If you own a cat, you may be wondering what they get up to while you're out. Your cat may sleep for much of the day, but there are times when they like to be active too. That’s why it’s a good idea to give your cat activities to do to ensure they have some fun and stimulation even when you're not around.
Create a Home Environment Full of Fun
Since your home is their whole world, it's important to provide them with the essentials they need to stay entertained and engaged. This includes high places from which they can observe their domain, such as cat trees or shelves. Cats love to climb and explore, so having vertical spaces available is crucial. Hiding places, such as cozy cat beds or covered hiding spots, allow them to retreat and spy on their surroundings. Providing scratching posts or boards is essential for cats to satisfy their natural urge to scratch and keep their claws healthy. Additionally, having windows for them to look out of and observe the outside world can provide entertainment and mental stimulation.
Some cats also enjoy cat grasses to nibble on, which can help with their digestion. Most cats enjoy grazing on their food, typically returning to their dish every couple of hours. Even if your cat ventures outside, it's important to have an enriched home environment for them to come back to, as outdoor time may be limited or restricted.
Playtime is important for cats of all ages, not just when they're young. When you go out, leave your cat with a toy or two to keep them entertained. It's a good idea to vary the toys from day to day to keep their interest levels high. While there are many commercially available toys for cats, our feline friends can also find amusement in simple household items such as cardboard boxes or scrunched-up pieces of paper. These items can provide hours of entertainment and play for your cat. You can find more game suggestions and DIY toy ideas online to keep your cat engaged and entertained.
When you're home, your cat will enjoy playing games with you. Interactive toys such as the Purin TOTALCARE Bouncing Bird, Me Up Mouse, and Pom Pom Dangler are ideal for feline fun and games. These toys mimic the movements of prey, stimulating your cat's hunting instincts and keeping their skills sharp. It's important to provide appropriate hunting toys for your cat to prevent them from using your fingers or toes as targets.
Of course, cats also love to snooze. While they may choose your sofa or bed, you can also ensure they have their own warm and comfortable spot to retreat to. Investing in a cozy cat bed can provide a luxurious nap-time experience for your feline companion.
Clean litter trays are important for many cats, and being out all day can make this tricky for owners to achieve. If your cat is a fastidiously clean feline, try providing more than one litter tray to ensure there is always a clean one available. This can help prevent accidents and keep your cat comfortable. If your home is very large, it's a good idea to space litter trays throughout the home to make them easily accessible for your cat.
Safety first
Safety is paramount when it comes to your cat's well-being. Your home must be safe for your cat while they are alone. Check that indoor cats cannot escape by ensuring windows and doors are secure. If you have neighbourhood cats that may upset your cat at home, take measures to prevent their access, such as using deterrents or keeping windows closed. Within your home, ensure that human cleaning products are securely stored well away from your cat’s prying paws to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure to harmful chemicals. Keeping the toilet lid down is important to prevent your cat from falling in or drinking from the bowl, which can be hazardous to their health. When leaving toys with your cat, make sure they are safe and free from small parts that could be swallowed. If your cat has access to the garden, make sure you do not grow any plants that are toxic to cats, as they may be tempted to nibble on them.
