How to Keep Your Cat From Getting Bored

Effective Ways to Prevent Cat Boredom While You're at Work

Aug 29, 2009

Our busy lives mean our cats are often left to entertain themselves. While they do sleep for many hours of the day, they also like to keep occupied when they are awake.

Most of us have to work or at least spend some time away from home. While your cat spends much of its time sleeping, it can still get bored if owners are away from home for extended periods of time and requires mental and physical stimulation. Here are some helpful tips on keeping your cat happy and ensuring fun times whilst you’re out.

Outside cats are usually able to occupy themselves, but having a cat flap will give them the freedom to come and go. If the owner’s cat spends most of its time inside, or is only allowed out when owners are home, then toys should be provided to keep the cat entertained. Therefore, the toys listed are for inside cats to play with and hopefully keep cats from shredding the furniture or curtains.

Toys with Catnip

There are many toys made for cats that contain catnip and most cats love the smell of it. Otherwise, owners can purchase the catnip (from a herb or new age shop) and place some inside an existing toy or make a new toy by sewing the catnip inside a small piece of material and tying a piece of ribbon or string to it. Catnip spray is also available from pet supply companies and can be sprayed onto toys.

Other Cat Toys

The best cat toys are the ones that cats can chase and “kill”, so mouse toys (especially furry ones that look real), ping pong balls and anything that hangs from a doorknob or another surface where the cat needs to reach up a bit to get to it.

Cat Tunnels

Great fun to run through and cats can poke their head through the holes along the top and side. Usually they have one or two hanging balls inside as well.

Cat Tents

Made of similar material as the cat tunnels. Cats can go inside, but they cannot run through, so while they are entertaining, the fun doesn’t last as long as it does with the tunnel. Owners can hide some cat treats inside for the cat to discover later in the day.

Scratching Post

Cats enjoy scratching for a couple of reasons; to leave a scent and to sharpen their nails. To protect the furniture a scratching post should be purchased. There are many different types of scratching posts available, some with cubbies and platforms built in, and others that are simply the scratching pole part. If the scratching post doesn’t already have one, a dangling mouse or ball toy can be added to the top or add some feathers. Catnip spray can also be sprayed onto scratching posts to encourage use.

Cat Cubby or Cardboard Box

Cats are curious creatures and enjoy going inside things. Cubbies are a lot of fun and can be used for sleeping also. Alternately a cardboard box provides a lot of entertainment for a cat. And they can claw it without getting into trouble from their owners.

While cats might pretend they don’t need their owners, most really do enjoy the company so leaving on the TV or radio may be comforting for the cat. If the cat responds to TV, try playing a documentary about cats, lions, tigers or some other big cat (although this is not great if you are trying to save electricity).

Balloons and Balls

Tether a balloon or small ball to a ceiling fan just out of reach. Your cat will have a blast trying to catch it! This is best used if owners are only going to be out for a short time.

Cozy Cat Bed

Lastly, cats can and will sleep just about anywhere but owners should always provide their cat with a comfy bed.

(Depending on your household, you may consider getting another pet for company. This is of course a big decision and not to be entered into lightly, however, it can result in a rewarding relationship for both pets).

The copyright of the article How to Keep Your Cat From Getting Bored in Cat Care is owned by Roberta Goli. Permission to republish How to Keep Your Cat From Getting Bored in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.