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Indoor Cat: How to Enrich Their Lives and Expand Their World
Can an indoor cat live a happy, stimulating, and active life? A veterinarian and a journalist answer this question with a resounding "yes," and offer real-life guidance for opening up your cat's world, even if they stay within the confines of your home. There are many myths our culture perpetuates about domestic they live longer indoors, sleep all day, are easy and low-maintenance pets, and can't be trained. Even the most well-meaning kitty caregiver will be surprised to learn that these long-held beliefs aren't necessarily based on facts, but instead reflect the many ways we have adapted our feline friends to our indoor, domesticated lifestyles.Indoor Cat, by Laura J. Moss, journalist and founder of Adventure Cats, and Lynn Bahr, a feline-only veterinarian, explores how to help cat owners understand a cat's perspective of their indoor homes, with practical ways to enhance cats' lives to the fullest and combat countless health and behavioral problems that result from indoor living, as well as raising the should every cat live exclusively indoors?Together with scientific studies, expert opinions from vets and behaviorists, and firsthand accounts and interviews, this informative and engaging full-color guide strives to reach compassionate cat owners looking for new ways to care for and connect with their feline companions.
- GenresNonfictionAnimalsCats
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2022
18 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 2, 2023
This book is confusing and troubling. I couldn't work out if this book is in favour or against indoor cats. It reads much like the authors are telling humans off for having relationships with cats because it has ultimately negatively impacted the cat as a species. The authors seem to be saying that free-roaming is not ok for cats but at the same time the only way for a cat to be truly happy is for the cat to be outdoors in a natural environment. As such, a lifestyle and relationship with humans is always going to be substandard because it's unnatural and as a result the best we can hope for is mimicry of an outdoor lifestyle but it will always fall short for cats. The authors describe cats as captive animals which begs the question: should we be even entertaining the idea of cats as pets at all if they are doomed to a life they were never meant to live?
The book outlines the problems facing people who want to keep cats as pets and really the problem with any animal under human care. No other animal under human stewardship is given as much freedom as the cat. In the UK, cats have a "right to roam" meaning they can go anywhere, do anything and the owners are not responsible for their actions. Many people defend this passionately and often say it's in a cat's nature to hunt, roam, etc. which it certainly is. It is also true that cats are not truly domesticated especially in the same way that dogs are. However, I am now questioning why other animals in our care who would be fine without us and capable of returning to a wild state are not given the same consideration. For example, horses are nomadic herd animals and yet it's apparently ok to confine them to stabling some or all of the time by themselves. Rabbits naturally burrow underground and many still live in hutches or themselves indoor only. I would argue most small rodents like hamsters have zero interest in humans, many have poor eyesight and most likely view us as a giant terrifying hand that picks them up every now and again. Even dogs who are probably the most domesticated species would (if left to their own devices) form packs and travel long distances. Now dogs are confined, many of them dislike other dogs and have to deal with just two walks a day if they're lucky as opposed to constantly being on the move.
I would encourage the authors and other people to cast their research net more widely. Scientific American published a post called "Bambi or Bessie: Are wild animals happier?" which says that there is no evidence to suggest that wild animals are happier than well cared for domestic animals. The University of Lincoln recently discovered that cats that used to have unsupervised access outside of their homes seemed to show signs of improved welfare with a confined outdoor space, which indicates that happiness is not just about cats being able to go outside but also feeling safe is highly important too. Therefore, if you cannot provide a safe space then your cat may have reduced welfare even with outside access. Furthermore, there is research that suggest cats living in rural areas are actually more likely to be hit by a car due to the fact they don't encounter them as often and therefore never learn to stay away from them. This is directly contradictory to the many rescue organisations who only rehome cats to homes away from busy roads and people who maintain you shouldn't have a cat if you cannot provide safe roaming space.
