Engaging the Indoor Cat
Keeping your indoor cat entertained will not only help eliminate boredom and potentially destructive behaviours, but can also assist with the maintenance of a healthy body weight. We all lead very busy lives, so what small changes can we make to enhance their environmental enrichment, particularly when we are not at home consistently to join in on some play?
Cats are curious creatures who like to explore and observe. Creating perches near windows, or on window sills, are great for providing some “natural” television! Speaking of television, leaving the Aquarium Channel on while you’re away can also make for some entertaining viewing.
Try hiding some dry treats in a few spots for your cat to sniff and hunt out. Remember where you’ve put them though…
There are many shapes and sizes of toys available, some with bells, crinkles, and catnip. Having a variety to amuse your kitty is a great idea. Change them up every now and then to make them seem novel! Do not leave out toys with strings, feathers, or things of the like attached – these present a potential choking or foreign body hazard and should not be used unsupervised.
Scratch posts allow cats to express a natural, instinctual behavior without destroying your décor. Cardboard, carpet, horizontal, diagonal – some cats show a preference, others are not picky. Regardless of shape or size, having a couple for your cat to access is a great idea. Indoor climbing “trees” typically are covered in material to encourage scratching. These also give more perches, and provide kitty with more vertical space.
Have some fun with providing enrichment for your indoor cat. Their overall health and quality of life will undoubtedly improve!
Andrea, VT
