Keeping your cat entertained

With the majority of us now working from home and staying at home our feline friends are having to get used to us being around in their space all the time. This change in environment can be very stressful for cats. You may have already noticed them scratching things you would prefer they didn’t, or peeing outside of their litter box and this is a reflection of an anxious cat. I have studied as a veterinary nurse and also with the International Society of Feline Medicine so as a feline behaviour advisor I know it is important to give your cat stimulation whilst also giving them a place of their own to play, lounge and exercise.
So how can we keep our cats entertained and feeling less nervous tension? Here are a few ideas to keep your cats entertained, from simple and quick games to do now, and some that may need a rearranging of your furniture.

1. Puzzle Feeders for Cats

Cats are natural predators, and therefore it’s not normal for them to eat from a bowl day after day. A puzzle feeder helps give cats mental and physical stimulation. Puzzle feeders can range in design, from simple home-made constructions to challenge cats to obtain food, to more complex almost maze-like designs which you can find online or at pet stores. Puzzle feeding can reduce stress and assist with weight loss. It allows a cat to use their paws, tongue, nose, jaws to ‘catch’ their food.
Try it yourself by making a puzzle feeder at home and introduce it slowly with small amounts of treats, slowly swapping out for their usual food.
More details can be found on my dedicated minisite: Think Outside The Bowl

2. Cardboard & paper, easy entertainment

Scrunched up paper balls, boxes of different shapes with various sized holes, paper bags (with handles cut off) are all great for cats. Hide a new toy in there, or maybe a ping pong ball, feather or drag some string under one and play hide and seek, pile them up or have them flat. Great for tearing holes in, scratching, pouncing and obviously easy for you to find, use and recycle.

3. Special time

Cats love to groom and they love spending time with you, you can combine this for some special one-to-one time with your cat. Indoor cats can moult a little more, so this is a great time to remove that loose hair and prevent furballs. This also gives you a chance to check on their general health and wellbeing, things like their claws, eyes and any matted fur.

4. Room with a view

Clear the clutter from window sills, or place a safe perch from which they can watch the world go by. Add a bird feeder to your garden for added cat TV appeal! Also, think vertically, cats love to perch up high, so add a shelve, clear the top of furniture with safe access or add a cat tower for a different view, freedom to roam and of course, sunbathe.

Happy Cats

Every cat is different, some may like a direct light to catch, some may prefer a natural toy, others catnip. It will take a little time to get creative and find out what your cat likes, and where they like to sit and also hideout. A more active approach to keeping your cat physically and mentally stimulated will ensure they are happier.
You can also read more about how to help your cat feel more at home on my blog post.
Take my Cat Stress Quiz >> to find out more about your cat.
If you are worried about your cat’s behaviour, book an appointment with me.

Share your tips

What activities do you like to do with your cat?
Has anything specific worked for you?
Do you already have a puzzle feeder or cat play centre?
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I’d love to see them!