Fun Indoor Adventures For Your Curious Cat

Keeping your cat indoors is the safest option, but it's important to ensure your feline friend stays mentally and physically stimulated to prevent boredom and promote their overall well-being. There are many indoor activities and games to keep your cat entertained and happy, and to satisfy their hunting instincts.

Puzzle feeders and interactive toys

There are a variety of puzzle feeders available, from stationary to moving toys, that can be adjusted to your cat's skill level. For example, the ALL FOR PAWS Interactive Cat Puzzle Feeder has multiple challenge levels, allowing you to customise the experience based on your cat's abilities. It also helps slow down eating, promoting healthier digestion and reducing the risk of overeating.

You can also make your own puzzle feeders and DIY treat dispensers. For instance, you can stuff treats inside empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes with small holes. As your cat plays with these homemade toys, they will be rewarded with treats, providing mental stimulation and a fun challenge.

Interactive toys are another great option to strengthen the bond between you and your cat. They allow you to share fun and positive experiences while providing exercise and stimulating your cat's natural instincts. Wand-type toys with toy mice, feathers, or fabric attached to the ends are a popular choice. Just remember to always supervise your cat when playing with toys that have long strings.

Some cats also enjoy playing with laser pointers, chasing the point of light around. However, make sure your cat is eventually able to ""catch" something, either a toy or a treat, so they don't get too frustrated. Keep the laser away from your cat's eyes, as it can damage their vision.

Low-cost or no-cost items can also be turned into interactive toys. For example, you can use wadded-up paper, cardboard boxes, ping pong balls, or plastic rings from milk jugs. Throw a variety of objects to see which ones your cat enjoys chasing the most.

By using puzzle feeders and interactive toys, you can provide your indoor cat with mental stimulation, prevent boredom, and promote their overall well-being.

Vertical spaces

Cats love to climb and explore their surroundings from different vantage points. They are more comfortable at heights because they can survey the world below from a secure position. This need for vertical space is evolutionary, dating back to when cats were wild and would climb trees to spot prey and escape danger.

Cat Trees

The classic carpeted cat tree is a popular option for a reason—cats love them! They are comfortable, functional, and provide the perfect perch for your cat to climb, scratch, and observe their surroundings. If you're crafty, you can even build your own cat tree using items like cardboard concrete forms, two-by-fours, PVC pipe, sisal rope, and carpet remnants. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process.

For a more modern and sleek look, there are also contemporary cat trees available that add style to their functionality. These pieces are sure to impress your guests and provide your cat with a fun and aesthetically pleasing space to explore.

Wall-Mounted Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves are a versatile and space-saving option for creating vertical spaces for your cat. They can be installed at different heights and angles to create a fun and challenging climbing structure for your cat. You can even create a "cat superhighway" by connecting multiple shelves.

Try placing a favourite toy or some catnip on the shelves to encourage your cat to explore their new vertical space. You can also install a wall-mounted bed or hammock for the ultimate cosy lounging spot.

Cat Window Seats and Beds

Cats love to look out the window and observe the world outside. Providing a comfortable perch or bed near a window can create a front-row seat for your cat to enjoy the view. You can purchase window seats that attach to the windowsill or use suction cups to stick directly to the window. Just be sure to choose a sturdy option that you trust to support your cat's weight.

Back-of-the-Door Climber

If you're short on space, consider installing a cat climber on the back of a door. This option provides a compact vertical space for your cat to climb and perch, and it can be easily moved if needed. Just be sure to choose a sturdy model that can support your cat's weight and won't be easily knocked over.

Utilise Existing Furniture

You can also create vertical spaces for your cat by simply rearranging the furniture you already have. Clear off the tops of bookshelves, desks, storage units, or other tall pieces of furniture to create resting places for your cat. Place these pieces near a window if possible, to give your cat a view of the outdoors. Just be sure to choose furniture that is sturdy and safe for your cat to climb and perch on.

Window views

Choose the Right Window

Select a window that offers a dynamic view with plenty of natural light and fresh air. The best windows will be those that receive ample sunlight throughout the day and overlook areas with trees, grass, or bushes where wildlife may be present. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals can provide endless entertainment for your cat. If you live in an urban area, even pigeons and city squirrels can be a source of fascination for your feline companion.

