A mentally stimulated and physically active cat is less likely to get bored and act out. You might think, “That’s easier said than done.” But here are some quick tips for making your cat’s environment stimulating.
Scratching Areas
A cat will scratch for exercise, stress reduction, and marking its territory. Invest in a few scratching areas like posts or climbers. Scratchers with sisal fabric or corrugated cardboard make great scratching surfaces.
Hunt for Food
Rather than putting your cat’s entire meal in one dish, consider putting it in several different locations, so he has to hunt for it during the day. (This might take a bit of training for your kitty to understand that its food is in new places to “hunt and find.”) If you feed your cat kibble, consider a puzzle toy that it can play with throughout the day.
Rotate Toys
Put out a couple of toys at a time and rotate them with other toys, so your cat has various “new” things to play with throughout the week.
Cat Spaces, High Places
Most cats enjoy watching the world from a lofty perch or a secret spot that makes them feel invisible. Cat trees, cat caves, and catwalks are all possible options for exercise and mental stimulation.
Interactive Toys
Don’t forget to take the time to play with your cat every day. Cat wands are a fun way to satisfy your cat’s prey instinct. You can vary the way the toy at the end of the wand moves to imitate different animal behaviors and keep your cat interested in the game.
