How to entertain a cat at home

How to entertain a cat who likes to hunt? Now let's look into this question. As you know, cats are predators. Even if your pet does not go outdoors, give her toys that will help her use her natural hunting skills. For such games are suitable purchased products. For example, it can be a small squirrel that squeaks, animals filled with catnip, a plastic ball with a bell. If there is no possibility to buy such things now, you can use objects that are on hand. For example, these can be bottle caps (plastic or wood), balls of paper and so on. Such items can be great toys for the pet.

10 ways to entertain the cat in a small apartment

If you're worried about how fulfilling your cat's life will be in a small space, this article is for you!

Outdoor cats and cats in the wild are constantly solving survival problems. They never get bored. They have something to occupy their minds and bodies. Hunting takes much of their mental and physical energy. Indoor cats have no such difficulties.

Hunting requires problem-solving skills, intelligence, and physical training. Outdoor cats need to be on their guard at all times because at any moment they can become prey to a larger predator. In the wild there is not much time to curl up and relax.

How to equip a small apartment for a cat

Your apartment won't seem so small if you make the most of vertical space.

If you look at the size of your apartment and think it's too small for a cat, start thinking bigger! In 3D!

Now the possibilities are endless. Cats love to climb and hide in things. Turn your apartment into a feline jungle by adding a few strategically placed accessories: cat trees, perches, climbing shelves, and upright scratching posts.

40 Ways to Entertain the Cat

Today we're sharing 40 ways to have fun with your beloved pet.

1. Paper ball. You can play soccer; it rustles funny while doing so.
2. Balloon made of foil. Rustles even funnier, but in some cases has a chance of being chewed and partially eaten. Watch.
3. A stack of paper (imitation of an "important document" forgotten on the floor).
4. A paper boat floating in a basin of water.
5. An airplane.
6. A ping-pong balloon thrown into a bathtub.
7. A helium balloon with a small toy attached to it. (Not suitable for ribbon-chewing enthusiasts.)
8. Cardboard boxes left around the apartment. Throw toys or dry food inside.
9. A maze made of several glued together cardboard boxes with cut-out passages.
10. A large box filled with old clothes.
11. Paper, cellophane or cloth bags. Alternatively, hide toys or treats inside. Just cut the handles so no one gets their head stuck.
12. Cat Tunnel. Chic when there are several of them – combined or lying next to each other. For sale, but you can build something similar out of boxes. Ideal for finding treasures in it in the form of toys or goodies.
13. Pigeons outside the window. A pigeon feeder and bread will be needed to attract them. The window, of course, is closed.
14. An aquarium with a securely closed top. A more complicated version of pigeons.
15. Soap bubbles.
16. A homemade tractor made from a bobbin, soap, matches, and rubber bands. Didn't you have this when you were a kid? Google it.
17. Radio-controlled car.
18. Leaves, chestnuts, sticks, and other junk brought in from the street.
19. Thimblerigans.
20. A game of thimbles with a treat instead of a ball.
21. Hide-and-seek.
22. Catch-up. After hide-and-seek, plus fitness points for you.
23. Access to vertical space. Cats' tiered claw houses, for example. Regular shelves or a closet will also do – as long as it's easy to get in and sit or lie on the soft stuff.
24. A stepladder made of wire mesh. For those who like to climb. Looks good pinned to the end of a tall cabinet (if not sorry, of course). Do not forget that the cat will jump down.
25. Cat tent. An excellent place for rest and reflection on life. Constructed from a blanket thrown over a chair, table, ironing board, folding ladder. Plus something soft on the floor.
26. Instead of a food bowl, food puzzles. You can buy them in a pet store or make your own. Half-liter jar, tied to the leg of the table, an egg tray – here you have ready-made puzzles. The Internet is full of ideas for homemade puzzles (look for Puzzle feeders). By the way, throwing food into boxes, lodges, and other cat locations is also a food puzzle.
27. A food path is also a good food puzzle option. Can be used for carrier or top shelf habituation.
28. Catnip. Doesn't always work for everyone in the same way, but it's worth a try. Harmless to your health. Can be bought in pet stores. Experts say that the best is the Chinese, which they sell on Aliexpress. Fill an old sock with mint and roll it into a ball. You can marinate toys between play sessions in an airtight crumpled pail.
29. Throwing a ball. The ball is better small and fluffy.
30. A drinking fountain instead of a bowl of water.
31. Toys on strings tied to doorknobs, closet doors, chair backs. To maintain intrigue, periodically change locations.
32. Drag a small rug or mat on which the cat sits on the floor.
33. Laser pointer.
34. Games for cats in Playmarket or AppStore. There are a lot of options, both paid and free. There is a laser pointer, by the way.
35. Cat channels on YouTube. Of the popular ones: Paul Dinning. Yes, yes, not PRO SEALs, but FOR SEALs, that's right.
36. A twig hunt from under the door. Very entertaining. Instead of a twig, you can have a feather, string, etc.
37. Hair bands, bread crusts, plastic bottle rings, second socks, and other items that are regularly stolen from you. Throw them in a bag or a box or just leave them there and let them search.
38. Walks on a leash. Extreme, but what if this is your option? The main thing is gradualness: both in accustoming to the leash and in learning new territories.
39. A home vegetable garden. For those who are not yet mature enough to go for walks, but really want to use the grass. The role of grass – normal oats or "cat grass" from the pet store (which is, in fact, the same oats). Some experts even recommend that cats chew grass – it clears the stomach of ingested hair. Risks: the grass may not be allowed to sprout, mistaking the pot for a toilet tray or couch (covering the top with a lattice may help).
40. Another cat. It's a great option, provided the cats become friends. But it's always a lottery, with only one win-win situation: single-breed kittens playing together and sleeping in a cuddle. In that case, consider taking both. A daily wildlife show is assured. Plus, the cats definitely won't get bored while you're away.

