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Bored Cat
Is Your Cat Bored?
Here are some tips on how to keep your indoor cat active and entertained.
Indoor cats tend to sleep a lot and become very lazy. With this comes weight gain and its related health problems. It’s up to us as cat owners to step in and help our kitties to get moving! If dog owners can find time in their busy days to walk their dogs, we can find time for our cats!
- Set aside some time each day to play and interact with your cat. Try different toys to see what your cat likes. Laser pointers are a good way to get your kitty up and running. Just ensure you allow your cat to catch something at the end. Constantly chasing and being unable to catch that red dot will cause your kitty to become stressed and anxious.
- Feather wands and other toys on wands like “neko flies” are a good way to get your kitty running and jumping.
- Electronic and battery-operated toys that move on their own will fulfill your kitty’s need to stalk and pounce on prey.
- Create a vertical living space. Provide cat trees with multi-levels from floor to ceiling. Not only will this encourage climbing, but it also will fulfill your cat’s need to retreat to a high place to feel safe.
- Place perches at least waist-high and higher next to windows. This will give your kitty a viewing platform for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Put up bird feeders and bird baths outside to encourage visitors.
- If you have enough room in your home, consider putting in a cat wheel. Some cats need encouragement to get on it, and others take to it right away. They can be expensive, but also a great investment into your cat’s mental and physical health.
- Make them work for their food. Hide treats and kibble inside boxes, paper towel rolls, paper bags, etc., so they must hunt for food and treats. Many toys are made just for this, including treat balls and mazes. Or you could make your own!
- Consider leaving the TV on while you’re not at home. You can even buy DVDs made just for cats, with birds, squirrels, and fish for them to watch!
- Create an outdoor enclosure with lots of levels and perches. This way, your kitty can enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells of the outdoors but remain safe while doing so.