How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy And Entertained

If you have an indoor cat, you might worry about their potential boredom. Cats are notorious for sleeping the day away, but there are numerous ways to keep your feline friend active and entertained even when you're not home.

Whether you work long hours or just want to ensure your cat is engaged on the weekends, these tips will help keep your cat lively and happy. And improve your cat’s overall wellbeing.

Keep Your Cats Engaged with a Variety of Toys

Toys are essential for keeping our cats entertained and mentally stimulated.

Consider providing a varied selection of toys, such as:

Balls and Stuffed Toys:

Small balls, especially those with bells inside, and stuffed mice can keep your cat occupied for hours. Ping pong balls scattered around the house are another great option for batting around. Milar bows are a favorite among many kitties.

Interactive Play:

If you have a flashlight or a laser pointer, use it to create a moving light that your cat can chase. This simple activity can provide some great exercise and entertainment.

Create Hide and Seek Opportunities:

Cats are naturally curious and love to explore hidden spaces.

Here are a few ideas:

Cardboard Boxes:

Place open cardboard boxes around your home. Cats love to jump inside and investigate these cozy spots.

Paper Bags:

Safe and inexpensive, paper bags can be an endless source of amusement. Ensure there are no handles to prevent your cat from getting stuck.

Introduce Catnip to Your Kitty to Get Them Moving

Catnip can be a wonderful stimulant for many cats.

Sprinkle Catnip Around the House:

Place catnip on your cat's favorite toys or in different spots around your home. This will encourage playful and frisky behavior, as many cats enjoy rolling and rubbing against catnip. And not to worry, catnip isn’t harmful to cat, and it usually causes a ‘frisky’ response where your kitty rolls or rubs against the catnip.

There are even some catnip toys that are filled with catnip that can be a great option for entertaining your cat while you are away.

Invest in a Cat Tree

Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from a high vantage point.

Ready-made or DIY:

You can buy a pre-made cat tree or create your own. These structures vary in size and complexity, offering climbing, scratching, and resting spots.

Make sure to place the cat tree near a window so your cat can watch the outdoor activities. This not only provides entertainment but also satisfies their natural curiosity.

Adopt Another Cat

Introducing a second cat can provide your kitty with not only companionship but constant entertainment. By having another cat at home, you can help to reduce your cat’s loneliness and encourage more playtime. While the initial introductions may require patience, most cats eventually enjoy having a playmate.

And, of course, adopting another cat also means giving a home to another shelter pet that needs a new home.

Install a Window Perch

A window perch allows your cat to bask in the sun and watch the world outside.

Indoor Perch:

Install a secure perch or a cat hammock near a sunny window. This gives your cat a comfortable place to relax and watch the outside world.

Outdoor Enclosures:

If possible, consider a secure outdoor enclosure attached to a window. These provide fresh air and a change of scenery while keeping your cat safe.

Tailor The Entertainment/Ideas to Your Cat’s Preferences

Every cat has its own unique preferences for toys and activities. Pay attention to what your cat enjoys most and incorporate those elements into their daily routine. Keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated will reduce excessive napping and contribute to their overall wellbeing.

By implementing some of these strategies, you can ensure that your indoor cat remains entertained, happy, and healthy, even when you're not around.