New Toy.

If you love watching cat videos, then you know about the popular Japanese cat "Maru," who, despite her shapes, loves to fit into boxes of all sizes, literally squeezing herself into them! She proves one thing: you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your cat happy. In any case, after a few hours of sleep, your cat needs some exercise. A house cat often doesn't have a backyard or garden to hunt in, so you'll have to keep them occupied, which can be good for their mental and physical health.

Instead of hanging around idly, the toy will keep the cat toned and allow him or her to develop hunting skills. A domestic cat tends to get too lazy often, so you should create some adventure in its territory. Today, the market is flooded with toys for domestic cats, but we also know that just a ball of fur can do wonders. Every cat, of course, is different, and it helps to identify and choose the right toy.

Bed for lazy cats

A heated pet bed is just the thing for those who love their lazy pet kitties. However, you should be aware of the pros and cons of such a lie-in bed. Consult your veterinarian before choosing a heated bed.

For cats, sleep is a beauty, and they roll up in a ball and just sink into warm sheets. Treat him to a comfortable bed where he can just dream of his favorite food. Cats genetically like warmth, and there's nothing better than pampering them so they don't miss their precious sleep.

Special toys and gadgets

Knowing how to entertain your cat will definitely not make him bored. Despite this, sometimes you have to go away to work and leave the cat alone. In these cases, special toys from the pet store, with which the pet can interact independently, will do.

Furry mice and moving fish

The most popular product. Mostly rabbit furred mice are wildly enthusiastic. Fish that twitch like live ones are also liked by babies and adult cats. The main thing is to choose the right size of the fish.

Trap teaser .

Usually equipped with lots of feathers and tinkling balls. Also on some rods may be attached mice.

Members of the feline family are not gregarious animals. In the wild, they hunt alone, so only one cat plays with a fishing rod in large company. All the others remain in the status of observers.

Balls

A very budget-friendly product, so you can try all the options at once. Balls, as well as mice, can be fur, plastic, rubber and textile.

Clockwork and electronic toys

Mostly represented by imitations of various animals. Can be equipped with sound and light effects.

Play bases (tracks)

A device with balls inside, which are set in motion by a special mechanism. Sometimes come with a scratching post.

Food puzzles

They make you get food or treats through small holes. Popular with animals who like to eat.

Soap Bubbles.

Unlike human bubbles, those from the pet store are perfectly safe for animals and often have catnip in them. The minus is that in this case does not do without your participation.

How to play with a little kitten

Little "whiskers" are always ready to play around and have fun, so they are attracted to absolutely everything that glitters, rustles or just lies badly. For this reason, the main attention should be paid to safety.

Baby teeth are easily traumatized. Make sure that the baby does not chew on too hard objects or choke on anything sharp. Avoid small parts and give preference to special devices from the pet store.

In the first year of life kittens are very independent about their entertainment. Unlike adult animals, they do not play under the compulsion of the owner, but by themselves, at the same time involving everyone around.

If the baby likes to sneak up and attack – buy a wind-up mouse or a teasing rod with a mouse on the end. For those who like to attack with their front paws from a stand on their hind paws, multi-level play complexes will do, and for lovers of free wrestling – a funny toy bar with catnip, which is convenient to take in the grasp.

Using hidden trays

Advice enough strange, but we'll sound and it – maybe it will be useful to someone. So: it is advised to use "hidden trays", hidden from prying eyes. For example, this one: a girl sitting and smiling, not knowing that she's sitting, in fact, on the cat's litter box.

As a veteran cat person, it's not clear to me how the owner fights the smell in the hallway. Even if everything is quickly removed, the smell is still there, and not in the restroom, and, in fact, in the living room. Not a very pleasant neighborhood.

Remove unnecessary things from the table.

Or your cat will do everything for you! It's almost impossible to teach your four-legged friend not to jump on the table. Even if he will not break the rules when you're not watching, it is quite possible that when you do not see, he will walk on the table. And if he gets something interesting under his paw, he will certainly try to dash it off.

Cats hate the smell of citrus. It might be a great way to get your kitty off the couch or any other piece of furniture that he is partial to for whatever reason, but still try not to spread the smell of citrus fruits around the apartment. Otherwise, the green-eyed monster will start hating you 24/7.

