Cats make good companions and due to their independent nature, they’re content being home alone. However, just like other pets, cats can also get bored if they’re not given sufficient stimulation. A bored feline can turn into a very destructive cat that can lead to developing his anxious behavior and might even cause him to attack you. Cats can also get bored with his toys so it’s best to give them a variety of toys especially if you’re not always around. Keep your feline companion under control and occupied with great cat boredom busters that we’ll list below.
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Great boredom busters for cats
Remember, Cats love heights
Try putting shelves at different heights around your house to give your kitty a variety of views. Shelves for them to sit beside the window gives your cat a chance to enjoy the view of the outside world. Cats also feel superior and safe on elevated perches and shelves since it lets them survey the surrounding environment.
Prepare a variety of toys
It’s true that there are many great cat toys available in the market, but there are also lots of cat toys that can make on your own using stuff like ping-pong balls, empty toilet roll holders, or tinfoil. Try tying cat toys to your clothes’ waistband and walk around the house for your furry pal to chase. It’s also best to rotate your cat’s toys in order to keep him interested to play.
Provide a scratching post
If you’re a cat owner, it’s always a good idea to provide him scratching posts. You can get these from your local pet store, your vet, or you can also use some tree trunks. These must be placed at different angles and in prominent positions.
Let your cat play hide and seek
Kitties love boxes so much. So, the next time you bring home a new purchase, do not recycle the box immediately. Make some holes in the box and turn it upside down – your cat will be very entertained with it. Alternatively, you can also turn it into a tunnel for your cat to jump out and hide in.
Develop his hunting skills
Provide your cat with lots of delicious treats or snacks. Try hiding them in his dry food or around your home for him to “hunt”. Another thing you can do to satisfy his hunting nature is to hide his favorite toy and you hide from him and get him to hunt you.
Don’t forget the essentials
You have to make sure that your feline friend is always provided with his essential needs such as clean litter trays. It is very important to keep your home equipped with one litter box per cat, plus one extra box.
Consider training your cat
Cat training can be difficult, but it is not impossible. You can use tasty treats to give your cat as a reward for good behavior such as using the litter box, lifting a paw, or coming for food. Through this, you may be able to teach your cat some tricks as well.
For the love of catnip
Most cats love catnip and other cat-friendly plants. Therefore, if you have a garden at home, you may want to consider growing some catnip for your furry pal to nibble on. On the other hand, if you’re living in an apartment, you can give your cat catnip-stuffed toys and watch him roll around as he becomes intoxicated by the catnip’s scent.
Double the trouble
Another great way to keep your feline friend entertained all the time is to give him a companion. Cats are highly sociable animals and this behavior could greatly benefit when you introduce another cat carefully and gradually.
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Common questions about how to entertain bored cats
Do house cats get bored?
Typically, cats who don’t have enough physical or mental stimulation become bored. This is because they might be left alone for a long time without other animals or people to interact with. Bored cats are those who live in a boring environment like they are being left at home without objects to climb, toys to play with, or other mental and physical stimulation.
What makes a cat happy?
A happy cat is a playful cat. Play is a very good indication that a cat is happy and he will play with humans and other pets that he trusts or likes. From kitty wrestling matches and exuberant sprints to calm paw patting, these playful activities can definitely indicate that your cat is happy.
How do you mentally stimulate a cat?
Here are some tips to keep your indoor feline companion mentally stimulated:
- Let your kitty hunt for food
- Interactive play is a must for indoor cats
- It’s best to provide good scratching posts for your cat
- Maximize the space you have
- Get new cat toys routinely
- Keep entertainment available when you are not home
- Teach your cat to walk outside on a leash
Conclusion
Aside from these cat boredom buster tips, it’s also best to note that cats also need interactions with their favorite humans, which is why lots of cuddles and plenty of playtimes are the important ingredients for an active, healthy, and happy cat.
