Cats are highly intelligent animals who require mental as well as physical stimulation. Cats who are bored may either become obese or may develop behaviors which owners find difficult to live with.
But your cat need not be a couch potato or a delinquent. And you don't have to break the bank to provide him with a stimulating environment.
♥ Cats are all about vertical surfaces. They need to be up high to visualize their environment. Perches also provide them with a safe place to retire when they are feeling stressed. You can purchase a sturdy cat tree or install a window seat.
♥ Provide lots of toys. Some cats are "mouse" cats and some are "bird" cats, meaning some prefer to have their toys horizontally on the ground where they can bat them around and others prefer dangly, fishing pole type toys. Experiment with your cat to see which he prefers. Rotate toys to eliminate boredom. Always check toys first to make sure parts cannot detach and become a hazard to your cat.
♥ Just like kids, some cats just prefer the cardboard box! Design your own cat playhouse by cutting out doors and windows.
♥ Manufacture your own toys by cutting paw-sized holes in a tissue box and placing toys or bits of dry kibble inside. How stimulating for Kitty to try to get the prize out of the box.
♥ Purchase a cat video. Not all cats care for multimedia but some cats are very intrigued by watching hamsters, squirrels and birds romp on TV.
♥ Hang a bird feeder just outside a window (especially one where a perch has been installed). Prepare for squirrel antics as well as a bird show.
♥ Invest in a cat-safe fence, such as Purrfect Fence or Cat Fence-In. These type of fencing allow a cat to go outside without allowing them to be free-roaming. Outdoor cats should always have a flea/tick preventative applied regularly.
♥ Devise hunting games such as leaving a few small bowls of dry kibble strategically placed around the house. Start out with easy hiding places and then increase the level of difficulty. Don't place too much food in the bowls or Kitty will start to pack on the pounds. And don' t use canned cat food, just in case Kitty misses a dish!
♥ Provide different scratching options. Scratching is a natural marking behaivor in cats, even for declawed cats. Have sturdy carpeted posts, tall enough for a good strectch or sisal or corrugated cardboard scratchers, depending on your cat's personal preference.
♥ Check out the book The Cats' House and really go crazy by adapting your living space to create a wonderland of surfaces and stimulation for your cat.
♥ Train your cat. No, that was not a typo. Cat's can be trained to perform tricks and some cats are even competing in agility contests! Try training using a "clicker".
♥ And the best kind of enrichment for your cat is....YOU! Talk, brush, pet and play with your cat! He will reward you with years of enjoyment, entertainment and love.
