How to keep a cat entertained
Photo by Arina Krasnikova from Pexels
- Interactive Toys
- Climbing Sets
- Boxes! Boxes! Boxes!
- Play Hide and Seek
- Chase the Bubble!
- Gone to Work? Get Them Occupied!
Sounds like a weird question in view of the fact that felines sleep for up to 18 hours a day. But the reality is that to stay happy and healthy, fluffs need to be mentally and physically stimulated on a regular basis. This is particularly true for the indoor buddies. And what can be a better exercise than a natural play? According to the “Caring for Your Indoor Cat” report, older cats love playing three or four times a day. As for the younger ones, they’re happy to play 10 times a day or more. To keep your feline playful and 100% satisfied with their indoor routine, follow some quick tips and tricks from Cats Mode on how to entertain cats so you both have a happy ever after.
Interactive Toys
Mousers are descended from hunting-savvy cat ancestors, which means preying is in their blood and must be an essential part of the routine. Laster pointers, feather wands, and toys that can move are absolute favorites among felines because they trigger those original instincts of jungle hunters. If you wonder, “How to keep my cat entertained with a laser pointer?” keep in mind that you are someone who controls the toy. Let them “catch” it at every play session so that they don’t feel frustrated if they fail.
Climbing Sets
Photo by Arina Krasnikova from Pexels
As stated by the authors of the “Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats,” “because of their heritage as both a predator and a prey species, domestic cats naturally climb for observation and safety.” That is why providing things like wooden cat houses or shelves allows your four-legged pal to work their muscles and enjoy being up high. We recommend placing this kind of construction closer to the window so your fluffy predator can watch a personal reality show with cars, birds, and other animals.
Boxes! Boxes! Boxes!
Multiple funny videos on social media prove that a simple cardboard box can work magic when you need to know how to keep cats entertained. Get a couple of boxes of different sizes and see how a small, enclosed space can become a real attraction for a meower! It’s something absolutely pocket-friendly yet being a time-tested source of non-stop entertainment. And if some holes are cut in the boxes – the fun doubles!
Play Hide and Seek
Hide somewhere and go, “Here, kitty, kitty!” Wait until your purrer comes and finds you. A lot of them enjoy the surprise moment in such a process while being in hunting mode.
Chase the Bubble!
There are bubbles that do not contain toxic elements, so hurry up and grab some for your fluffy buddy. Blow them and see how they enjoy jumping and catching every bubble with their paws! They look super cute with a “???” in their eyes every time the bubble is popped.
Gone to Work? Get Them Occupied!
Photo by Arina Krasnikova from Pexels
Life’s hard, and chances are your 9-to-5 job keeps you away from your tabby during the day. That’s why a lot of owners wonder how to keep cats entertained while at work. With our Cats Blog, we’re here to help! A bit of planning, creativity, love, and you’ll provide them with essential physical and mental stimulation to avoid them getting bored or lonely.
Puzzle Feeders
How to entertain a bored cat and feed him while you’re away? With a puzzle feeder, of course! Felines will have to manipulate a food holder in different ways to get their food released. The process includes both crucial ‘ingredients’ – physical and mental stimulation.
Not ready for a purchase yet? Some DIY options will help. Use toilet paper in order to hide their favorite treats. This kind of hand-made feeder will encourage them to make an effort to get a yummy thing.
Catio
Feline fans wondering how to entertain a cat indoors and keep them healthy should consider building a “catio” – a comfy and safe outdoor space. This secure enclosure allows mousers to enjoy sights and breathe fresh air with zero risks for them. To create a more stimulating setting, add greenery, bird feeders, and perches outside the catio.
Automated Toys
The best thing about these toys is their unpredictability. You never know when they may start moving, which serves as a surprise for a feline. So, if you don’t know how to keep a cat entertained while you’re away or busy, get a couple of playthings that move randomly to encourage them to chase any time.
Exercise Wheel
If you think of how to entertain your cat and get them to move more (due to weight loss reasons, for instance), an exercise wheel rocks. Similar to a well-known hamster wheel, it will help tom stay active. Pick the item equipped with a scratch surface so they can satisfy this natural instinct, too.
Fluffy Companions
If you know your feline’s personality from A to Z and are sure they thrive in the company of other pets, get them a companion to socialize while you’re at work. However, as stated in “A Review of the Housing Requirements of Domestic Cats (Felis Silvestris Catus) Kept in Home” research, you (the owner) are the “most important determinant of the cat’s welfare. While interactions with other cats or other animals are important and rewarding to the cat, they are not a substitute for human attention.
Finally, introduce gadgets! After all, the world is device-twisted, so why not infuse a bit of this addiction into your cat’s routine? There are tons of apps available for tablets that your little buddy will appreciate. Perhaps they’re not the best source of physical activity. However, the moving fish or mice on the screen will excite them and encourage solo play.
