When we think of cats we envision a spry animal with keen senses who watches and waits…cats are quick, cunning and playful. They seem ready for anything and seem to like surprises. Who hasn’t seen a cat go from zero to fifty just because something only they have managed to see has caught their eye? Let’s face it; cats really do seem like little balls of energy. However, some of us may be concerned that our cat could be bored, especially the indoor cats who do not have the opportunity to go outside and prowl among, what many might feel is, more of their natural habitat. If you are concerned, here’s 5 things you can do to help liven up your cat’s environment:
Make them their own special kitty spot
There are two things that cats love. They love to curl up in a cozy spot and they love to look out the window. One way you can make Fluffy happy and mentally stimulated is by placing her kitty bed near a window. If you do not have a wide window sill or a window box, install a shelf just under the window and place her cat bed there. To make this an extra fun environment, hang some bird and squirrel feeders on the trees outside the window. Fluffy will have oodles of fun watching the animals eat and frolic outside. Naturally, she may try to chase them but her indoor perch will keep her safe.
Build a cat walk
If you have the space, time and some carpentry skills, why not install a series of ramps and catwalks throughout your house? Cats love to have a high vantage point to watch their environment and a catwalk would do just the trick. Install them over doorways and Windows or wherever you think your cat would have the most fun, make them safe and accessible through ramps. Also it is important to make sure they are wide enough for your cat to walk easily and to lounge about on.
Keep plenty of toys around
Nobody loves to play more than a cat. Stock up on cat safe toys and keep them around your home in places your cat likes to frequent. Balls, stuffed mice, and teaser toys, like feather teasers are all favorites of cats. Toys containing catnip are particularly popular to most felines. Laser pointers have also shown to be quite entertaining to our feline friends. Collapsable mesh tunnels, specially designed for cats, are another way your cat can spend their time. NuVet recommends rotating these toys out regularly to keep your cat’s environment new and fresh.
Cat videos
Believe it or not there are videos made just for your cat. Like their human family members, your cat can now be entertained by the television. Cat videos usually contain action shots of fish, birds and other critters going about their day. Your cat will be highly entertained watching and interacting with them. And you won’t have to worry about Fluffy falling in a pond or getting stuck up a tree, because she’ll be safely inside.
Get a scratching post
It might seem like a no-brainer but cats love to scratch. And if you are a cat owner it is fairly essential that you have a scratching post for your pet. Cats love to mark their space with their scent and one way they do that is through their paws. This is also a great way for your kitty to keep their nails healthy as they can get rid of dead and broken bits of nail that they might have.
