Indoor cats need daily stimulation and entertainment. To ensure your cat stays healthy and happy, you need to find ways to keep your indoor cat entertained. You may be at home, at work, or away from home.
In this article, I’ll explore ways and show you how to entertain indoor cats. I will provide tips to make playtime fun and games both you and your cat can have fun with. I will outline different types of cat toys and activities. I will discuss what you can do to create a safe and stimulating environment that your indoor cat can enjoy.
It may be adding cat-centric toys to your home, or setting aside regular time for interactive play.
Get ready to learn how to create an entertaining home environment and keep your indoor cat happy.
Are your indoor cats alone at home? How well are your cats entertaining themselves? Maybe you are at work or away for a few days. Consider hiring a pet sitter to just check in on your cats or ask a family member. It may put your mind at ease to know that someone has checked that everything is okay with your cats.
Ideas For Mental and Physical Stimulation
In cats, playtime mimics hunting. Cats need to play indoors as they don’t hunt.
Here are some activities to ensure your cat gets enough exercise and entertainment:
Interactive Toys
Feather wands and laser pointers can provide physical stimulation for your cat.
A puzzle feeder will provide physical stimulation and mental stimulation. It is a search and reward activity. The cat has to work out how the puzzle feeder works to get the reward.
Make sure the treats are healthy treats.
Hide cat treats that you know your cats like to give them an incentive to work out how the puzzle works.
An interactive toy will encourage your cat to chase, jump, and play, which is great exercise and so much fun.
Rotate the toys regularly to entertain your cat.
Some examples of puzzle feeders and interactive toys.
Scratching Posts
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Providing a scratching post or pad can help meet this need while also giving your cat a physical outlet. Scratching posts can also help keep your cat’s claws healthy.
A scratching post can be a sisal structure or a post covered in carpet. That is what we commonly see in stores and use for our cats.
There are some excellent cat scratchers made from corrugated cardboard.
Cat Run Or Catio
Do you have the opportunity to have a run at your place? It allows the cat to move outdoors, within a controlled, confined area. It gives the cat safe access to the great outdoors while remaining safe from the perils of being outside.
Aivituvin Catio – Outdoor Cat Enclosure Large Walk in Platforms
This enclosure is deluxe. It has so many amazing features. Connecting to the cat door or a window is a huge plus. Your cat can come and go as he pleases. The asphalt roof makes it weather proof.
Some cat runs, like the one above allow the cat access from the inside of the house to the outside of the house. A cat run gives the cat the benefits of being outside without any of the associated dangers.
Climbing Structures
Cats love to climb. Providing your cat with a tall cat tree can give them the opportunity to climb. Cat trees come in many different sizes to suit one elderly cat or several active cats.
Wall shelves that also incorporate steps are fantastic for cats to leap around out of harm’s way.
This also provides a vantage point for them to watch over their domain.
Playtime with Owners
Spending time playing with your cat is a great way to bond with your cat. It also provides an opportunity for physical activity.
Play with your cat and with his toys. Give him plenty of positive reinforcement and praise when he engages in the activity.
Catwalks
Make a catwalk or elevated platform on which your cat can climb and jump from one piece of furniture to another. It will be a challenge for them to explore the area while keeping them engaged.
Window Watching
Cats love to watch birds and other animals outside. Providing them with a window perch is actually cat heaven.
Bear in mind that a window perch in summer may be too hot if the window receives direct sunlight.
Consider A Companion
If possible, consider adopting a second cat as a feline companion for your cat. Make sure to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions.
By providing your cat with these activities and opportunities, you can ensure they get enough physical stimulation while staying safe and happy inside your home.
DIY Activities To Keep Cats Entertained?
Make An Indoor Gym
Make an indoor gym for your cat inside your home. You can create tunnels and hiding spots, and use various toys to encourage them to move around the space.
The beauty of this idea is that you can change to structure by adding boxes, creating tunnels and places to hide.
Put cardboard boxes around the room for a great way to keep your cat entertained and encourage exploration.
An empty cardboard box can be filled with balls or other small toys. Add a comfy chair pad or two. Love the hole cut in the box below.
Paper carrier bags that re large enough for the cat to explore can also provide a lot of fun. Keep an eye out for the bags that have some stiffness to the paper quality. These bags are more likely to remain open for the cat to explore as compared to flimsy paper bags.
A scratching post is one of the easiest ways to keep your cats entertained while indoors. This can be done by simply attaching rope, carpet, or sisal fabric around a cardboard tube or post.
When Should You Change The Activities Or Cat Toys To Keep Your Cat Entertained?
It’s a good idea to change your indoor cat’s activities and cat toys regularly to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated.
The frequency at which you should do this can vary based on your cat’s individual needs and preferences, but a general guideline is to switch things up every few weeks.
Here are a few ideas for keeping your cat engaged with new activities and toys:
Rotate their toys – Indoor cats can get bored with the same toys over time. Rotate through the different cat’s toys to keep them interested.
You can also try hiding cat toys around the house for your cat to discover.
Introduce new food puzzles – A puzzle feeder can be a great way to engage your cat’s hunting instincts and keep them mentally stimulated. Cats are natural born hunters so introducing a new puzzle feeder every few weeks will keep the cat occupied.
Play new games: Try out different types of games with your cat, such as laser pointers or wand toys. Experiment to see what your cat likes best.
Create new spaces: Cats love exploring new spaces, so try creating new hiding spots or perches for your cat to discover. You can also try rearranging their existing toys and furniture to create a new environment.
