FAQ

Indoor cats, real questions. We've grouped the ones we get asked the most. If your question isn't here, drop us a line at hello@pawtopia.com.

1. How much daily play does an indoor cat actually need?

Two 15–20 minute interactive sessions a day is the general benchmark — ideally one in the morning and one before their evening feed. Younger cats want more; seniors slightly less. The trick isn't total minutes; it's making the play feel like a real hunt: stalk, chase, capture, and a satisfied stop.

2. My cat sleeps most of the day. Should I be worried?

Twelve to sixteen hours of sleep is normal. Past eighteen hours — with no curiosity about windows, no interest in toys, and a flat reaction when you come home — it's worth a vet conversation. Most of the time the cause is under-stimulation rather than illness, and adding puzzle feeders, vertical territory, and short play sessions can change behaviour within a fortnight.

3. What signs tell me my cat is bored or under-stimulated?

Common ones: over-grooming (often the belly or inner thighs), pacing at the same time each day, ankle ambushes, bullying other pets, unexplained weight gain, redirected aggression, and the classic 3 a.m. zoomies. None of these alone is a diagnosis, but stack two or three and your cat is telling you the day is too quiet.

4. Are laser toys safe? I've heard they cause frustration.

Lasers are safe for the eyes if you avoid pointing directly at them — but the frustration point is real. Cats are wired to end a hunt with a physical capture, and a laser dot never gives them one. The fix is simple: end every laser session by guiding the dot onto a soft toy or treat the cat can actually catch. That gives the brain its reward and prevents the post-play agitation owners describe.

5. How do I stop my cat scratching the sofa?

You don't stop the scratching — you redirect it. Scratching is non-negotiable: it sheds claw sheaths, marks territory, and stretches the back. The fix is a scratching surface that beats the sofa: tall enough for a full stretch, stable enough not to wobble, and made of sisal or rough wood. Park it next to the spot they're currently using. Double-sided tape on the sofa for two weeks usually finishes the job.

6. My cat overgrooms. Is this anxiety or just normal?

Cats spend 30–50% of their waking hours grooming, so volume alone isn't the signal. Overgrooming shows up as bald patches (commonly belly, inner thighs, forelegs), broken hairs, or skin irritation. Causes range from allergies and parasites (rule out with a vet) to anxiety. Once medical causes are out, environmental enrichment — vertical space, routine, play, pheromones — is usually where the answer is.

7. Do pheromone diffusers actually work, or is it placebo?

The research backs them. Synthetic feline facial pheromone (F3) has been shown in clinical trials to reduce stress signs during moves, vet visits, and the introduction of new pets, and to lower aggression in multi-cat homes. They're not a magic switch and won't fix a fundamentally hostile environment, but as one ingredient in a calming strategy they help most cats.

8. We're getting a second cat. How do I help them get along?

Slowly. Set up the new cat in a separate room with their own litter, food, and water. Swap a blanket between rooms each day so they get used to each other's scent. After 4–7 days, swap rooms (without the cats in them) so they explore by smell. Introduce visually through a cracked door or baby gate. Direct contact only when both eat calmly on opposite sides of the gate. Plan on 2–4 weeks before they're loose together. A pheromone diffuser in the shared space helps.

9. What's the difference between play, exercise, and enrichment?

Exercise is movement — running, jumping. Play is exercise wrapped in predatory or social context — stalking a wand, batting a ball. Enrichment is broader: anything that lets your cat express a natural behaviour, including climbing, foraging, scratching, hiding, perching. A well-enriched cat isn't just physically tired; they're mentally satisfied. That's what reduces problem behaviours over the long term.

10. How do I rotate toys to keep things interesting?

Cats habituate to objects fast. Rotation beats new purchases. Keep half of your cat's toys in a closed box. Each week, swap the visible toys with the boxed ones. After a couple of cycles, "old" toys come back like they're brand new. Pair this with one or two interactive toys that change behaviour by themselves (motion-triggered, puzzle feeders) and your cat stays engaged on a fraction of the budget.