How to have fun with your cat

Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Number of sources used in this article: 14. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Cats can be graceful, reserved or mysterious. They can also be very funny. Their little quirks will make the cat lover smile. Spending some time and having fun with your cat will reveal its funny quirks and fully reveal it as a person. Having fun with your cat is a great way for both of you to grow closer and get rid of boredom and stress. You will have so much fun, and you may even start to wonder who is really laughing at who.

Creating a play environment for your cat

Be sure to make sure your cat has a place he can call his own. This could be a cat bed or a designated corner of the room. However, as any cat owner knows, this animal prefers to make its own place, which may be your favorite chair, computer or cushion. Playing with the cat on a "get up – lose a seat" basis is a little annoying, but that's the fun of having a cat!

Get a scratching post for your cat. [1] X Source of information They are made of various rough materials (cardboard, rope, carpeting, and so on), the cat will enjoy scratching them. They are available at pet stores.

Buy or construct a cat "tree" for your cat to play on. [2] X Reliable Source The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source A tree can consist of several compartments or floors, with places to scratch, where toys can be hung, with tunnels or boxes to climb, and so on. It can be found in pet stores.

How and what to spoil your cat with

Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.

Number of sources used in this article: 17. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

A responsible cat owner has responsibilities such as providing for a cat's basic needs, including water and high-quality food, a warm and comfortable place to rest, and annual preventative visits to the veterinarian. However, there is certainly more to caring for a cat than that. If you decide to start pampering your pet, you will strengthen your bond with it and, with some creativity (and generosity), you can go far beyond providing just the basic needs of your pet.

How to pamper a relatively young cat

• If you have never brushed a cat before, the first procedures should be short (5-10 minutes each). Then you can increase the length of the treatment as the cat becomes more comfortable with brushing. [4] X Trusted source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
• A cat may have its own personal preference for the type of comb, so you may need to try out several combs (for example, a brush comb and a flat comb) to see what your cat likes best. [5] X Source of information
• Brush your cat when you are both in a relaxed state of mind. If you or your cat is tense, neither of you will enjoy combing. [6] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to Source
• Short-haired cats need less frequent brushing (once a week) than long-haired cats (once a day). [7] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source
• Be especially gentle when brushing your cat's chest and belly. [8] X Trusted source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source

Have quiet time together. Cats like peace and quiet. Having quiet time together will make you both feel good and relaxed. [9] X Source of information Try petting the cat gently as it rests peacefully on your lap. Just don't touch your belly, as the cat may interpret this as an attack, which will cause it to swing its paw at you or even bite you. [10] X Source of Information

A cat town for the cat.

How do you entertain a cat? Let's start, perhaps, with a simple option. Get a small (if you can afford it, a big one) for your cat. It is sure to interest your cat. You can also make the construction yourself from special boards and ropes.

Thinking about how to entertain a cat, remember that these animals are very curious. They like to explore everything new, to look for prey. Many owners have noticed that their pets are indifferent to cardboard boxes, and of different sizes. For example, you just put a box on the floor and the cat will immediately settle down in it. There she will play, gnawing at the edges. Why does this happen? The answer to this question, except for the cat itself, which will not say, no one knows. If you are thinking about how to entertain the cat, then place boxes around the house. This way you will keep your pet occupied for a long time. To diversify the leisure of the animal, you can take several large boxes, in which the pet fits freely, staple them together, then make holes in the joints. The result is a real maze, which is sure to be appreciated by your pet. If you throw a tennis ball into the maze, the cat will actively search for it.

Games with bags

Not only boxes, but also bags are very attractive to cats. And it does not matter at all to the pet whether it is plastic or paper. To start the game, place the bag on the floor and then attract the cat's attention. Though, most likely, the cat will notice the interesting object. The cat will definitely get into the bag. While it is playing keep its interest by rustling. You can put a tennis ball inside. When the pet will take it out, the bag, of course, will rustle. The cat will be delighted with this fun.

What games cats like

Of course, the most favorite games for cats are with people. A simple piece of paper tied to a string – if the string is in human hands – will perfectly entertain the cat! Feather traps, ropes with small toys are a great option for playing with your cat!

It is wonderful to play ball with a cat, especially if you train it to bring it back to you. The ball should be small, you can have a small stuffed toy instead of a ball. Especially if it has a bell inside.)

And what to do if you are at work all day? How to entertain the cat?

The first thing I recommend – when you get home take 15 minutes to play with the cat.

What toys can the cat play with on its own?

You can hang a string with a bow in the doorway, high enough for the cat to reach the toy when it jumps.

There are similar toys on Aliexpress, where the toy is attached to a hard surface-such as a wall or a closet door-and the cat will jump and get the toy with a bell.

All kinds of balloon tracks that the cat can race, a pyramid with balls.

In general if you have at home complexes for cats or shelves where they can climb, and you bring home a few simple cardboard boxes, put them in different corners, throw a few different balls or small soft toys on the floor – the cat will already have something to do in your absence!

You can put some balls on the top shelves before you leave for work so the cat will have something to do while throwing the toys down.