I believe animals and humans benefit from the relationship we have together. Of course, some animals suffer terribly as a result of humans but on the whole I believe it to be an inherently good thing. If living alongside us didn't benefit cats then they would never have come near us in the first place. The move indoors for cats is the evolution of the relationship. Dogs never used to live indoors either and years ago would have been left to exercise themselves much in the way indoor/outdoor cats do. The way we keep animals is always going to evolve and change but the authors make cats sound stuck in their past and incapable of true happiness if living indoors. I believe them to be highly adaptable creatures capable of tremendous happiness even if they live indoors. The authors likened the COVID19 lockdowns for humans being similar to cats living indoors. I would urge the authors to remember that cats are not people and do not have the same motivations as people therefore the comparison although seemingly very similar is actually full of holes. For example, a cat will not lament on all the things it could not do, all the missed holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, etc.
I've read this book and my honest feelings are despairing and guilt-ridden. I do not feel reassured for having read it. I feel guilty for having a cat as a pet at all. He was indoors only for almost 6 years before I invested in a small outdoor cat enclosure for him. The RSPCA doesn't really recommend lead-walking for cats but this book does. I tried that to as a way to provide safe outdoor enrichment but it proved unpopular with my cat.
I guess we all have to decide what is better. A natural life or a compromised life. Ok, it's not as black and white as that but if your cat, dog, horse, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, bird or lizard HAD to choose a life indoors or a life outdoors, what would they pick? Indoors with the security, protection, health care and companionship with people or outdoors with freedom to act as nature intended and with mother nature to treat you how she saw fit. Is "the wild" better? As wonderful as it is, I'm not sure it could be argued as better.
There are pros and cons to indoor cats and cats allowed to roam which is why it's difficult for experts to recommend one over the other. Ultimately I did not like the tone of this book and I will always believe that on the whole cats are better off for their relationship with us and our partnership will continue to evolve. If youre a passionate cat owner who has educated themselves and has already invested time, money and effort into your cat, this book has nothing new to tell you but it will make you feel like a bad person. If you have an indoor cat who lives in a room with no windows, light, toys or human interaction and you think that this is ok, then you will learn a lot from this book.
The book outlines the problems facing people who want to keep cats as pets and really the problem with any animal under human care. No other animal under human stewardship is given as much freedom as the cat. In the UK, cats have a "right to roam" meaning they can go anywhere, do anything and the owners are not responsible for their actions. Many people defend this passionately and often say it's in a cat's nature to hunt, roam, etc. which it certainly is. It is also true that cats are not truly domesticated especially in the same way that dogs are. However, I am now questioning why other animals in our care who would be fine without us and capable of returning to a wild state are not given the same consideration. For example, horses are nomadic herd animals and yet it's apparently ok to confine them to stabling some or all of the time by themselves. Rabbits naturally burrow underground and many still live in hutches or themselves indoor only. I would argue most small rodents like hamsters have zero interest in humans, many have poor eyesight and most likely view us as a giant terrifying hand that picks them up every now and again. Even dogs who are probably the most domesticated species would (if left to their own devices) form packs and travel long distances. Now dogs are confined, many of them dislike other dogs and have to deal with just two walks a day if they're lucky as opposed to constantly being on the move.
I would encourage the authors and other people to cast their research net more widely. Scientific American published a post called "Bambi or Bessie: Are wild animals happier?" which says that there is no evidence to suggest that wild animals are happier than well cared for domestic animals. The University of Lincoln recently discovered that cats that used to have unsupervised access outside of their homes seemed to show signs of improved welfare with a confined outdoor space, which indicates that happiness is not just about cats being able to go outside but also feeling safe is highly important too. Therefore, if you cannot provide a safe space then your cat may have reduced welfare even with outside access. Furthermore, there is research that suggest cats living in rural areas are actually more likely to be hit by a car due to the fact they don't encounter them as often and therefore never learn to stay away from them. This is directly contradictory to the many rescue organisations who only rehome cats to homes away from busy roads and people who maintain you shouldn't have a cat if you cannot provide safe roaming space.