Overall, the key is to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and adjust their routine as needed to keep them happy and engaged.
How To Make Sure Your Cat Is Not Too Stimulated And Stressed?
While it’s important to keep your indoor cat entertained and mentally stimulated, it’s equally important to ensure that they are not overstimulated and stressed.
Try to strike the right balance.
Observe your cat’s behavior
Pay attention to your cat’s body language and behavior. If your cat seems restless, agitated, or are excessively grooming themselves or each other, they may be overstimulated.
Provide a quiet space
Make sure your cat has a quiet and comfortable space to retreat to when they need to rest or relax. This could be a cozy bed or a cat tree in a quiet room.
Try playing this music for your indoor cat. It will entertain them and hopefully reduce anxiety and be calming for your cats.
Provide a routine
Cats like routine, so establish a regular feeding and playtime schedule to help your cat feel more relaxed and secure.
Use calming aids
There are a variety of natural and synthetic calming aids available, such as pheromone diffusers or herbal supplements that can help soothe an overstimulated cat.
Please check with your vet before using any supplements.Consult with your vet
If your cat is exhibiting signs of stress or anxiety, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. The vet can rule out any underlying health issues and you can get recommendations for managing your cat’s stress.
Find the right balance between stimulation and relaxation for your indoor cat. By paying attention to your cat’s behavior and providing a calm, comfortable environment, you can help ensure that they are happy, healthy, and stress-free.
How To Train A cat To stay Indoors
Are There Any Specific Considerations For Elderly Or Disabled Cats?
Yes, there are specific considerations for indoor cats that are elderly or disabled.
Adjust Their Living Space
As cats age or become disabled, they may have difficulty jumping, climbing, or navigating tight spaces.
Consider adjusting their living space to make it more accessible and comfortable for them.
This could include providing cat furniture such as low perches or ramps to help them get around. Use litter boxes with low sides that are easier for them to access.
Food bowls that are elevated from the ground allow the cat to eat in a crouch position. This is preferable eating position for the cat compared to bending right down to the ground
Also get a cat bed, that has a low entry point but has soft sides with some support.
Provide Plenty Of Comfortable Resting Places
Older or disabled cats spend more time resting, so it’s important to provide plenty of comfortable and cozy resting places.
This could include cat beds with soft, supportive cushions, heated beds or blankets to help soothe aching joints, or elevated perches with soft cushions.
Adjust Their Diet
Older cats may have different nutritional needs than younger cats.
It’s important to adjust their diet accordingly. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat’s age and health condition.
Grow your own cat grass. Your indoor cat will love it, and it is easy to grow.
Monitor Their Behavior
As cats age, they may be more susceptible to certain health issues, such as arthritis or kidney disease.
Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, or changes in litter box habits.
Our elderly cat developed diabetes which meant a whole new regime of care.
Offer Gentle Playtime
While playtime is important for cats of all ages, older or disabled cats may have limited mobility and energy. Offer gentle playtime with toys that don’t require too much movement, such as wand toys or puzzle feeders.
You may find as we always did that our elderly cat seemed to get a new lease of life when he was having a gentle play with family members.
Overall, by making a few adjustments to your home and lifestyle, you can help your indoor elderly or disabled cat live a comfortable and happy life.
Multiple Cats In The House And They Have Different Preferences?
If you have multiple indoor cats in the house and they have different preferences, it can be challenging to keep everyone happy.
Provide Multiple Resources
When you have multiple indoor cats, it’s important to provide multiple resources such as food bowls, water bowls, litter boxes, and resting places.
This helps to avoid competition and ensures that each cat has their own space.
Offer Variety
While each cat may have their own preferences, it’s important to offer a variety of toys, games, and activities to keep everyone engaged and stimulated.
Rotate through different types of toys and games to keep things interesting.
Create Separate Play Areas
If your cats have different play styles or preferences, consider creating separate play areas for each cat. This can help prevent competition and allow each cat to play in their own way.
Observe Their Behavior
Pay attention to your cats’ behavior. Adjust their resources and routines as needed to help everyone feel comfortable and happy.
For example, if one cat is consistently bullied by another cat during mealtime, consider feeding them separately.
How To Keep A cat from Running Out The Door
Do Cats Get Bored In Apartments?
Cats can get bored in apartments if they do not have enough mental and physical stimulation. It is important to keep them engaged and entertained to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior, anxiety, and other health issues.
Here are some signs that your cat may be bored:
Destructive Behavior
If your cat is scratching furniture or carpets, knocking things over, or getting into things they shouldn’t, it may be a sign that they are bored and looking for something to do.
Excessive Sleeping
While cats sleep a lot naturally, if your cat seems to be sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of boredom. A bored cat is often lethargic and has a lack of interest in activities.
Increased Vocalization
Some bored cats will become more vocal and look for attention or something to do.
Overeating
Boredom can lead to overeating, which can contribute to weight gain and health problems.
Hiding Or Avoiding Interaction
If your cat seems to be hiding more or avoiding interaction with you, it could be a sign of boredom or depression.
Keeping an indoor cat entertained can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
By providing your feline friend with plenty of opportunities for play, exercise, and mental stimulation, you can help them live a happy and healthy life indoors.
Some great ways to keep your cat entertained include providing them with plenty of toys, setting up climbing structures or a cat tower, hiding treats or food puzzles around the house, and playing interactive games with them.
You can also try creating a safe outdoor space, such as a catio, to give your cat a taste of the outdoors without exposing them to potential dangers.
With a little creativity and effort, you can help your indoor cat thrive and enjoy their life to the fullest
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