Create an Elevated Perch

Cats love to be up high, as it makes them feel secure and allows them to survey their surroundings. Place a cat tree, a sturdy chair, or a back of a couch near the window to create an elevated perch for your cat. This will enable them to comfortably watch the outdoors while also enjoying the warmth and fresh air coming through the window. Ensure that the perch is stable and secure, especially if your cat likes to jump and climb.

Provide Multiple Options

Cats love having choices, so offer them multiple spots to enjoy window views, especially if you have more than one cat in your household. Consider setting up perches at different windows, allowing your cats to move between locations and providing them with a variety of sights and sounds. This will not only prevent boredom but also help establish a sense of territory for each cat.

Ensure Comfort and Safety

A skinny window ledge may not be sufficient for your cat, especially if they are larger in size. Opt for wide ledges or enhance the comfort of the space with a folded towel or a warm mat. Additionally, ensure the window has a sturdy screen to prevent your cat from falling out. Cat-proof window screens made of stronger materials than standard mesh can provide an extra layer of security. If your screen is not secure, consider opening the window just a crack to let in fresh air and interesting smells while keeping your cat safe.

Enhance the Experience

To make the window view even more enticing, place a bird feeder or birdbath within your cat's line of sight. This will increase the likelihood of bird activity, providing your cat with hours of entertainment. If you live in an area with minimal wildlife, you can turn on a YouTube channel for cat entertainment or play videos featuring aquariums, squirrels, or mice. Just remember to keep the volume low, as cats have sensitive hearing.

Cat enclosures

Benefits of Cat Enclosures

Types of Cat Enclosures

Ready-Made Cat Enclosures

Ready-made cat enclosures are available in a range of sizes, from small cages to large outdoor playpens. They can be made of metal, wood, or mesh and typically feature multiple platforms, perches, and resting boxes for your cat to enjoy. Some enclosures have detachable panels that can be connected to a window or cat door, allowing your cat to access the enclosure from inside your home.

DIY Cat Enclosures

If you have the space and resources, building your own cat enclosure can be a fun project. You can customise it to fit your specific needs and the needs of your cat. There are various online resources and tutorials available to help you design and build a safe and stimulating environment for your feline friend.

Accessories and Features

To make your cat enclosure even more enjoyable for your pet, consider adding accessories and features such as:

• Perches and climbing structures
• Interactive toys
• Scratching posts
• Hammocks
• Feeding bowls and water dispensers
• Litter boxes

Playtime with toys

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are a great way to bond with your cat while providing them with exercise and mental stimulation. Wand toys, such as the KONG Active Feather Teaser Wand Toy, are ideal for this type of play. Move the toy at the end of the wand to mimic scared prey, darting away, hiding, and freezing. Don't make it too easy, but do let your cat catch the "prey" occasionally, especially at the end of the game. You can also use laser pointers for interactive play, but be sure to end the game with a physical toy that your cat can catch to satisfy their hunting instinct.

Puzzle Feeders and Treat Dispensers

Puzzle feeders and treat dispensers, such as the Nina Ottosson Petstages Buggin' Out Puzzle, are a form of enrichment that stimulates your cat's mind and encourages them to work for their food. These toys dispense small amounts of kibble when your cat interacts with them, stimulating their hunting instincts and providing a rewarding challenge. You can also make your own treat dispensers using empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes with small holes for your cat to bat around and get treats out of.

Self-Play Toys

Self-play toys are those that your cat can enjoy on their own when you're not available to play with them. Toys that encourage chasing and pouncing are typically the most enjoyable for cats. Simple and inexpensive options include cardboard boxes, large paper bags (with handles removed for safety), and crumpled-up pieces of paper. Catnip-filled toys, springs, and wall- or door-mounted toys are also great for solo play. Battery-operated toys, such as the Moody Pet Fling-AMA-String Cat Toy, can provide your cat with enrichment when they're left alone.

Variety is Key

Cats can get bored easily, so it's important to rotate their toys regularly. Have a box of toys that you keep out of your cat's reach and bring out a few at a time, switching them up to keep things interesting. You can also revitalise old toys by spraying them with catnip or honeysuckle spray. Additionally, try to vary the games you play with your cat daily to keep them engaged and stimulated.

Frequently asked questions