I believe animals and humans benefit from the relationship we have together. Of course, some animals suffer terribly as a result of humans but on the whole I believe it to be an inherently good thing. If living alongside us didn't benefit cats then they would never have come near us in the first place. The move indoors for cats is the evolution of the relationship. Dogs never used to live indoors either and years ago would have been left to exercise themselves much in the way indoor/outdoor cats do. The way we keep animals is always going to evolve and change but the authors make cats sound stuck in their past and incapable of true happiness if living indoors. I believe them to be highly adaptable creatures capable of tremendous happiness even if they live indoors. The authors likened the COVID19 lockdowns for humans being similar to cats living indoors. I would urge the authors to remember that cats are not people and do not have the same motivations as people therefore the comparison although seemingly very similar is actually full of holes. For example, a cat will not lament on all the things it could not do, all the missed holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, etc.
I've read this book and my honest feelings are despairing and guilt-ridden. I do not feel reassured for having read it. I feel guilty for having a cat as a pet at all. He was indoors only for almost 6 years before I invested in a small outdoor cat enclosure for him. The RSPCA doesn't really recommend lead-walking for cats but this book does. I tried that to as a way to provide safe outdoor enrichment but it proved unpopular with my cat.
I guess we all have to decide what is better. A natural life or a compromised life. Ok, it's not as black and white as that but if your cat, dog, horse, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, bird or lizard HAD to choose a life indoors or a life outdoors, what would they pick? Indoors with the security, protection, health care and companionship with people or outdoors with freedom to act as nature intended and with mother nature to treat you how she saw fit. Is "the wild" better? As wonderful as it is, I'm not sure it could be argued as better.
There are pros and cons to indoor cats and cats allowed to roam which is why it's difficult for experts to recommend one over the other. Ultimately I did not like the tone of this book and I will always believe that on the whole cats are better off for their relationship with us and our partnership will continue to evolve. If youre a passionate cat owner who has educated themselves and has already invested time, money and effort into your cat, this book has nothing new to tell you but it will make you feel like a bad person. If you have an indoor cat who lives in a room with no windows, light, toys or human interaction and you think that this is ok, then you will learn a lot from this book.
June 7, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook.
Content warnings: can't think of any.
I have two cats that I like to spoil. Figured it couldn't hurt to read a book about how to spoil them even further. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I didn't already know. What surprised me was how big the author was on having cats go outside. That's understandable, since cats are natural predators and were originally living outdoors until they became human companions. But I'm going to be honest, I don't think it's for every cat.
One of my cats is already harness trained and I take him to the backyard and sometimes even to work on my day off (it's a pet-friendly environment). My other cat has had health issues her whole life, and her idea of an adventure has always been watching our bird feeder from the window. She doesn't like wearing a harness and gets spooked easily. She's now a senior and has always had very little interest in the outdoors. That said, I will say one of the resources that the author mentions gave me access to a harness brand that I ended up getting for my young cat. He loves it and it fits him well, so I have to give the author credit for helping me find a great harness after his last one broke (luckily we were inside when it happened).
Other than that, it's mostly just tips on playing with your cat daily, keeping your cat litter clean, keeping your cat food high in protein, and not surgically removing your cat's claws. I didn't learn much from this, but my cats seem pretty content.
Do I recommend? It wasn't for me, but if you are a new cat owner, or maybe think your cats' lives are lacking something, it might be worth a read.
Content warnings: can't think of any.
I have two cats that I like to spoil. Figured it couldn't hurt to read a book about how to spoil them even further. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I didn't already know. What surprised me was how big the author was on having cats go outside. That's understandable, since cats are natural predators and were originally living outdoors until they became human companions. But I'm going to be honest, I don't think it's for every cat.
One of my cats is already harness trained and I take him to the backyard and sometimes even to work on my day off (it's a pet-friendly environment). My other cat has had health issues her whole life, and her idea of an adventure has always been watching our bird feeder from the window. She doesn't like wearing a harness and gets spooked easily. She's now a senior and has always had very little interest in the outdoors. That said, I will say one of the resources that the author mentions gave me access to a harness brand that I ended up getting for my young cat. He loves it and it fits him well, so I have to give the author credit for helping me find a great harness after his last one broke (luckily we were inside when it happened).
