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Practical advice for cat confinement

More cats are being confined due to legislation or owners desire to protect cats (and wildlife). Confinement can nearly always be successfully achieved but it requires both a suitable structure, and provision of a suitable environment for the cat.

The author discusses different ways of keeping cats from escaping including confinement in the house, the inclusion of balconies and commercial or home made outside enclosures.  Owners should be aware of body corporate or council requirements regarding cats and structures.

Cats who are used to more freedom are liable to frustration when confined.  Attempts to escape will be reinforced by any success, so confinement must be absolute once instituted.  Frustration can be reduced by providing what the cat gets when outside - complexity, unpredictability and choice.  This can be provided by

• Varying the type, form and location of feed
• Playing chasing games
• Providing opportunities to climb and watch from high places
• Cubbies and get away areas
• Scratching posts
• Time with people (game pay, grooming, talking and interacting)
• Toys
• Training
• Walking on a harness and lead
• Entertainment bags and boxes
• A view (even just the provision of a wide window sill so the cat can look outside
• Cat nip grasses

The author also discusses solutions to recognised problems such as agitation, aggression, scratching (furniture etc), inappropriate toileting, spraying, and other signs of anxiety