How to Keep Indoor Cats Entertained and Stimulated
We just want our pets to live long and prospering lives. When it comes to indoor cats, it's important that they get enough mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis, such as through dedicated playtime with their owner.
We've put together a list of techniques that any cat owner should use to keep their indoor cat entertained and stimulated, preventing boredom in even the most sedentary felines.
Cat chatime
Talking is at the top of the list for beneficial bonding between you and your cat, according to Curiosity Killed The's Beth Adelman, a Certified Feline Behaviour Consultant. Although it might not seem to be play, Adelman claims that it is extremely important to your cat. This is especially important for cats who dislike being touched, as it aids in the development of trust between the cat and their owner. To communicate with your pet, get down on his or her level and maintain a normal conversational distance.
Adelman claims that it doesn't matter what is said as long as it is said gently and in a high pitched tone, with the cat's name repeated often. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid staring, as this will make your cat feel threatened. Slowly blink, particularly after your cat has done so. A cat blinking indicates that it is comfortable because it is no longer necessary for them to keep a close eye on what you are doing. Your blink in response is a way of expressing that you, too, are at ease.
Make sure and cat gets a few minutes of one-on-one cat talk time with you if you have more than one.
Play chasing
Even as adults, cats enjoy being chased as a means of entertainment. A cat will frequently stand at one end of a hallway and return your gaze as they take a few steps forward. This is a sign that they want to be pursued. If cats aren't pleased about how close you're chasing them behind or if they've had enough, they'll usually let you know by making noises. It's important that your cat's tail is still up when playing this game, indicating that he or she is having a good time. If their tail is down, it could indicate that they are fleeing from danger.
Change up toys on a regular basis
Cats, like humans, need variety, so changing the toys they play with is critical to maintaining their interest. Cat toys such as feather wands, toy mice, and sound-making balls are perfect for cats, but so are balls of yarn and crumpled bits of paper. Cats aren't difficult to please.
Rotating their toys is a smart idea, as is always putting them away during playtime. Your cat will get bored with all of their toys if they have regular access to them. Always try to throw away crumpled paper and paper bags during playtime so that they don't become a threat for your animals.
Fetch
According to a Nutr post, cats enjoy fetching in the same way that dogs do. Make sure you choose a toy that you can throw around the room and that is small enough for your cat to hold in their mouth. Encourage your cat to carry the toy back to you after it has been caught, as this action does not come naturally to them.
Your cat will love playing fetch as much as any dog if you reinforce the behavior with good treats and petting.
Cat games are also available for your mobile.
Did you know that there are already cat-specific tablet apps? Although these games won't give your cat a good workout and should only be used on rare occasions, the running mice, fish, and other critters on the screen will definitely pique your cat's interest.
Playing with lightness
Light reflections are a favorite pastime of cats. Using a CD, watch, or other reflective surface to catch the light and then allowing it to fall low on a wall or the floor is a perfect way to get your cat excited and off the couch. Laser pointers, on the other hand, should be avoided because they can damage your cat's eyes.
It's also important to remember that light play isn't the only time you spend with your cat. Trying to catch something and never being able to do so can be very frustrating for them. Using something that they can catch before you plan to end their playtime for the day.
Create places for your cat to hide
Cats, as predators, prefer to hide and leap at prey. Throw a towel over your coffee table, buy a play tunnel, or even use a cardboard box to give your cat a place to hide. Tempt your cat by dangling a toy at the entrance to their favorite hiding spot and watching them run to catch it.
Entertaining stay at home cats
Add some things to keep your cat entertained if they spend a lot of time alone at home. For one, a scratching post is a must-have. Scratching is a favorite pastime for cats, and it also provides them with valuable exercise. Another excellent choice is a climbing frame. Cats, by nature, like to travel and explore vertically. Giving your cat vantage points near windows in the house gives them a quiet place to sit and rest while watching what's going on outside.
Cats will enjoy toys that allow you to hide treats inside and can keep them entertained for hours while they try to get the treats out.
Playing with your cat for 10-15 minutes many times a day will not only keep your cat happy and safe, but it will also deepen your bond with your feline companion.
Related: 5 New Fun Things to Do With Your Cat
Sources
http://www.adventurecats.org/pawsome-reads/the-tale-your-cats-tail-is-telling/
http://www.perthcathospital.com.au/choosing-right-toys-kitty/
https://www.nutro.com.au/cat-resources/general-care/10-minute-cat-play-tips/
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/29/tech/games-for-cats-and-dogs-feat/
http://www.petful.com/behaviors/why-do-cats-like-laser-pointers-so-much/
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-every-cat-needs-hiding-places/
https://www.babble.com/pets/11-unique-and-challenging-cat-toys/
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