If you have an indoor cat, he lives out the majority of his life within the confines of your house—apart from those all-important routine vet visits. Keeping your cat inside is a smart move for protecting him from illness and injury, but he doesn’t receive the same stimulation outdoor cats do. This can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors. With a little creativity and the right ideas, you can keep your cat busy so he stays enriched and happy.
Rotate Your Cat’s Toys
You don’t need to buy dozens of cat toys to keep your feline friend entertained. Simply rotate which toys your cat has access to so they remain fresh and engaging. After all, just a few weeks without seeing his fluffy mouse will make your cat forget he had this toy! When you break it out again, he’ll be just as excited as the day you bought it.
Give Your Cat a Place to Look Outside
Your indoor cat might not be allowed outside, but you can make him a spot to watch birds, squirrels, and other goings-on out the window. If your windows don’t have much of a sill, buy or create a window seat or platform your cat can sit on. Then, if possible, modify the garden outside the window to encourage critters to stop by. Installing a bird bath or bird feeder are both good ideas.
Set Up a Kitty Jungle Gym
Cats love to jump and climb. If you designate a place for your cat to get these urges out, he may be less inclined to jump on the counter or climb the curtains. A jungle gym can be as simple as setting up a cat tree in the corner or as elaborate as mounting carpeted platforms and tunnels to the wall for your kitty to explore. Whatever you choose, your furry friend will love the chance to jump, climb, scratch, and lounge on his jungle gym.
Construct a Maze Out of Cardboard Boxes
When you’re on a tight budget or simply want something temporary to entertain your kitty while you’re out of town, cut up cardboard boxes and tape them together to form a maze. Place pillows, treats, or pouches of catnip inside to make the space enticing and comfy. Be as creative and elaborate as you wish!
Feed Your Cat with Food Puzzle Toys
If your cat gobbles down his food too quickly, occupy him longer and stimulate his mind by placing his food in a puzzle toy. These come in many varieties, but one option is to put food in a hollow ball with small holes that allow the food to fall out when your cat bats it around. You can also make your own puzzle toy by cutting holes in a leftover food container and hanging it by a string from a doorknob. When kitty bats at the container, food falls out.
Keep Your Cat Healthy & Happy—Visit Germantown Vet Today!
We provide a wide variety of vet care services for cats, from preventative visits to diet and nutrition advice to behavioral tips. Whether it’s time for a routine vet visit, or you notice something wrong with your furry friend, come to Germantown Vet today!
Call us at 240-252-7467 to set an appointment or for answers to any questions you have.
