When the cat is grounded, the nerves are on edge – for everyone involved. Thus, the temporary ban on going out is not only a challenging situation for the velvet paws. External circumstances, such as illness, can force you to temporarily not allow your cat outdoors. Fortunately, you can help your cat get through this time as well as possible. Here’s how to do it.
Abrupt changes in your cat’s daily routine are unpleasant for your cat. If your cat has to stay home temporarily, distraction is the way to go: games of skill and chase, different toys and active engagement with your cat will help you through this phase.
How do cats handle temporary house arrest?
If an outdoor cat temporarily becomes a house cat, the clamor is great. In the truest sense of the word. Thus many quadrupeds let their displeasure verbally free run. They hiss, meow or murmur thus increased also at unusual times.
At the same time, some animals begin to vent their frustration on the couch or other objects. They scratch them, while sudden marking is also a common defiant reaction to being grounded.
In addition, your cat may ignore you. This can indicate anger, but it can also be a sign of a depressed mood. You should also be careful if your four-legged friend panics.
In this case, you should pay special attention to its safety. Close doors and windows well to offer no escape possibilities. Your four-legged friend could try to squeeze through a gap that is too small and seriously injure himself.
What behavior is normal
Since every cat is unique, it’s difficult to predict behavior during confinement. However, the reactions already mentioned are a good guide. It becomes problematic if your house cat behaves apathetically for a period of time.
How you can prevent this behavior, you will learn in the next section. You can already make your arrangements for the time before it comes to the house arrest.
Tips on how to make house arrest easier for your cat
Even before your cat has to be grounded, you can make the upcoming days easier for him. So-called pheromone plugs are a proven possibility for this. You can place them safely in places where your cat likes to stay.
However, it is not done with the attachment of these products to feel good. Keep in mind that the temporary transition from outdoor cat to indoor tiger is often accompanied by boredom on the part of your cat. So you need to think of alternatives for a meaningful occupation in the apartment.
Proper preparation therefore includes plenty of activity within your own four walls. You should offer your cat opportunities to play, chase and romp, which it can otherwise live out mainly outside. These can be new play and climbing possibilities. At the same time, extended cuddling and petting sessions should not be missing, if the cat wants it. You can also set up a new scratching post.
In general, there should be a lot of exciting things to discover during the time of house arrest. So it is a good idea to set up several cozy retreats for the cat. Cuddly blankets, a T-shirt with your scent and treats are gladly accepted.
In addition, many cats enthusiastically look at what is happening on the street from the window. This should always be well secured. You may also want to widen the window sill or place a comfortable pillow on it.
We are always thrilled to hear of cat owners who give their cats a second floor under the covers. If you don’t want to go that far or if you’re not handy, a new cat tree with an interesting view will also bring variety into your everyday life.
If you have a balcony or a terrace, you can offer these as an alternative. Make sure that both variants are sufficiently secured by a cat net and ensure that your cat can not escape in any case. Again, an empty balcony or a closed-off terrace will bore your cat. Here, you can put down and place especially great toys and cat furniture so that these places provide employment for your cat so that escape does not become a focus.
Distraction options for the house cat – these are available.
In addition to the employment opportunities already described, cat toys also keep the house cat happy. The tastes vary here from animal to animal. Some four-legged friends love their valerian pillow dearly, while others like to play with a plush mouse. This can be filled with catnip or bought already filled.
Also a so-called Antischlingnapf is an animal-fair occupation possibility. As the name already suggests, it is on the one hand to ensure a healthy eating speed. On the other hand, fishing out dry food with your paws is an exciting challenge for cats of all ages.
Even the classic toy mouse or a Raschetunnel inspire many cats. This also applies to the cardboard castle, which you can assemble yourself. All you need are clean packaging boxes and a bit of imagination – and the fun can begin!
If you want to really challenge your cat, you can try it with a cat fishing rod. Your cat will follow its hunting instinct and eagerly chase the object of desire. Let your cat win this game every now and then to keep the motivation.
This is how you should behave as an owner
It is never easy to accustom an outdoor cat to staying exclusively indoors. It doesn’t matter if it is temporary or permanent. As an owner, you should therefore ensure that this change can succeed as relaxed as possible.
Don’t stress your four-legged friend by disturbing her while she’s eating or sleeping. You should also maintain the usual daily routines for more security and trust. Avoid a lot of noise and the presence of strangers.
It is important that you always observe your cat well. If your cat has severe problems with the transition, you should seek professional help. A cat therapist or a specialized veterinarian are recommended contacts for this.
Good preparation and the acquisition of many, varied toys, which you can always swap, is worth a lot. Additional retreats and incorporating them into a new routine at home can help with your cat’s temporary transition.
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