Your Indoor Cat and Health Risks

Feb 18, 2011
Amanda Potter

: Cat hogs the remote - (c) Amanda Potter

Indoor cats often benefit from a safe environment, easy access to care, but are you aware of potential health problems?

Have you chosen to make your cat an indoor cat? If you have, you’re in good company as the American Veterinary Medical Association argues that it is much healthier to keep cats inside and away from physical hazards as well as exposure to fleas and disease from other animals.

Unfortunately, indoor cats still run some health risks from their more sedentary lifestyles, restricted food and water access, and instinctual tendencies. Get to know these potential cat health problems so you can protect your furry friends and help them live long and happy lives.

Obesity

Indoor cats are, by the nature of their environment, restricted in their movements and will only have a range the size of your home. With less room and incentive to move around, and more access to food, many cats run the risk of gaining too much weight. As with humans, obesity often leads to a variety of other health problems including diabetes, lethargic behavior, skin problems, and a shortened lifespan.

You can check to see if you cat is overweight by running your hands over her spine and ribs; you should be able to feel them easily. You may also be able to tell simply by looking or observing that movement has become difficult for your pet. Since cats are difficult to train, prevention is the best solution. Play with and exercise your cat daily and seek out high quality foods that are formulated for indoor cats. Avoid giving your cat too many treats or only provide them as part of an enrichment program. Some vets suggest putting treats or dry cat food inside a toy to encourage your cat to find a way inside.

With the guidance of your veterinarian, you can encourage weight loss in your cat with special food, controlled feeding times, and varying the placement of food so your cat has to work a little for it.

Urinary Tract Infections

Outdoor cats get urinary tract infections (UTIs) less often than indoor cats because they can indulge their natural urge to pee and mark in many locations. Since your indoor cat probably only has one litter box, it is important to watch for UTI warning signs, especially in male and older cats. A cat with an infection will visit the litter box frequently, but be unable to void his bladder. He may pee small amounts on smooth cool surfaces such as tile floor or tubs, and his pee will sometimes contain crystals. Frequently he will stop eating and drinking.

Urinary tract infections are an emergency case in cats and you should take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. If your cat has stopped peeing altogether and is not seen by a vet, his bladder could burst; a potentially deadly and more costly situation. After a UTI, your vet will probably proscribe a special food which encourages your cat to pee more frequently.

You can help prevent UTIs by providing plenty of clean water on a daily basis. Some cats prefer a cat water fountain which aerates the water. This is fine, but only if you are diligent in cleaning it. You don’t want to introduce dangerous bacteria or fungus to your cat through a clogged filter or dirty dish. Talk to your vet about providing wet food, which may be easier for your cat's compromised system to digest.

Boredom & Misbehavior

Closely linked with the problem of obesity is the problem of boredom and misbehavior in indoor cats. With less space to explore and a controlled environment, your cat may become lethargic or act out by damaging furniture, spraying, or otherwise misbehaving. First of all, it is important to remember that your cat’s behavior is not malicious. Outdoor cats also engage in these sorts of behaviors, they just have more outside pressure to avoid boredom and can fulfill their instinctual behaviors outside your house.

Again prevention and preparation are the key words. You can prevent or reduce boredom by providing your pet with a variety of toys and places to climb. Daily play with you or with another household cat will help your pet become more sociable and active.

Cats like high spaces for security and they need to scratch. Don’t try to prevent them; just redirect the behavior. Cats can be trained to use scratching posts make of wood, cardboard, and carpet; and if trained early will leave your furniture more or less alone. Providing high places for your cat to feel safe in and ensuring that all your pets get along will help prevent issues with spraying or jumping on tables.

Preventing boredom and misbehavior ultimately comes down to your willingness to learn the needs of your particular cats. Learn what toys and structures each prefers and provide them. As indoor cats, they can’t provide for them alone.