Cats, despite their apparent independence, need constant stimulation and attention.
A bored pet can cause problems, from damaging furniture to developing behavioral disorders.
To avoid these troubles and ensure your furry friend has a happy life, it is important to know how to entertain your cat and what to do with it in the absence of its owner.
Interactive toys
The modern market of pet products offers a wide range of interactive toys for cats.
Laser pointers, mechanical mice, balls with bells inside can captivate your pet for a long time. Puzzle toys are especially useful, as they not only entertain but also stimulate the cat's mental activity. It is important to change toys regularly to maintain the animal's interest.
Playgrounds
Purchasing or making a play complex yourself allows you to create a whole world of entertainment for your cat.
Multi-level structures with ladders, platforms and shelters satisfy the natural need of cats to climb and observe the world around them from a height. Placement of scratching posts on the complex will help to protect the furniture from damage.
Treat Hunt
Cats remain natural hunters, even when living in city apartments. Using this instinct will help entertain your pet.
You can hide your cat's favorite treats in different places in the apartment or use special toy feeders from which the food falls out only when certain manipulations are performed. Such games not only entertain, but also provide physical activity.
Trick training
Contrary to popular belief, cats are just as trainable as dogs.
Teaching simple tricks like "give paw" or "fetch" is a great way to provide mental stimulation for your pet and strengthen the bond between cat and owner. It's important to keep the training sessions regular but short so as not to tire the animal out.
Creating an observation post
Cats love to watch what's going on around them. Creating a comfortable spot by the window where your pet can watch birds and passersby will provide them with constant entertainment.
You can install a special window shelf or simply free up the window sill by placing a soft mat there.
Cooperative games
Nothing can replace live communication with the owner. Spending time playing with your cat will not only entertain your pet, but also strengthen the emotional connection between the animal and the person.
Simple games with a string, a ball, or feathers on a stick will bring pleasure to both the cat and its owner.
Creating shelters
Cats love to explore new spaces and hide in secluded places. Cardboard boxes, paper bags or specially created houses will be great entertainment for a curious pet.
Periodically changing the location of these hiding places will maintain the cat's interest in exploring the territory.
Supervised walks
For cats living in an apartment, walks in the fresh air can become a real adventure. Using a special harness will allow you to safely take your pet outside.
It is important to start accustoming your dog to the harness gradually, at home, and only then go out for short walks.
Audio and video entertainment
Modern technologies offer interesting solutions for entertaining pets.
There are special videos for cats with pictures of birds, fish or mice that can keep your pet busy for a while. Some cats also respond positively to calm classical music.
Socialization with other animals
If you have the opportunity to have a second pet in your home, this can be a great solution to the problem of boredom.
However, it is important to remember that the introduction of animals should be gradual and under the control of the owner. Not all cats easily accept new family members, so the decision to add a second animal should be made after carefully weighing all the pros and cons.
