Here are 7 great ways to keep your indoor cat happy:
1. Create a Window View . Think about getting a window perch or window seat for your cat. It is important for your indoor cat to have a "view" and the ability to watch what is going on outside. This is a great way to create a stimulating environment. There are commercially available "window beds" that attach to your window frame. Cats love these. Another option is a cat tree placed near a window that allows an outside view.
2. Rotate Plenty of Toys. Cats become bored with the same toys after a while. A great tip is to hide a toy for a while and then reintroduce it. Keep a supply of toys that you rotate. My favorite cat toy is the " Undercover Mouse". It is one of the best cat toys I've seen in a long while. This toy is like a "mouse hunt" indoors. It has a wand that randomly moves under a piece of fabric. The tip of this wand, which looks like a mouse's tail, peeks out from the edge of the fabric and cats just love to chase it. For more information, go to:
www.petproductadvisor.com/undercovermouse.
3. Get Some Catnip. For cats that are sensitive to catnip, offer your cat some catnip to enjoy periodically. Also, "marinating" toys in catnip when you put them away is a great way to encourage your cat to enjoy them even more when you reintroduce them.
4. Schedule Playtime . Schedule time twice a day to play with your cat. Allow him or her to chase the ball, laser pointer or feathery flyer. Take at least 10 minutes out of your day to play with your cat. You can even do this while you are watching TV in the evening.
5. Give Plenty of Love Time. Some cats really want a little of your time and attention. Encourage your cat to curl up with you when you are resting.
6. Grow Some Cat Grass . Some indoor cats love to chew on a little cat grass - just like they would if they were outdoors. It is easy to grow and very healthy for your cat.
7. Give Your Cat a Spot of Sun. Cats love the sun. Find a nice window where the sun shines in and place a cat bed in that location. If you have the blinds or curtains closed, consider opening them so your cat can bask for a while in the sun.
Climbing posts, scratching posts, cat grass, windows perches, window beds, toys and a view to watch birds or squirrels are all great ways to enrich your indoor cat's life and prevent boredom.
Toys are a definite "must", and one of the COOLEST toys I've seen in a long time is the Undercover Mouse.
Check out this video and see how it works.
Bored cats can sleep excessively or have behavioral problems. Make sure your cat is happy and enriched.
Until next time,