Other than that, it's mostly just tips on playing with your cat daily, keeping your cat litter clean, keeping your cat food high in protein, and not surgically removing your cat's claws. I didn't learn much from this, but my cats seem pretty content.
Do I recommend? It wasn't for me, but if you are a new cat owner, or maybe think your cats' lives are lacking something, it might be worth a read.
September 17, 2022
I’m a bit surprised by the ratings on here for this book. The author demonstrates extremely accurate and informed information on what cats need to live healthy lives indoors (and ways to expose the cat to the outdoors in safe and suitable ways). They also expose myths about cats and discuss what they actually need. They list what different cat behaviour means based on the psychology of cats. If the behaviour is troublesome or concerning, they list ways to enrich the lives of cats to improve their behaviour (often they simply need more play time, interaction, window view, a safe space, etc.). This book is a phenomenal resource for beginner cat owners and experienced ones. I learned new games and tricks I can do with my cat that I didn’t think of before, and I’ve been around cats for a long time. 5/5 Highly recommend!!
August 30, 2022
The authors irresponsibly promote letting cats roam outdoors freely and dispute scientific studies that demonstrate the devastating effects outdoor cats have on wildlife populations.
The authors also annoyingly anthropomorphize cats. Throughout the book they make the argument that because humans are a certain way (eg need a variety of foods), cats are the same way.
Some useful ideas for catios and toys, I guess, hence two stars.
The authors also annoyingly anthropomorphize cats. Throughout the book they make the argument that because humans are a certain way (eg need a variety of foods), cats are the same way.
Some useful ideas for catios and toys, I guess, hence two stars.
August 5, 2022
Made me feel very guilty even though I have a cat stroller, huge catio for them, and a screened in patio... This book is about anthropomorphic cats who need as much attention as toddlers. Goes against some vet advice, too.
June 26, 2023
I liked how the author explained the cat's perspective of indoor life.
There were some controversial parts of the book that I didn't agree with though, namely that roaming cats don't kill as much wildlife as the research says. Unfortunately in Australia, each roaming domestic cat kills on average 186 animals per year. And this includes mostly native species such as reptiles, birds and mammals.
Thankfully the book gives many ideas of how to let your cat explore the outdoors without it freely roaming. (Opening a window, bringing the outdoors in, catios, leashes, prams, backpacks etc)
There are also lots of simple and inventive ideas to keep your cat enriched.
There were some controversial parts of the book that I didn't agree with though, namely that roaming cats don't kill as much wildlife as the research says. Unfortunately in Australia, each roaming domestic cat kills on average 186 animals per year. And this includes mostly native species such as reptiles, birds and mammals.
Thankfully the book gives many ideas of how to let your cat explore the outdoors without it freely roaming. (Opening a window, bringing the outdoors in, catios, leashes, prams, backpacks etc)
There are also lots of simple and inventive ideas to keep your cat enriched.
April 12, 2022
Dr. Bahr offered a different perspective than what I have always heard regarding allowing your cat outside. After a dearly beloved cat of mine got ran over because I allowed him to go outside, I felt so much guilt, so I've never allowed any other cats outside. I had also been told that allowing them outside would risk disease, ticks, fleas, etc. So this book gave me a lot to think about.
I had also always heard that you should keep your dogs/cats on a regular diet, not changing their food, for dietary reason. Dr. Bahr said just the opposite; that you SHOULD provide a variety. She also suggested more than one kitty litter box (even if you only have one cat).
I wish that I had read this book sooner. My kitty companion is nearing the end of her life. But I will take some of Dr. Bahr's suggestions to try to make her final years enjoyable. I've already seen proof in my cat that some of her suggestions are spot on. The only thing I didn't like about this book was all the cat puns. They started to become pawsitively annoying towards the end.
