How do I Keep My Indoor Cat Entertained?
Cats are always curious and playful, and a tired cat is always a happy cat. Since we hardly have time to spend with our pets, mostly because we are occupied with work, doing groceries, and taking care of kids for those who are parents, our cats get bored when we don’t give them our attention. Involving your cat in brain-stimulating activities from a young age has been known to hinder or delay cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Here are some of the best tips of keeping indoor cats happy, stimulated and occupied.
8 Ways of Keeping Indoor Cats Happy And Healthy
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Food Puzzles
This tip will work best if your feline friend is food motivated. Introducing your cat to food-based puzzles is fun and highly rewarding. It is also a low maintenance way of keeping your cat full. The food puzzle contains hidden treats which are released once the cat figures out the correct method, stimulating both his mind and body as well. If your cat is super smart and figures out the puzzle easily, the market offers a wide range of new and more challenging food puzzles to choose from.
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Toys
Naturally, cats love to run and play all the time. This translates to why indoor cats go crazy if they fail to work out that excess energy. However, the market offers a wide range of spectacular toys that will keep your cat busy and moving all day long. For cats that are more into the hunt than the actual prize, you can stuff a box with plush toys and let your cat hunt them by flipping them out through the holes. This is a good way to engage their instincts and also keep them occupied for hours.
Related Post: Best Catnip Toys
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Bird Viewing Stations
Cats are curious creatures. Indoor cats want to know what’s happening to the outside world. Watching it go by particularly from an elevated position keeps them occupied and entertained as well. Since wild cats feed on small birds and mammals, even the well-fed domesticated cats have still attracted these small creatures. You can indulge that attraction by setting up a bird viewing station inside the house. Additionally, if you have a second story with a balcony, leave the blinds open so your cat has endless entertaining views. You can alternatively install a shelf or move a piece of furniture near the window so your cat has great outdoor views whenever he/she is alone.
Related Post: Best Cat Window Perches
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Introduce Another Cat
Just like humans, cats also feel lonely. Most of us are barely at home all day to love our cats and give them a companion. To keep your cat happy, consider getting him a companion. Having a buddy to run and play with can go a long way in keeping indoor cats happy, stimulated and busy. Since adopting a new cat is always a huge responsibility, make sure that you are ready to take it on. While there are thousands of homeless cats waiting for someone to take them home, you’ll know best which cat will match the kitty that you already own.
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Let Your Cat go Hunting
When indoor cats fail to get enough stimulation, they are going to get bored and look for ways to escape outside. In addition to toys that stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts, you can help your cat exercise and stay busy by hiding his favorite treats around the house. Make him move all over the house looking for these treats. You can also freeze the treats in ice cubes, so the cat will have to work to extract its reward.
Read: Hunting & Mousing Cat Breeds
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Provide Cat Specific Furniture
Since cats are parts of the family, they deserve their own furniture. Basically, cat furniture includes; scratching posts, bench and cat trees. Cat furniture comes in a wide variety to choose from and they will keep your cat happy and engaged for hours. Another good thing about cat furniture is that they play a big role in protecting your furniture from cat scratches. With a bit of training, your cat will learn to take out his natural scratching instincts on his furniture, rather than your couch or table.
Related Post: Best Cat Scratching Posts
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Build a Catio
Another way to keep your cat entertained while still offering him fresh air is to install a catio. A catio refers to an enclosed structure that’s easily placed in a yard, deck or patio to give your cat some time outside without having to put on a leash. Using a catio provides your cat with a snug view of the outdoor world while enjoying the breeze of fresh air. A catio will also put your cat safe from danger from larger predators. You can purchase a premade catio, hire someone to build one or build one yourself.
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Take the Cat for a Walk
Whenever you are free, try as much as possible to take your cat out for a walk. This is not just helpful for the cat, but also for you as well. It is possible to train your cat to walk on a leash. This is the most responsible way to let your cat outside. You can start training your cat when he is still a kitten, but older cats can also be trained. Begin by getting your cat used to wearing a harness for short periods of time while indoors, then move on to attaching the leash. After the cat is comfortable with the leash, it’s time to try it outside. Begin with short trips outside and then increase the duration of the trip gradually. Once the cat gets used to it, make sure that you do it often at a similar time.
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Benefits of Entertaining an Indoor Cat
- Cats are curious creatures and by keeping them entertained satisfies their stalking behavior.
- Keeps them stimulated and provides the exercise they need to stay healthy.
- Help keep small birds and mammals safe.
- Protects your furniture from destructive scratches.
Conclusion
While it is exceptionally essential to keep your cat fully fed, safe and snug, it is also important to make sure that he/she is entertained and occupied throughout the day. Entertaining your cat helps maintain a healthy body keeps muscles toned and strong. By staying occupied, your cat gets to stay away from destructive behaviors. The tips above are known to keep cats entertained when left alone indoors, so go ahead and try them.