Free-ranging and feral cats lead complex and busy lives. They maintain large territories that often contain a variety of habitats, including forest, farmland and urban gardens. They explore, they hunt, they scavenge for food, and they may even interact with other cats. In contrast, our household cats have little to do. Without a proactive pet parent, boredom may set in, especially with indoors-only cats. Here are some ideas to help enrich your cat’s life:
• Provide a variety of toys for your cat. Some cats prefer toys that they can throw around themselves. Other cats prefer toys that require owner participation, such as kitty teasers and Cat Dancers. Stimulating play for a cat involves opportunities to “hunt,” so move toys in such a way that they mimic the movements of a rodent or bird. Introduce new toys periodically to keep the cat interested in playing.
• Provide objects for your cat to explore, such as a cardboard box, a paper shopping bag, packing paper, or toys that encourage the cat to investigate various holes with her paws. An aquarium with real fish — or even a bowl of fake fish that move about — can be similarly fascinating. Rotate these items frequently so the cat does not become bored.
• Some cats appreciate the commercially available “cat videos.” The most popular ones contain closeups of various types of birds feeding, flying and singing. Some cats can watch the same videotape for hours each day, tracking the birds’ movements, growling, chirruping and swatting at the screen. Some cats will even watch lava lamps, but please ensure that the lamp is out of your cat’s reach, or she could burn herself should she touch it.
• Cats love to watch birds, squirrels and other small animals. Position bird, hummingbird and squirrel feeders outside of windows where your cat can observe the goings-on. If you live in an apartment, a bird feeder can be affixed directly to the outside of a window.
• Provide several small meals per day rather than one or two large meals. If your schedule doesn’t permit this, you can purchase a feeder, with a built-in timer, designed to open according to a preset schedule.
