How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained When You Are Away
Even if you are blessed with a lap cat, there are times when your kitty craves stimulation. Particularly when you are not at home, your cat needs different ways they can entertain themselves, to prevent them from acting out due to boredom. Make your cat happy by thinking up your own creative ideas or by keeping him or her occupied in the following ways.
Cardboard Boxes
If you are like me, you do a lot of online shopping and have a lot of packages delivered to your doorstep. Instead of throwing them out right away, save those cardboard boxes for your cat to enjoy. Just like kids, cats love playing with a simple, cardboard box. Your cat may use them for a scratching post, get exercise jumping in and out of them, or just stuff themselves inside of them tightly, using them as a hiding place.
Set Up a Fish Tank
If the space in your home allows, try setting up a fish tank next to your cat’s favorite lounging spot. As long as the tank is properly secured, there should be a safe relationship between your feline and your fishy friends. Your cat is likely to become entranced for hours watching the fish swim around the tank. As a bonus, the décor of your home will be enhanced by your new fish tank.
Bring Home a Buddy
Have you ever thought about adopting another cat? Having another cat around for your feline to socialize with may be the perfect solution to keep your cat happy and entertained. Logically, before you take on this responsibility, you need to make sure that you are ready to do so. When visiting your local animal shelter, try to pay special attention to the disposition of the cats, so you can select a friend that will complement well with the cat you have at home.
Provide a High Perch
Most cats love to climb and to lounge in places that are high up, where they can see all that is going on around them. In particular, they really enjoy watching all that is going on outdoors. One thing you can do is to place a piece of high furniture such as a bookshelf next to a window and keep the blinds up. If you are inclined to do so, put a little cat bed on the top to let them know they are welcome to perch there. Your cat will enjoy birdwatching and seeing all that goes on in the outside world.
Rotate Their Toys
You know what they say, “Variety is the spice of life.” This goes for cats, just like it does for people. Rotating their toys out keeps them interested in playtime. Some days, your cat may want to play with balls or toy mice, while other days a simple paper bag or crinkle toy may be all the rage. It is a good idea to put their toys away after playtime is over so that they won’t get bored with them.
Provide a Scratching Post
We all know how much cats adore scratching. If they don’t have a safe outlet to unleash their desire to scratch, they might use your expensive sofa instead. Providing one or more safe places for your cat to scratch is great exercise and will help to make sure you won’t come home to an unwanted surprise.
Final Thought
Now that you know how to keep your cat entertained while you are away, don’t forget to give your feline plenty of attention when you come home. Having playtime with your cat can be a great bonding experience.