Careless wandering, theft and health and safety risks are among the reasons many cat owners keep their pets indoors, says Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa.
There are, however, concerns about the effect this has on cats’ well-being and health, as well as the resale value of one’s property. To balance the happiness of both cats and homeowners, Goslett advises:
◆Child-lock storage units: Cats are explorers by nature. If you take away their ability to roam the streets, they will roam your wardrobes instead.
◆Provide indoor entertainment: Make sure your cat has enough to play with inside, so they don’t ruin furniture.
◆Clean daily: Keeping a litterbox indoors can lead to pungent odours, so clean it daily. Sweeping up cat hair will also become a daily challenge. Some cats will show warning signs if they are not happy living indoors.
“It might be better to find a home in a safer neighbourhood, where you can allow your cat to roam freely during the day."