We’re thrilled to share expert insights from our vet, Dr. Heidi, as she dives into a topic every cat parent should know about: indoor cat wellness 🐱 This complete video is now available to watch right here on our website!

Indoor living keeps cats safe from cars, fights and traffic, but it also changes how much they move, play and use their natural instincts. A happy indoor cat needs more than food, water and a sunny windowsill.

In this full video, Dr. Heidi walks through the most common health issues in indoor cats, how much play they really need, and the litter tray signs that mean it’s time to see the vet.

In this session, Dr. Heidi covers:

• The most common health issues in indoor cats, including weight gain, reduced fitness, dental disease, constipation and urinary problems. She explains how extra weight can raise the risk of conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
• How to spot boredom or stress, from hiding and withdrawing to swatting at ankles or spraying inside (yes, one cat even sprayed in a toaster!). She explains why these changes can also be a sign of pain, such as a urinary tract infection, so a vet check matters.
• Whether indoor cats still need flea, worm and vaccine treatments, and why the answer depends on each cat’s age, history and exposure.

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Healthy
Dr. Heidi also shares practical guidance for indoor cat parents:

• Make play a daily habit. Start with two or three sessions a day of around 5 to 10 minutes, adjusted to your cat’s age and fitness. Wand toys are great for getting them stalking and pouncing, but supervise play, put toys away afterwards, and rotate them so your cat doesn’t get bored.
• Bring the outdoors in. Cat towers, scratching surfaces and spots by the window give your cat a “tree” to climb and keep them moving between play sessions.
• Keep an eye on the litter tray. Watch for more frequent or larger wees, blood, crying, or hard, dry stools. A cat straining to wee with nothing coming out is a veterinary emergency, so see your vet straight away.
• Get the litter setup right. Keep trays clean and in a quiet spot, and aim for one tray per cat. They don’t like to share!

Watch the Full Session

This video is packed with expert advice on giving your indoor cat a healthy, happy life. It covers the most common health issues, how to tell boredom from pain, and what your cat’s litter tray is telling you. Dr. Heidi also explains how a faecal test can help you and your vet decide whether your indoor cat needs routine parasite treatment.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Tail Talk Tuesday - Indoor Cat Care

Indoor life can be the safest life for your cat, as long as their inner hunter gets a workout too 🐾