5 New Fun Things to Do With Your Cat
One of the greatest pleasures of being a pet parent is spending time with your feline companion. There are so many interesting new pet trends to try and so many fun things to do with your cat. But what if catnip mice and jingly balls aren't enough for your pet?
Kitties can grow bored with the same old thing and turn to mischief if you don't participate in interactive play. "All animals, including dogs, have normal behaviors and needs," according to Best Friends Animal Society. "To be safe and happy, they must have opportunities to communicate those natural behaviors in acceptable ways." Trying out new ways to play with your cat is a perfect way to provide mental stimulation and relieve boredom.
From low-tech activities to high-tech latest cat patterns, here are five fun things to do with your furry family member.
1. Prey Hunting
Indoor cats maintain their natural hunting instincts, which is why a seemingly sleepy feline can pounce on your foot or sprint after a dust bunny. Playing hide-and-seek with a stuffed animal is one way she can channel her inner predator. Hide behind a wall or a piece of furniture and wiggle the plush critter a few times to make it "peek" around the corner. You can also fire it around the room to make it appear to be moving. She'll have a blast chasing it off! Increase the difficulty of this task by using a stuffed animal that is bigger than her normal cat toys, giving her the added thrill of catching a big prey.
2. Mechanical Toys
Wind-up or battery-operated toys, particularly those shaped like small rodents, are another choice for hunting. The erratic movement of these toys as they zigzag around the floor attracts your pet (hard surfaces work best). The practice strengthens her stalking and pouncing skills while still holding her away from your feet. By placing obstacles in the toy's direction, you can increase its unpredictable movement, which will keep your cat entertained for longer.
3. Food Puzzles for Cats
Kittens enjoy the thrill of a mental challenge as well as a tasty morsel, so why not combine the two? Food puzzles offer both physical activity and mental stimulation, according to researchers in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. It's important to keep your kitty's mind sharp in order to keep her satisfied and active. This activity is also cost-effective: you can make a DIY cat puzzle out of household objects like a cardboard box and dry cat food.
4. Obstacle Course for Cats
Cats are creatures of habit, but they're also curious, and they enjoy exploring enticing, non-threatening changes in their surroundings. Place cushions and pillows throughout the space to create a maze-like layout. You may also provide chairs that provide her with a high perch from which she can leap. Planting bits of cat food at different points in the maze is the perfect way to keep your cat interested in this new setup. Cats, according to Animal Planet, have a remarkable capacity to learn and recall new skills. Your cat isn't a lab rat, but she'll learn to navigate mazes for a tasty reward!
5. Apps for Cats
Many new cat patterns involve electronic technology, which should come as no surprise. Are you aware that there are applications that your cat can use on her own? According to PC World, your cat can now catch fish, paint, and chase lasers on a computer. Of course, she'll need you to run the mobile. If you've ever caught your cat watching television, you know how enthralled she is by electronic devices' quick movements and vivid sounds. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that the screen brightness will not damage your pet's eyes.
Trying new fun things to do with your cat is good for both your cat's physical and mental health. If you get imaginative, kitty bonding time will never be the same again.
Related: 5 Things Your Cat Loves
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