Do you also want your cat to stay at home due to all the dangers out there? First of all, sterilisation is key. Cats breed at a rapid rate, and overpopulation is a real problem in South Africa. Your sterilised cat might still take herself on the occasional walk, but chances are she won’t go quite as far and stay away for very long periods. Not to mention that you won’t have to deal with unwanted kittens or serious injury to a male cat who picks fights.
Also keep your cat’s needs in mind – cats should not simply be left to their own devices, and need care and attention. Make your home a comfortable one for your cat as well. Provide her with a sense of security by having set mealtimes, and feed her the best quality food you can afford. Place her food bowl in a quiet area where she will feel safe. Also provide her with a comfortable place to sleep and keep her bedding clean.
An option is to keep your cat indoors – at least during the night. Remember that cats who are confined can become bored, which can lead to destructive behaviour. A lack of activity can also cause weight gain. Therefore it’s very important to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. Provide her with scratching posts and a variety of toys, which you can rotate once in a while to keep things interesting. Also invest time in playing with your cat – toys that she can chase will go a long way in satisfying her natural hunting instincts.
