because I've had 5 cats and literally none of them have shown any interest in going outside, and the only reason I can think of is the cats were basically thinking to themselves "why would I want to go out there when I have everything I want in here?".

be with your cat: my cat was sorta aloof regarding me for the first few months. I was kinda like well okay, this is her personality. Then I was suddenly gone for 11 days (hospital stay). When I returned home she came to the top of the stairs, and then greeted me halfway. She started sleeping with me in bed, greets me every day when I get home from work. And by sleeping with me, I mean within 10 seconds she has followed me to bed and trills as she hops up, purring loudly, and snuggles up. Even if I lay down on the couch, there she is. Sometimes she'll sleep on the blanket I have on my bed next to me that I got just for cats because it's so snuggly and soft.

I just got my 14 week old her first harness, and I’m so shocked at how quick she got used to it. So, I said f it I’ll try and see how she reacts to the outside. 10 min with the harness on, she’s outside, walking confidently and playing around!!!! She LOVES it, she’s such a natural. It took my Mika mooch a week before we were able to take her outside!

I'm always going to keep my cat indoors personally, because even though I rescued him and I haven't known him since he was a kitten, it's pretty obvious that he's used to being indoors. He's scared of most things that are outside. Also, we live in southern california in the desert, and there's a lot of coyotes outside that my cat would not be able to protect himself from. The indoor life is the obvious choice for my cat.

I don't know if you read comments, Mr. Galaxy, but if you do.. THANK YOU!!!! I am a first time cat owner, I never intended to have a cat, but a stray moved in with me and decided I was his person so here I am. You have been such a godsend, I was so clueless and it seems like you have a video for everything and it's helped me bond more with my new cat and it's all thanks to you!! I have subscribed and look forward to your videos all the time

We just sit outside with him. We have only two fenced sides to our property and sometimes he runs off, but he knows that when we catch him he loses outside privileges. When he stays within the boundaries, he gets to sit, explore, birdwatch, scratch some logs, hide in the ferns, hunt garden snakes, play with bugs, and eat plenty of grass. He comes in when we say it’s time and gets his favourite gravy catfood. Every time without fail along with lots of encouragement. It took time and patience but he really enjoys himself without mischief and doesn’t like going outside alone. He wants us with him. He doesn’t run off anymore as long as we’re with him he’s happy. He taught us to slow down and just be zen. When he’s inside for winter, we just give him a dozen rubber super balls and his fun is to go to the top of the stairs with one in his mouth and drop it all the way down the stairs. He loves the randomness and has learned to keep himself busy. He flings them all over the house and the basement stairs. Usually at midnight.

I just wanted to say thanks. my elder cat seemed so unhappy for so long so i took your videos to heart, and after a few trips to the vet, she's so much happier and enjoying all the catification ive done for her

Hello, Jackson! I tried a harness on one of my cats yrs ago. I think it was the figure 8 one. It seemed secure on her, but she got outta it & ran back inside! I never tried to bring her outside again. She used to be feral, and she said hell no to the outdoors. She liked her new posh life inside too much. ❤️

Routine for sure. My almost 20 year old stinker wasn’t locked into a routine until I was able to get him transitioned to wet, good quality food (on your advice!). He loves his puréed wet food so much that he keeps trying to push his feeding time earlier and earlier n the morning. If I’m not up by 5:45, he wails continuously until I get up to feed him. But I love him.

I'll spare you all the horrific details, but not just one, but one, two, three, four of my closest, best companions were all lost due to unique circumstances of being let outside. They were all deeply traumatic, the last one (by far the most heart breaking) to meet his doom came four years after a pit bull attack that brought my friend to within an inch of death and cost 16 *thousand* dollars to save, which was the least significant issue as my son and i orbitted this suffering, precious creature for days hoping to see the light behind his eyes just once more before we lost him forever. He survived, and never left the front or back porch rails, where he was always clearly happiest. My young son let him out one morning while I was asleep, and we never saw him again. It was by miles the single worst emotional devastation event of my life, and my son was twice cursed as he blamed himself, having cherished that animal ever bit as much as i did. Closure was, is, will not ever be possible. Its been four years now and it still tears me to pieces just to picture Misty in my mind. I will never let another feline outdoors ever again. And, respect to another guitar player, thanks for your great uploads.

I had a feral I took in and she was miserable being indoors 24/7. She’s my only cat who had outdoor privileges. She lived to 17 and died of old age. She could get out of harnesses - and collars. She was a little Houdini.

I love the routines I’ve set with my kitty. When he hears me wake up, he starts meowing and we have snuggle time. When we go down stairs, he goes straight to the door for patio time. And he waits at gumbos bowl every evening for his fresh water and dinner. Cats are such a blessing.

Love watching these 🥹 I watch them all day w my cat lmao. She's the sweetest little ball of light in my life. She keeps me sober because I know she relies on me. 6 months sober BECAUSE OF MY CAT.

