[domesticzookeeper]

My cats are very happy indoors, but I think the key is to think like a zookeeper (I take my username very seriously ) and look at your house like it really is: an enclosure that needs enrichment. Give them stuff to climb and chase and scratch. Make them work for their food with puzzles or toys that dispense kibble as they roll or tumble. Have playtime where they can exercise in active bursts, which is how they're naturally inclined to hunt, and reward their successful hunts with treats.

For my cats that effort has paid off, and I'm happy to be free of the associated risks of pursuing those same activities outside (getting fleas and/or heartworm, being hit by cars, poisoned by neighbors, eaten by predators, attacked by other cats, or murdering songbirds). But, admittedly, it's an effort. I don't expect that those trade-offs will work for every household or every cat

---------- Post added at 02:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:42 PM ----------

I am currently working toward harness-training at least one, if not both, of my cats for taking walks outside. I'm mostly doing it for their own chill and confidence when we travel, but if I can give them the bonus opportunity to safely explore the outdoors then I'm totally making that our new thing