The Great Indoors: Protect Your Cat and Local Wildlife by Opting Inside

“Keeping cats indoors is one of the easiest ways any animal lover can help their wild neighbors,” says Sarah Cooperman, the executive director at the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary. “We have admitted 40 wildlife patients directly because of a cat attack so far this year, and countless others who were first treated by other facilities due to a cat attack and transferred to us for long term rehabilitative care.” 

Any cat-caught animal must be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, even if it does not appear injured to you. Cats can leave microscopic puncture wounds, invisible to the naked eye, yet deadly to the small animal. The bacteria on their teeth can lead to systemic infection and death very quickly. A licensed rehabber, like those at RWS and WCV, can administer lifesaving antibiotics and treat any other wounds. 

“Many outdoor cat owners are worried their beloved best friend won’t be able to have an enriching life indoors, but that isn’t the case,” continues Cooperman. “Providing stimulation for your cat is fun, simple, and strengthens the bond between you both.”

Indoor Enrichment: Ensuring a Happy and Healthy Life for Indoor Cats

While the decision to keep cats indoors is vital for protecting both wildlife and cats, many owners are concerned about the effect of confinement on their cats’ quality of life. With some intentional species-specific enrichment, however, they can live full and fulfilling indoor lives for years longer on average than their outdoor counterparts.

Here are some effective ways to enrich the lives of indoor cats:

• Interactive Toys and Puzzles: Toys that mimic the movement of prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers, can engage your cat’s hunting instincts. Puzzle feeders can also stimulate their minds and encourage natural foraging behavior. A few minutes of interactive play each day can effectively simulate a hunt and satisfy your house-panther’s predatory instincts. There are even a variety of motorized toys available that animate themselves, making it even easier to get your cat pouncing.

• Cat Trees and Scratching Posts: Vertical spaces, like cat trees, give cats a sense of security and a place to climb, scratch, and observe their surroundings. Scratching posts are essential for maintaining their claws, and reduce the likelihood of unwanted scratching on furniture.

• Window Perches: A window perch or cat hammock placed near a window can provide hours of entertainment as your cat watches birds, squirrels, and the outdoor world. Planting native species that attract pollinators and birds outside the window can further enhance this experience, creating a dynamic “cat TV.”

• Rotation of Toys: Regularly rotating your cat’s toys keeps their environment fresh and exciting. Introducing new textures, sounds, and smells can spark curiosity and prevent boredom. Grab two baskets, separate your cat’s toys between them both, and put one in a cabinet. Continue swapping them out weekly to keep your cat on their toes!

A Community Effort for a Brighter Future

Protecting Virginia’s wildlife while ensuring the well-being of our pets is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone. By keeping cats indoors and providing them with enriching environments, we help maintain the delicate balance between human development and nature. Our actions today will shape the future of Central Virginia’s biodiversity, ensuring that our community remains a vibrant home for all its inhabitants—domestic and wild alike.

Join Us in Protecting Our Local Wildlife



At the SPCA, we’re committed to fostering a compassionate community that prioritizes the well-being of all animals. We encourage pet owners to consider the profound impact of their choices on both their pets and the surrounding environment. Together, we can create a safer, healthier world for our feline friends and the wildlife that makes Central Virginia so unique.

Ready to Learn More?

Visit the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wildlife Center of Virginia's websites to learn more about their efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of Central Virginia!