In my country we have both. Cats are important on our farms historically and came to us on longships. Never seen a cat thats not welcome inside our home, or dont have their own foodbowl or a bed inside. Some dont like to leave the house, some we rarely see.

It helps me to realize that playing with the cats and spending time with them is not just a fun thing for ME to do, but it's something they need, something that's good for them. If it just felt like something fun for me, then if I'm feeling busy or tired I might just skip it. But realizing that it's part of maintaining their health makes me much less likely to ignore that very important task.

Our last cat, Spike, was very fond of playing catch with wadded up balls of paper and when we slapped a water bottle cap back and forth between us under the bathroom door.

It's funny but much of what Jackson says of keeping your cat curious, occupied and in touch with thier 'raw Cat', was how I grew up with family cats. Me and my siblings just played with them all the time. Made puzzles and games, asault courses all over the house. It just seemed natural. We were learning about play and problem solving together. And had 3 happy healthy cats.

I have a black male cat he is very active and playfull. Hes a lap baby also. Just lost my loveing girl she was in my life for 22 years gave kisses and hugs daily i miss her every day 😢 new boy helps my broken heart though. Cats are from heaven

"Feline sundials that they are...". So true, wise one. So true...

I've been taking my cat Sadako for walks in her harness since she was a kitten, and she loves it. Goes out at least four times a day. But this had an unexpected benefit. My roomate's cat, Jade, has always been an indoor cat who was terrified of beyond the door. However, seeing Sada going out and enjoying herself has encouraged Jade to follow out on the porch. She won't wear a harness, and is freaked out by grass, but she will beg to be picked up and carried around the yard.

I'm watching this video with the kitten my neighbor found in her yard sleeping on my neck. 😂 I think he is for sure safer inside. And now he gets to sleep on people as much as he wants.

We've been blessed with an old house that has huge beams and high ceilings! were building our kitten a huge cat wall super high amongst the beams so she literally has a playground at home!

the other reason to keep cats in is to protect local wildlife populations. Cats DECIMATE small rodent and bird populations, and don't eat most of what they catch (probably for the best but still).

Cannot wait! Have just adopted an adorable and very energetic 19 month old panther. It has been more than couple of decades since I last had a youngster in the house and it is certainly an adventure.. His name is currently alternating between Bandit (= Smoky and the.. ) and You Little Shit.

A few days after my cat passed our vet told us she has kittens available that someone dropped in a box in front of their door. We went to look and I only picked out one I wanted, my dad girl picked up another one to just to look at her but when we tried putting her back into the cage she absolutely refused, she cringed into my dad girlfriend shirt with everything in her tiny body and she meowed like crazy. We decided to take both and they've and they grew up together since they were 3 weeks old. Sometimes I even forget they're not from the same litter/real sisters because of how close they are❤

My Trixie likes sleeping on my hands. She is going to her forever home tomorrow. She is adorable ❤️

I recently got a new kitten because I felt like my other cat was lonely by herself. I followed Jackson's instructions on how to introduce them and they are starting to become friends! All three of us have hung out on the sofa a few times. Recently, I was painting a wall and wouldn't let them into that room while I was doing so (or while the paint dried), I came out to them snuggling on the sofa. It's been the best decision. I feel like my family is whole now.

I previously had a Ragdoll cat that my mother got from her cousin in 1971. He was a neutered male. I had him twenty years and he lived almost the entire time as an indoor outdoor cat. He was a happy and healthy cat. He would disappear one or two weeks a year when women in my neighborhood would try to keep my cat in their house and claim they thought he was a stray (well fed, well groomed with a collar)? That another worry about outdoor cats that many people don't warm you about is the number of weirdos who will steal your cat is given the opportunity. My cat would bring home "friends" occasionally, but I never thought to keep them knowing they had owners. I now have two Ragdoll cats, both fixed. I would have them live as an indoor outdoor cat also, but I have to take their environment into consideration. Presently I live next to a national forest and it is inundated with coyote. I think the coyote here largely survive on people's pets (small dogs and cats). I can probably rely on spotting a coyote on my street daily early morning or dusk. Because of that my current two cats live inside.

We just got 2 new kittens a week ago. They were so scared at first but now they come charging to the door when I come home from work. And all I did was sit in the middle of the floor and pet them as they charged around me play fighting with each other. So yes just being present is a big key. And a few toy tosses and treats don't hurt either.

I'm the happy owner of two cats with opposing personalities ! Nemesis, the oldest (1y), was a rescue and seemed to have been abused in the past (he's very nervous and and has very panicky reactions to loud noises). After a month together i'm glad to say he feels safe with me (and tolerates my roomates). Not very cuddly but he likes to lay next to/on me from time to time. He doesn't jump around much and HATES going outside, but it's okay, I enjoy our quit times together. A couple months later I adopted a recently weaned kitten that I named Nero (3m). I tought Nemesis was feeling lonely (he kept meowing at his reflection the miror...) so I helped out a friend and got a kitty from them. Nero is the total opposite of Nemesis because he's youthful, full of energy, still a bumbling kitten. He had a couple of siblings so I know the transition would have been easier on him. Nemesis actually got sick a week after we got him out of stress (and maybe jealousy ??), but now he's all better and they play fight litterally all the time. But they both seem to get along well (Nemesis grooms Nero when he's calm enough, they sleep together sometimes, and they share food bowls). I'm hoping I can go out with Nero as soon as he gets his shots, he's definitely the more outgoing of the two !

