If you're an indoor cat owner, then you know how important it is to keep them entertained and stimulated. An indoor cat that receives enough mental and physical stimulation can prevent them from becoming bored or destructive. Regular dedicated playtime is just as enriching and entertaining for the cat, as it is for the owner.
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Here we’ve listed some strategies all cat owners can use to keep their indoor cat happy and stimulated.
1. Cat Playtime
One of the best ways to keep your indoor cat entertained is by playing with them. Cats love to play with their owners, whether it's chasing a toy or playing hide and seek. Regular playtime can help strengthen the bond between you and your cat and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Playing with your cat for 10-15 minutes a few times a day will not only keep your cat happy and healthy, but will also strengthen the relationship you have with your furry best friend.
2. Cat Chat
According to Feline Behaviour Consultant, Beth Adelman, talking to your cat is the most beneficial interaction for you and your pet. Adelman says that while it may not seem like play, it’s really meaningful to your cat. For cats who don’t like to be touched, this is even more important and helps build trust between the cat and their owner. Talking to your cat is easy and can be done anywhere in the house. Simply get down on his/her level at a normal distance that you would use when talking with a friend. It doesn’t matter what is said, just speak softly and in a high pitched tone, saying your cat’s name often. Keep relaxed and don’t stare as this will make your cat feel challenged. Blink slowly, especially after your cat blinks. A cat blinking is an indication that they are feeling relaxed.
3. Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are a great way to keep your indoor cat entertained and stimulated. There are many different types of interactive toys available for different budgets, such as wand toys, puzzle feeders, and laser pointers. To find the best interactive cat toys check out Kmart or Petbarn. Cats need variety just like people do, so rotating the toys they play with is important to keeping them interested. While specifically designed cat toys like feather wands, toy mice and balls that make sounds are great for cats, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep indoor cats entertained. YouTube has tonnes of ideas on how to make DIY home made cat toys such as balls of yarn and crumpled pieces of paper.
4. Cat Trees and Scratching Posts
Cats love to climb and scratch, and providing them with a cat tree or scratching post can give them a fun place to play and exercise. It might also save some of your furniture! There are many different types of cat trees and scratching posts available, from simple scratching pads to elaborate multi-level towers depending on your budget. Climbing frames are another great idea that can provide your kitty with vantage points in the home near windows allows them to have a safe place to sit back and watch what’s going on outside. Lastly, many cats love to watch the world go by from the comfort of a window perch. Installing a window perch in your home can give your cat a great view and hours of entertainment.
5. Play Chasing and Hide and Seek
Cats and kittens of all ages love to be chased and play hide and seek as a form of play. Often a cat will stand at one end of a hallway and look back at you as they take a few steps away. This is a cue that they would like to be chased. You might notice that if you sneak around the corners of the house they will happily creep up to find you (they always know where you are!). Cats will generally let you know by making sounds if they aren’t happy with how close you are chasing behind or if they’ve had enough. It’s important that while playing this game that your cat’s tail is always up, which means they are having a good time. If their tail is down it could be a sign that they are running in fear.
​To sum up, keeping your indoor cat entertained is easy, fun and helps to build a strong loving relationship with them. It's easy to keep your cat happy and healthy on any budget. Providing them with interactive toys, cat trees and scratching posts, DIY cat toys or window perches, you can ensure that your cat stays happy, healthy, and entertained.