Keeping slim and lean is a major problem for the indoor cat. Typically, a cat living in a stable, warm but restricted space will have less opportunity for exercise. This less active lifestyle means it is much harder for indoor cats to retain their natural shape than outdoor cats and they can easily become overweight or even obese.
The first requirement for an indoor cat is to avoid the over-feeding which can lead to obesity, itself a major cause of a number of related health problems including an increased risk of diabetes. It is easy to over-feed your cat if you leave an unmeasured amount of food out during the day, so measure it carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions, your vet’s advice and in line with your assessment of body condition. Treats and cat milk should also be accounted for.
Food is only part of the equation. Lack of exercise can often be the cause of weight gain (and boredom), so encourage your cat to stay active and burn up more calories. This is particularly important for indoor cats with less opportunity to exercise. Increase your cat’s activity using the following tips:
- A dedicated daily playtime can help and many cats enjoy time spent chasing a ball or using a ‘fishing’ toy.
- Climbing and scratching towers add interest to the indoor cat’s environment as well as encouraging exercise.
- Put some of the daily food allocation into a ‘feeding/treat ball’ so the cat needs to spend time rolling the ball to get the food.
- Place food at the top of the stairs or climbing tower.
- Think about allowing access outdoors, perhaps by fencing the garden or building a pen outside to encourage more activity.
Encourage your indoor cat to increase his/her water intake, as being indoors can mean your cat is more likely to suffer lower urinary tract problems. Use water fountains and a variety of wide-brimmed water bowls; some cats like to drink from a dripping tap.
As you would expect, there is a range of commercially-produced cat foods developed for the specific needs of indoor cats. Such diets have the following advantages:
- High in protein and low in calories to help increase lean tissue and minimise fat deposition.
- They contain a controlled balance of minerals to potentially reduce the risk of urinary problems.
- High levels of indigestible fibre to help lower calorie content and ease swallowed hair along the digestive system, preventing the formation of hair balls.
- Special fermentable fibre reduces litter-box odours by optimising gut bacteria. Highly digestible ingredients help to form small, firm faeces which are easily cleaned.
- Indoor cat foods are also high in sources of the nutrients important in maintaining a healthy skin and coat.
An indoor cat can be a happy and healthy cat, but owners need to make sure they are not overfed and that they encourage physical activity to reduce the risk of both obesity and boredom.