Sure, cats may snooze incessantly, but when they're not sleeping, they need plenty of attention. They want to play, they want to feel loved, and they want to catch things, which is why you want to keep them indoors. You'll not only protect your cat from disease, cars, and other dangers, you'll also keep wildlife safe from your cat. To make your loyal friend happy at home, its important to spend time with him or her and create an active environment. "The best way to strengthen your bond is to understand you cat's needs and learn to relate to the animal," says Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for Companion Animals at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Here's what you can do.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Keep cats content indoors with a front-row view of the outdoors. Give them plenty of sunshine, a sense of nature, and a view of the action with a seat on a window perch or on a piece of furniture placed near a window. "What cats like about the outdoors is the stimulation. There is always something happening to catch their attention," says Joan Miller, a member of the board of directors for the Cat Fanciers' Association.

CHAT UP YOUR CAT
You may feel funny at first, but if you do it regularly and repeat phrases, you cat will begin to recognize you tone of voice and gestures. Cats will start to "talk" back too. You'll be able to tell how they are feeling from the way they hold their ears to their posture. If you cat stands on his or her toes, for example, chances are the animal is asking to be picked up. A quivering tail? Your cat adores you. "Cats communicate a lot through body language," says Shain. "It's just a matter of spending time with them and learning what each twitch of the tail means."

STOCK UP THE TOY CHEST
Cats like change and surprises with their toys, says Miller. So don't leave the same pile of playthings around - they'll get bored. Instead, rotate the toys about once a week. And you don't need to spend a lot of money. "A Ping-Pong ball in an empty bathtub can keep a cat busy for hours," reports Shain, who says she knows a cat who loves to chase balled-up notebook paper. Even paper grocery bags (with the handles removed) or cardboard boxes can be a cat's favorite attractions.

PLAN ON PLAYTIME
Some rigorous playing will help keep your cats active and in shape - and it's also essential for their mental well-being. Cats have a natural stalking instinct, and playing is a healthy way to satisfy it. Your feline friend may like leaping to catch a cat teaser. But when you're the one moving the toy while you cat fishes, chases, or jumps after it, then playtime becomes a bonding experience.

Reprinted by permission of The Humane Society of the United States.