We took in a family members cat that needed a new home, but kept her away from the other cats, because one of our cats was coming to the end of her long life. When she passed the dogs and the younger cat became very depressed. We waited a couple of weeks and opened the basement door. After two months or so, the young cat ventured downstairs and stayed there to visit the new cat. The younger cat has suddenly matured and seems happier and calmer. Having another cat for him, really made a difference. No more solo cats for us.

California especially, with so many cayotes here there's a lot of danger outdoors. Cat tree next to your doors/windows will do the trick

We have six...all strays... all indoor except one... he's in and out...we love living with cats 💜💜💜

Let me add, don't kick yourself if you are not getting everything 100% right. You can always improve things. I got my cat in the Mid 80s as a fairly young woman and I didn't know near as much as I do now about how to make her happy. I know I didn't feed her the best food possible (I went with the vets recommendation at the time). I did get her spayed. I played with her and slept with her in the bed. She only had one box. Other than our furniture she didn't have much in the way of high perches (she liked the top of the bookcase). She had a scratching post and a comfy spot to watch the world outside. She was an indoor cat. She lived to be nearly 25 years old. I still miss her.

We're lucky enough to have a screened in porch so we give him daily opportunities to come out with us and places to hang out and check out our backyard with lots of wildlife, from squirrels to birds to the groundhog that lives under our shed. Dervish LOVES it out there. Definitely do your best to make a catio. And if you have one, give them perches and hidey holes where they can hang out while "outside."

Idea: What to look for in a cat sitter, what to consider if boarding a cat. We're going on a week's vacation and this is the first time we've ever left our cats. Your ideas/help?

My Sadie is a total snuggle-bug so one of the things we’ve been doing lately is curling up and watching your videos! She also gets really interested when I’m doing my workouts, so it’s unintentionally turned into quality time too - like, doing push-ups and giving her kisses or squatting to scratch her belly.

I feel much happier knowing my cat is safe inside from harm ❤

When we lived in France (rural and also in suburban areas) I never had to worry about outside. Now in USA in a (nice) suburban area I’d never ever let our 2 rescue kittens out. Too many cars and coyotes, foxes, hawks etc. Plus the vet who had rescued them insisted they stay inside. I completely agree. They love the house. Lots of big windows for cat tv and staircases to run up and down and lots more besides. Can i really let them out the door and think I might never see them again??? No way.

I have ALWAYS had indoor cats. MY BABIES watch birds, squirrels, mice from the wooded area on other side of the chain link fence on other side of walkway that is just next to my back porch. MY BABy is now a HAPPY & Healthy 20 year old companion to me..

I have 3 girls all indoors babies n they r amazing happy n having an awesome life x

I've done both over the years. The thing that convinced me it was better to keep them in was the prey they'd return as gifts when they'd be outside. These days I don't have a kitty (yet) and live in a house next to a green belt that has a very vibrant ecosystem full of a variety of animals. I hung a bird feeder out in the yard (under tall trees) so I could observe the local bird population, and was quite surprised at all of the different types of birds that would come in for some food. After about 2 weeks or so, I noticed the birds at times would completely abandon the feeder, and just as often I could hear the local squirrels making a fuss - a signal of sorts broadcasting danger. It was then I noticed a small orange cat pouncing from cover in its most glorious predatory attack, snagging an unsuspecting bird pecking assorted seeds on the ground. It was both stunning and heartbreaking at once, and left me wondering whether I should remove the feeder completely. And my guilt was astounding for being so silly as not to anticipate the local felines might enjoy my little bird show! At this point, very few birds will land near the feeder (but they absolutely land on it and empty it within a day or two), and the ones that do land on the ground will dart away at the move of a falling leaf! I even went so far as to ask one neighbor if they would try harder to keep their cat in, but I got pretty much the "she's a cat, it's what they do" answer. And yes, it is. I love having all the fauna around me, at my age it is simply the beauty of a lifetime, and I'm making up for lack of observation over my career by focusing on that beauty. Anyway, against my very nature, I've taken to harassing any cat that enters my fenced yard, if I see them. I don't throw anything, but I will run at them with my arms above my head, which they will definitely flee from immediately. My hope is to present myself to them as the last person they want to see, and the last place they want to be, and hope that will be discouraging enough in the long run. One last mention: at 65 years old I've been without my little baby for about a year now, thanks to feline cancer (lymphoma), and I still grieve - not just her though, all of my kitties from the past. But I have this fear that if I take on the responsibility of letting a cat own me again, I may pass away, bereaving my little loves and leaving them to feel abandoned. I'm truly almost to tears thinking of a friend that I am not letting myself have.