How To Take Your Cat On An Indoor Adventure?

 

Not only can you take your cat on walks and outdoor adventures, but there are also places you can take them to visit that are indoors and have a variety of activities for them. Whether you’re a feline connoisseur or a first-time cat parent, here’s a complete guide for exploring some indoor places with your cat.

 

Things to do before taking your cat to indoor places

Taking your cat to indoor places is a great way to spend time together and have fun. However, before taking your cat out of the house, there are a few things you need to do to ensure they have a good time and stay safe and sound.

Practice walking indoors

The best way to acclimate your cat to a leash and harness is to practice inside, in a safe environment. Before you head out, consider practicing walking your cat indoors on a harness and leash first to help them get used to wearing one and walking with it. A cat who has never been walked on a leash will need time to get used to the idea. The key to success is patience and consistency.

Get your cat used to a carrier

You should get your cat used to their carrier well before you plan on taking your cat anywhere. Put the carrier in a room where your kitty likes to hang out — with treats inside — and let them investigate it at their leisure. Once your cat is comfortable with that, try closing them in for short periods of time. Gradually increase that until you're able to put them inside for longer periods without them freaking out.

Plan a trial run

Before taking your kitty somewhere, take them for a drive around your neighborhood. The idea is to get them used to the sensation of being in a car. After you've taken them on several drives around the neighborhood — and they're getting used to being in the car without freaking out — it's time for a longer drive. Keep it short at first, then gradually increase the length of the trip until you're finally ready to reach your destination.

Choose a destination wisely

Most cities have pet-friendly places that allow cats, like restaurants with outdoor seating or shops with open-air sidewalks. Plan ahead by checking with local establishments about their policies before you head out with your cat for the day.

Make sure your cat stays up-to-date on vaccinations

If you want to take your cat to indoor places, make sure they're vaccinated against diseases such as rabies and feline leukemia. They should be protected against other diseases as well. While it's difficult to predict every situation in which exposure might occur, it's best to protect your kitty against as many diseases as possible.

 

 

 

What indoor places can I take my cat to?

You might not know this, but there are many indoor places that are cat-friendly. Now that you've prepared for your indoor adventure with your cat, here are some of the best places to bring your feline friend along: (Disclaimer: Check with the place first to make sure it's cool)

 

Dining al fresco with your feline companion is often an enjoyable experience. Some restaurants offer outdoor seating for guests who bring along their pets. Try to find a restaurant that has covered outdoor seating so your cat won't get overheated in the sun or exposed to rain.

Malls

If you want to give your cat a taste of the outdoors while keeping them safe and secure, head to the mall. Some malls allow pet owners to take their leashed pets inside to do their shopping. Call ahead before bringing your cat in just to make sure it's OK with management and other shoppers. The mall is a great place to bring your cat because it offers large open spaces. You can even get your cat their own little shopping cart.

Libraries

Many libraries welcome leashed pets — some even have special programs and reading sessions geared toward kids and their pets! Just ask at the reference desk if you're not sure about the policy at your local library. Cats love to read. Take your cat to the library so they can pick out their next great adventure. And if you don't have a library card of your own, they can probably help with that too.

Pet stores

Many locally owned pet supply stores welcome leashed pets inside their stores. You can spend hours browsing the aisles with your kitty. Pet stores are great because they provide a safe environment where your cat can roam around without worrying about other animals or humans bothering them. Just make sure you bring a properly fitting harness for your cat to wear.

Cat cafes

If you’re not familiar with cat cafes, then you’re missing out on something very special! A cat cafe is a restaurant or coffee shop where people can go and enjoy their food or drink in the company of cats. There are usually several cats at the cafe, so your kitty will have plenty of new friends to play with while you enjoy some coffee and watch all of the adorable antics going on around them!

Hotels

Cats are generally allowed at hotels. But the requirements vary, so always call ahead to the hotel to verify their pet policy. Usually, if they allow pets, there is a fee associated with bringing them, and they may have a size or weight limit. Taking your cat to a hotel involves some planning and preparation, be sure to keep your kitty in a carrier and keep an eye on them at all times.

 

Tips for keeping your cat safe while they're in indoor places

When you take your cat to indoor places, the most important thing is to keep them safe and calm. You want them to enjoy themselves as much as possible instead of feeling uncomfortable. The following tips will help keep your cat safe and happy while you're out on the town:

Take your cat in their carrier

That way, if your cat gets scared, they can hide inside the carrier. It's also safer because strangers won't try to pick up your cat. If they do ask, they'll have to talk to you first.

Give your cat time to adjust to their surroundings

As long as your cat is used to spending time in their harness, they shouldn’t mind if you take them to an indoor place. The problem arises when they notice that they are in a new environment.

 

Your cat may feel uncomfortable when they see people walking by or other dogs passing by. They may also feel intimidated by noises that they have never heard before. That’s why it is important that you give your cat time to adjust to their surroundings before you go any further.

 

Let them smell around and get acquainted with the area slowly so they don’t feel overwhelmed. When your kitty is comfortable enough, let them explore the place more freely.

Keep your cat on a leash & harness at all times

If you want to take your cat out on an adventure but are worried they might run away, use a leash and harness to keep them close by. And by keeping your kitty on a leash, you can control them and teach them how to behave outside of their comfort zone.

Have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong

An emergency plan is a good precaution, especially when you're taking your cat out in public. Keep a list of trusted vets in the area and make sure they are open when you will be there. Bring your cat's medical records with you, as well as a few days' worths of any medication they're taking. Have their microchip information on hand as well, just in case they get lost. And if your cat becomes aggressive toward people or other animals, bring them back home right away. 

 

 

 

Whether you want a furry friend to accompany you regularly, or you are just looking for something to enrich your cat’s life, make it fun for your kitty, and always respect their boundaries. Happy adventuring!