I would recommend this book, but with an open mind. I don't 100% agree with everything in it, but I appreciate the different point of view.
I had also always heard that you should keep your dogs/cats on a regular diet, not changing their food, for dietary reason. Dr. Bahr said just the opposite; that you SHOULD provide a variety. She also suggested more than one kitty litter box (even if you only have one cat).
I wish that I had read this book sooner. My kitty companion is nearing the end of her life. But I will take some of Dr. Bahr's suggestions to try to make her final years enjoyable. I've already seen proof in my cat that some of her suggestions are spot on. The only thing I didn't like about this book was all the cat puns. They started to become pawsitively annoying towards the end.
I would recommend this book, but with an open mind. I don't 100% agree with everything in it, but I appreciate the different point of view.
November 19, 2023
Indoor Cat by Laura J. Moss and Lynn Bahr, DVM is a helpful book for new cat owners. It has given me a lot of insight into what cats want and need, and how to keep an indoor cat healthy and happy.
We have recently adopted a cat who used to spend a lot of time outdoors. Circumstances have made it necessary for him to no longer be allowed to roam freely outdoors, so this book has been great in teaching me how to meet his needs.
If you're an experienced cat owner, there may not be a lot of new information in here for you, but it's possible you may learn some new ideas on how to care for your feline friend.
We have recently adopted a cat who used to spend a lot of time outdoors. Circumstances have made it necessary for him to no longer be allowed to roam freely outdoors, so this book has been great in teaching me how to meet his needs.
If you're an experienced cat owner, there may not be a lot of new information in here for you, but it's possible you may learn some new ideas on how to care for your feline friend.
June 20, 2022
Pleasant reading in a very repetitive text that is marred with far too many cutesy cat word terminology. Nevertheless, the authors are obviously passionate about the subject and do provide some good information.
Did Not Finish
September 11, 2022DNFed while reading the introduction because the tone made me feel like a shitty pet owner for keeping my cat inside. Nobody needs that kind of negativity and guilt. We adopted our cat after neighbors needed to rehome her and I feel we've given her a decent life.
January 11, 2023
This was written in the Uk and the author is NOT aware that the US is VERY different, especially in rural/suburban areas.
She emphasizes the importance of letting your cats go outdoors but it’s extremely dangerous here for several reasons. In the country we have lots of animals and dogs usually visit their neighbors. If a dog has Parvo (deadly disease) and a cat walks on it and then bathes, the cat can pick up Parvo. Parvo can live outside for about a year. Not to mention the other wild animals: birds, dogs, raccoons and rabbits that live in just my yard.
We don’t have the luxury of spending thousands to make a “Catio” on our backyard deck.
Although I agree that playing with your cats and making them exercise is very important, she makes it sound like keeping a cat inside is like jail. I don’t agree with that. All my cats are orphans from the animal shelter my kiddo works at.
There are thousands of cats without owners. I bet they are way happier inside a safe house, than in an overcrowded shelter or outside in the winter.
She emphasizes the importance of letting your cats go outdoors but it’s extremely dangerous here for several reasons. In the country we have lots of animals and dogs usually visit their neighbors. If a dog has Parvo (deadly disease) and a cat walks on it and then bathes, the cat can pick up Parvo. Parvo can live outside for about a year. Not to mention the other wild animals: birds, dogs, raccoons and rabbits that live in just my yard.
We don’t have the luxury of spending thousands to make a “Catio” on our backyard deck.
Although I agree that playing with your cats and making them exercise is very important, she makes it sound like keeping a cat inside is like jail. I don’t agree with that. All my cats are orphans from the animal shelter my kiddo works at.
There are thousands of cats without owners. I bet they are way happier inside a safe house, than in an overcrowded shelter or outside in the winter.
July 20, 2022
This was alright but I didn't necessarily learn many new things. Obviously the author is knowledgeable but the whole thing was marred by the absolutely ludicrous number of plays on words like purr and fur. Distracting and cringey lol. I also firmly believe the pros to keeping cats indoors far outweigh the cons, but I'm not opposed to considering safe ways for Sophie to explore (though I'm really not certain she would tolerate a harness).
