Many people think of cats as generally nonchalant and uncaring creatures, but that could not be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that cats just don’t need a lot of attention from their owners. Even though you may think the opposite, your pet cat loves you and show it in a different way compared to other pets, such as dogs.
The question now is: how can you entertain your cat and keep it content and happy while indoors ? That is exactly one of the best ways of keeping your cat safe, or keeping the outside birds safe from your cat. Cats are great at hunting, especially when birds are in question. So, it is for the better that you keep your cats indoors rather than outside.
Here are 10 ways to entertain your cat
We know how important it is to keep your pet happy and healthy, so that is why we have listed a few things you should try out, if you haven’t already, to entertain your cat.
-
Get a bird viewing station
The number one reason why pet cats still hunt for birds and other small critters, even though they are properly fed, is because it is in their blood. It’s based on their instinct; this prey catching behavior is nothing to worry about. However, in hopes of preventing your cat from killing any nearby wildlife creatures, and keeping them happy all at the same time, you should install a cat window perch.
A cat window perch is a small cat bed that can be mounted on your window’s glass or sills, that perfectly provides your cat with a great view of the outside. Additionally, get a birdbath or feeder and place it right outside the window where you have mounted the cat perch. By doing this your cat will have the viewing pleasure of the birds, but it will come without the expense of the birds’ lives.
-
Play with your pet cat!
Cats, even though they are not as active, love to play and be played with! Even if they are not one of the most energetic pets, they are active enough to keep both parties entertained. They are naturally crazy flexible and athletic, and if they can’t work out their excess energy, then it might turn to destructive behavior.
Cat toys are your best friend in this matter. They are usually found in most pet stores and you can use them to entertain your cat for hours upon hours. The usual fake mice, feather toys, strings, and laser pointers are great starting toys for any cat. And know this, the more tired your cat is after playtime the happier it is in the end.
-
Allow your pet to hunt
This does not mean that you let your cat outside to hunt for birds, though. Instead of that, provide it with a hunting game so that it doesn’t get bored and look for ways to do that outside. As a cat owner, you should always stimulate your cat’s hunting instinct by placing treats around the house. They are curious animals, after all, and this way they have a lesser likelihood to get bored.
Cat puzzle toys are also a great alternative to keep your cat mentally stimulated. A classic enrichment tactic is putting treats in those puzzles, this is used for big cats in zoos to help improve their mental and physical condition.
-
Keep the litterbox clean!
Felines generally are really sensitive to smell and would always require a clean environment to be happy. Because of that sensitivity, when relieving themselves they bury their excrements to subdue the smell. When they find that their litterbox is dirty, they might just go and relieve themselves on another, less desired spot.
Changing your cat’s litter box should be done around twice a week and scoop it once a day. Place a mat in front of the litter box so it catches the excess litter on your cat’s paws and prevents it from being scattered around the house. You’ll have a happier pet and a cleaner house.
-
Buy a cat tree
All felines love to climb, in the wild cats climb up on trees as a way of hunting their prey, but it is also in a way a safe space for when they get scared. Cats raised as pets have kept this kind of behavior, so to prevent your cat from climbing and ripping up your curtains, getting up on shelves and pushing that glass vase, leading up to a whole mess, get them a cat tree!
Cat trees, or as they are often referred to as kitty condos, can be as tall as the ceiling of your home. There are smaller options if you would prefer that, but if you ever opt to get a cat tree, then it is recommended that you place it near a window so you can give your pet a great view of the outside.
-
Provide your pet with a scratching post
Scratch posts are a great way to keep a kitty entertained for hours on end, any scratching material would do the job though. Before getting a pet cat, get any type of scratcher first. This is to prevent the cat from clawing and ripping up your furniture as well as to entertain your cat.
-
Utilize your patio
Patios, if you have one, are a great way to make your pet experience what it feels to be outside. If you don’t have one, consider getting one of the ready-to-use patios, or build one yourself. This helps the cat in broadening its space to more than just the inside of your home. You can even put some of their toys, climbing things, scratch posts, and more to add some entertaining options for the cat.
-
Try using catnip
For those that are not already acquainted with catnip, it is a kind of mint plant that contains a natural oil that’s called nepetalactone.
Nepetalactone has quite the unique effect on cats when it is inhaled, chewed or if they rub their face or body on it. The effects are kind of like a drug, as it can make them get a bit high. Catnip highs are harmless and temporary, so there is nothing to worry about.
-
Take your cat to the vet regularly
This goes without saying but, once your cat gets older both their appetite and their activity level declines, so taking them to get their health checked is crucial. This can also be a sign of some illness, better be safe than sorry.
-
Allow it to rest peacefully where it wants
Some cats would rather sleep on an old piece of cardboard or a blanket, than on an expensive cat bed. This may sound strange to some, but it’s pretty common to find them peacefully napping in the laundry basket, the flower pot, or on a stack of your work documents.
Rather than get mad at them, wake them up and shoo them off, let them sleep in their preferred spot. However, if you notice that they are sleeping in a place where they could get hurt, gently move and carry them to a safer spot.
In conclusion, most, if not many, cats have the reputation of being quite aloof and independent creatures, but this does not mean that they don’t care about their owners. Cats love to be entertained, but most of all they require companionship. So, besides providing them with entertainment, you need to make sure that they feel loved.
You might be interested:
Why Does my Cat Follow Me Everywhere I Go
How often should you bathe your cat ?
