People who own dogs are often concerned about the wellbeing of their pets while they are at work or out of the house. However, not nearly as many pet owners worry about keeping their cat entertained, with the common misconception that all cats like to do is eat and sleep.
Yes, they are very fond of these activities, but it is also important that you find ways to keep them both physically and mentally taken care of if you are often away from them for long periods.
From the best toys to stop them getting bored, to cat-specific furniture, to getting another cat, keep reading to discover the top five ways to keep your cat entertained when they are on their own.
1. Give them a cardboard box
A box is a simple and most cost-effective way to stop your cat from getting bored, just like a small child that spends longer playing with the box their new toy came in than the toy itself, cats will spend hours happily playing with a cardboard box.
Jumping into it, hiding in it, ripping it up, the options are endless for your feline friend.
2. Leave them an assortment of different types of paper
Have you ever seen your cat when they have access to a newspaper? They love it. Ripping it up, dragging it around the floor, listening to the noises it makes when they tear it.
Take this activity one step further by leaving them with different types of paper that will stimulate them in different ways. Tissue paper, newspaper, printer paper, and origami paper all have contrasting textures meaning your cat can have more fun exploring them.
If you choose to leave a paper bag for your cat, ensure that you take off the handle as this could be a potential choking hazard.
3. Invest in cat furniture
There are so many different types of furniture available for your cat, from scratching posts to cat trees, jungle gyms to cat lounge boxes, all of which offer your cat various sources of entertainment.
Cat furniture is also a good idea if your cat has been scratching your furniture as they should, with time, stop doing this and focus solely on their own belongings.
If you are worried that your cat is not their usual self, then you should take them to a reputable veterinary clinic such as Heart + Paw in Callowhill, who can check them over and treat them if necessary.
Signs your cat may be unwell include:
- Low energy levels
- Sleeping more than usual
- Increased thirst
4. Purchase some cat toys
If you feel like treating your cat, there is a wide variety of cat toys available on the market, with some of the most popular ones being soft toys, balls with a bell inside, puzzles, and feather toys.
However, if you want to go a bit more high tech, you can also find several interactive toys that your cat will love, including LED lasers that will sharpen your cat’s mind and help keep them active.
5. Get another cat
Although cats are often solitary animals, they are, in fact, social creatures who thrive when in the company of another pet. Make sure that you are ready for the responsibility of another cat before you decide to get one, as well as ensure that you can afford to feed another mouth.
If you do decide to get another cat, visit your local animal shelter and look for a cat that has a similar disposition to your own.
Tammie~
These are great ideas. Mine have tons of tous and they LOVE cardboard boxes.
I agree with all that you said. I have a lot of cats and 3 of them play and they other 2 just like to sleep and be left alone.
These are definitely all good ways to keep a cat entertained!
Ahahha this is is a good tip even if you’re in, my cat is restless some times.