February 11, 2023
This book made me feel bad for keeping my beloved kitty indoors. It's very, very biased against indoor cathood, but I think my cat is perfectly happy since we brought him indoor-only, and he's certainly safer, off our busy street. I don't even think the book addresses fleas, which haven't been an issue since he doesn't go outside anymore.
It's maybe worth reading for some of the enrichment ideas, but the way it's written is unnecessary and unhelpful, and I disagree with many things in it 🤷♀️
It's maybe worth reading for some of the enrichment ideas, but the way it's written is unnecessary and unhelpful, and I disagree with many things in it 🤷♀️
July 14, 2023
Shitty book, to be honest. Are they trying to make people feel bad? If so, they sure accomplished it. My cats are perfectly fine being mostly indoor (they have a catio). It’s very biased and they have worded it inappropriately to where the book seems it’s mainly focused on opinions only. I would rate it 1 star but it’s a cat book so I give it a 2.
December 29, 2025
lovely summary with some new research that’s helpful - even gave me a few new enrichment ideas for my cats - they already are very entertained by “hide an extra food bowl in different spots to hunt every day” - the company the book is from is desi and roo - i got some great simple toys from them the cats both love
August 13, 2022
Knowledgeable and researched, though way too cat centric for me. Suggestion outside of what I am willing to do include getting consent before picking up a cat and opening trash bags more quietly to reduce noise.
May 28, 2022
I was very pleased to see someone qualified had written a book about the indoor cat. It was interesting to read a book that looked at the indoor life of a cat and how it can affect not only their physical but mental health. We all know how we felt in the pandemic when many of us were locked in our homes with only an exercise allowance in which we could go outside for an hour, we now know how that affected our mental health and how good it felt to be outside if only for a short while.
Imagine being a cat shut indoors with no mental or physical stimulation for most of your life? How sad and depressing never being able to express your real self……..sadly this is true of many indoor cats, but it’s also fair to point out that many indoor cats have fabulous lives and some experience getting outside in some form, be it in a catio, safe enclosed garden area or even being walked on a lead in a safe environment. This book has many tips and advice on how to make your indoor cats life better and happier and that’s a winner for me.
This book will educate and inspire cat carers to make their cats lives better and does not wish to cause controversy in the big debate about whether cats should be allowed to roam free or stay indoors 24/7 but rather put across the cats point of view which I have not read so well expressed in many cat books.
I think it’s also fair to point out that not all cats do well being walked on a lead and each cat is individual and some do not do well being adventure cats.
I did not feel the author’s were against cats being kept indoors but rather wanted to educate cat carers about improving the cats lives so they had more mental and physical stimulation.
If a cat carer buys this book and does just one thing from this book but hopefully more, how much happier that cat will be :)
Well done to both authors you have given the indoor cat a voice!
Imagine being a cat shut indoors with no mental or physical stimulation for most of your life? How sad and depressing never being able to express your real self……..sadly this is true of many indoor cats, but it’s also fair to point out that many indoor cats have fabulous lives and some experience getting outside in some form, be it in a catio, safe enclosed garden area or even being walked on a lead in a safe environment. This book has many tips and advice on how to make your indoor cats life better and happier and that’s a winner for me.
This book will educate and inspire cat carers to make their cats lives better and does not wish to cause controversy in the big debate about whether cats should be allowed to roam free or stay indoors 24/7 but rather put across the cats point of view which I have not read so well expressed in many cat books.
I think it’s also fair to point out that not all cats do well being walked on a lead and each cat is individual and some do not do well being adventure cats.
I did not feel the author’s were against cats being kept indoors but rather wanted to educate cat carers about improving the cats lives so they had more mental and physical stimulation.
If a cat carer buys this book and does just one thing from this book but hopefully more, how much happier that cat will be :)
Well done to both authors you have given the indoor cat a voice!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews