Keeping
your cat indoors is a good way to prevent accidents and disease.
However, cats do need exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and
healthy. There are numerous ways to keep your kitty active and
stimulated, both physically and mentally. Here are a few smart ideas.
1. Rotate Your Cat's Toys Regularly
Keep
your indoor cat active by offering fun and interactive toys.
Experiment to see which playthings hold your cat's attention. You
don't need to spend a fortune, but remember to rotate the toys fairly
often.
Besides
interactive toys that stimulate Kitty's mind, add a few foraging
playthings in the mix as well. Cats are natural hunters and enjoy
working for their treats. Hide some treats in a foraging puzzle and
toss it around. Your cat will have fun trying to get to the treats.
2. Allow Kitty to Chase a Laser Pointer
Most
cats cannot resist chasing a laser pointer. Laser pointers are a
great boredom buster and they provide a way for your feline friend to
exercise. Point the laser all across the floor and onto the walls and
ceiling. Watch your cat run, pounce, and jump in an attempt to catch
its prey.
Remember,
as you play the chasing laser pointer game with your cat, never aim
the laser light near your cat's face or into the eyes. Doing so may
cause vision damage.
3. Try Something New on the Menu
Just
as humans enjoy trying new foods, cats may also become bored with
eating the same foods day in and day out. While your cat needs a
healthy formulated diet created for felines, nutritional human foods
as an occasional treat can also be beneficial.
Because
cats are considered to be obligate carnivores, offer your cat some
well cooked meat in addition to their daily feline diet. Well-cooked
lean meat which includes beef, chicken, and turkey, which can be
mixed into their food or offered as a separate treat.
Cats
also love fish, so you might give your furry feline a small amount of
cooked salmon or tuna on occasion. Fish provides some of the protein
your cat needs. Well cooked eggs are another protein-rich food to
offer your cat.
By
offering your cat something new to tempt the palette every now and
then, boredom will be less of a factor. Just remember not to give
Kitty onions, garlic, or chocolate, as these foods may cause illness
or toxicity in cats.
4. Construct a Cat Windowsill Perch
Indoor
cats do not need to be restricted to viewing the outside world. Your
cat will appreciate watching the outdoor activity of birds and other
wildlife. You can provide this stimulation in a safe manner by
installing a windowsill perch. Either construct a perch yourself
using wood planks and carpet remnants, or purchase a ready-made
window perch from your cat supply company or pet store.
Remember
to keep the window closed to prevent your cat from falling through.
If you do open the window, be sure you have a secure screen
installed. Check the screen periodically to be certain it is safe and
secure, because a loose window screen can be pushed out by an
overzealous or excited cat.
5. Install a Screened Porch or Other Cat
Enclosure
If
you really want to offer your cat the thrill of the outdoors in a
safe and enclosed environment, consider installing a screened-in
porch. If this idea is not practical for you, there is another
solution; consider a cat enclosure that may be built for outdoors.
You
can construct one yourself, or have one custom designed. Some sellers
call this enclosure a catio, which has the same concept of a patio
meant for cats.
If
your cat seems bored or listless regardless of your attempts to
stimulate the senses, visit your
veterinarian
.
Have your vet perform a thorough examination to rule out medical
issues.
