Many cat owners may allow their cats to roam outdoors, mistakenly thinking that they require some outdoor exercise for stimulation.
However, this is not true. Keeping your cat at home keeps them safe & there are many ways to stimulate their physical & mental well-being indoors.
A bored cat can become a depressed cat, or a destructive cat.
Here are 6 ways on how to keep your cat stimulated at home, keeping them engaged & entertained. The best part is, it doesn't have to be expensive.
1. Providing Cat Scratch Posts
Your cat needs his OWN furniture. Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, which helps them keep their claws healthy & marks their territory. Provide scratching posts made of different materials, such as sisal or cardboard, to satisfy this instinct & save your expensive couch. Refer to my previous Blogpost on the different types of Scratchers you can purchase.
2. Natural Cat TV: Window Perch
Set up a comfortable perch spot near a window so your cat can observe the outside world, providing both entertainment & environmental enrichment - i.e. natural Cat TV.
Explore suitable options from hammocks to Suction window perches, or a good height cat condo with a sturdy base. If you have a bay window, laying out some mats & boxes could do the trick. Birds, passing cars, and other activities can provide visual stimulation & entertainment for your cat to watch the world go by.
3. Rotate Toys:
Have a variety of toys & rotate them regularly. Not all cats enjoy playing with the same type of toys - some may prefer teasers, crinkly toys, rats on wheels, strings, balls, laser pointer (ensure they "catch" the dot) or even a good old aluminum foil ball. Cats can become bored with the same toys, so introducing new ones or re-introducing old ones can pique their interest. Always keep the special toys away so that they don't lose interest & keep string toys safely out of reach.
4. Create Vertical Spaces:
Cats love to climb & explore vertical spaces. Invest in cat trees, shelves, or wall-mounted perches to create a multi-level environment. A simple bookshelf with various cubby holes can keep them entertained as they find areas to nest. This allows your cat to survey their territory from up above, get away from people if they wish to do so, and it's good for exercise.
5. Puzzle Feeders:
Stimulate your cat's mind by using puzzle feeders, so that they are kept entertained & also have to work for their treat! These toys dispense treats or kibble as your cat plays with them, encouraging their curiosity & thinking skills, while providing a rewarding experience. You can also DIY your own puzzles! A client filled a shallow tub with water & placed treats in floating bottle caps for the cats to go fish!
6. Interactive Play:
Playing with your cat is a must!
This doesn't mean just batting toys at them but actually spending quality time playing with your cat using interactive toys with feather wands or laser pointers. Engaging in play strengthens the bond between you & your cat, and also engages them in exercise & stimulation. Play through crinkly tunnels, allowing them to jump & climb & engage their hunter instincts. Catnip toys can be a great way to add excitement to your cat's play. Not all cats react to catnip, so observe your cat's response.
Every cat is unique & has different preferences, so you must observe & engage them in the way they prefer. Regular play promotes mental stimulation & will contribute to a well stimulated, happy & healthy indoor cat.
Downloadable Infographic below & on our Instagram Pg: @thecatwhisperersg
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