Meet Hank, My Leash-Trained Rescue Cat
I’ve been surrounded by animals every day of my life—caring for pets, wildlife, and everything in between. After losing my 16-year-old cat, Tiger, and my beloved 13-year-old dog, Scruffy, within three months of each other last year, I was devastated. Then in March 2024, Hank came into my life—a four-month-old rescue kitten with a lot of energy and strong instincts. I decided early on that Hank would be an indoor cat with controlled outdoor outings to keep him safe from the dangers of free roaming. But I quickly realized that Hank’s natural instincts would need a lot of stimulation to keep him happy. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way to help indoor cats stay active, healthy, and content.
- Understanding Your Cat’s Instincts—Even Indoors
Whether they live indoors or outdoors, cats are natural hunters, climbers, and explorers. Their sharp senses and prey-driven instincts are hardwired into them. Without an outlet for these behaviours, cats can quickly become bored or stressed. This is especially true for high-energy breeds like Bengals, Abyssinians, and Somalis, which are known for their active, inquisitive natures.
However, even more relaxed breeds like Ragdolls or British Shorthairs still need engagement to thrive. No cat, no matter how docile, can remain mentally and physically healthy if their natural instincts are ignored.
- The Dangers of Boredom: Why Cats Need Stimulation
Cats that don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation can develop behavioural issues. If you’ve ever had a cat scratch up your furniture, bite out of frustration, or urinate outside their litter box, these behaviours could be signs of boredom. Cats can also become lethargic and gain weight, which increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
High-energy breeds, like Bengals, are especially prone to becoming destructive if their needs aren’t met. Even more laid-back cats benefit from daily mental stimulation to keep them sharp and engaged. The goal is to avoid a bored and stressed cat by providing an environment that mimics their natural instincts.
- Creating a Stimulating Indoor Environment—Inspired by Hank’s Hangout
When I adopted Hank, I knew he’d need a space where he could express his natural behaviours. That’s when I built “Hank’s Hangout” under my staircase. I used rope nets for climbing, a tree branch with platforms for leaping, and artificial vines for privacy. This gives him the chance to climb, scratch, and hide—all within the safety of my home.
Here’s how you can create a similar enriching space for your cat, no matter your living situation:
Climbing Towers & Vertical Spaces: Cats love height, so giving them climbing towers, wall-mounted shelves, or a dedicated space to leap and perch satisfies their need for height and exploration.
Interactive Toys: Toys that mimic hunting—like puzzle feeders or feather wands—stimulate their natural prey drive. Even something as simple as a ball on a string can work wonders.
Window Perches & Hammocks: Cats love watching the world go by. Setting up a perch by a sunny window lets your cat enjoy the sights and sounds of birds, wildlife, and the outdoors, all while staying safe inside.
Scratching Posts & Hiding Spots: Scratching is a natural instinct, so make sure your cat has a designated scratching post. Hiding spots, like cat hammocks or tunnels, also give them a sense of security.
- Bringing the Outdoors In—Connecting Your Indoor Cat to Nature
Indoor cats still need to connect with nature, even if they aren’t allowed to roam freely. Hank, for example, has access to cat grass throughout the house, which aids digestion and provides a natural element to chew on. I’ve also incorporated grounding mats and a tub filled with soil where he can dig and play, which keeps him connected to the earth.
To bring nature indoors for your cat:
Cat Grass and Safe Plants: Cat grass is great for digestion, and some indoor plants are safe for cats. However, it’s essential to avoid toxic houseplants.
Grounding Mats or Digging Boxes: Giving your cat a place to dig—like a tub filled with soil—helps them feel more connected to the natural world indoors.
Leash Training: If your cat is adventurous, leash training is a great way to let them explore the outdoors safely. Hank loves his daily outings, and it satisfies his curiosity without exposing him to the dangers of free roaming.
Catios: If space permits, a catio (a cat patio) is an enclosed outdoor space that lets your cat enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and nature while staying safe.
Also, I’ve found that reinforcing good behaviour with treats helps. Whenever I bring Hank in from his outdoor adventure, I make him sit while I remove his harness. Then, I give him a treat and praise him. This reinforces the positive experience of coming back inside, which is important since Hank isn’t always keen on leaving the "wild."
- Choosing the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle
While some cats, like Bengals, require a lot of physical and mental stimulation, other breeds are more laid-back. If you’re looking for a calmer companion, consider breeds like Ragdolls, Persians, or British Shorthairs. These cats tend to be more relaxed, though they still need enrichment to stay mentally sharp. Whether your cat is high-energy or more docile, it’s important to recognize their individual needs and adjust your environment accordingly.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors—With a Little Help
Indoor cats can lead long, happy lives if their natural instincts are respected. By creating an enriching environment, offering mental stimulation, and connecting your cat to nature, you’ll have a healthy and content companion. And if you’re looking for some fun ways to keep your cat entertained, check out my range of interactive toys, scratching posts, and window perches on the website. They might just be what your cat needs to stay stimulated and happy indoors!
Author: Majella Gee
Model: Hank the Tank
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