Cat Toys, Treats, and Enrichment 101: Keeping Your Kitty Entertained

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Cats are known for their independent nature. But while they often appear self-sufficient and aloof, it’s still important to provide enrichment in your cat’s life. Just like humans, cats need challenges and entertainment to lead a happy life. 

After all, a bored cat can lead to mischievous behavior, including scratching furniture and meowing obnoxiously in the middle of the night. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of feline amusement and explore how to keep your cat entertained and happy.

The Importance of Keeping Your Cat Entertained

Before we dive into the exciting realm of toys, treats, and entertainment, it’s essential to understand why it’s crucial to enrich your cat’s life. Cats are naturally curious and active animals. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they can become restless and even depressed. A restless and bored cat tends to get into things it shouldn’t. It may chew on cords, eat out of boredom, and clean itself frequently, leading to hairballs. 

Entertaining your cat isn’t just about preventing unwanted behavior, however. It’s also about enhancing their quality of life. An entertained cat is a happy cat, and a happy cat is more likely to form a stronger bond with you and enjoy a healthier, longer life. 

Signs Your Cat is Bored and You Can Fix It!

How Do I Know if My Cat Is Bored? 

Spotting boredom in your cat isn’t always as obvious as you might think. Your cat might be telling you they need more entertainment through subtle hints, and identifying these signs of feline boredom is the first step to helping improve their lives. 

A common indication of cat boredom is excessive grooming. Cats may groom themselves more frequently when bored to occupy their time. You might notice bald patches on their body where they’ve been licking or even furballs coughed up around the house. 

Cats also eat more to occupy themselves. Couple this with inactivity from a lack of physical stimulation, and you have the perfect recipe for a chubby kitty. Be sure to keep an eye on your cat’s waistline and get them moving to combat boredom eating and weight gain. 

Of course, there’s the destructive behavior and excessive meowing. If your indoor cat is constantly meowing at the front door, it’s a sure sign that they’re bored indoors. If they’re also scratching holes in your furniture and rugs, they’re probably in need of some enrichment as well. Fear not, the solution doesn’t have to be letting them outdoors into the big, scary world. There are plenty of indoor enrichment ideas to keep them satisfied. More on that soon. 

Suggested reading: Do you have an obnoxiously vocal cat? Click here to find out if cats ever get tired of meowing.

Cat Toys 101: Sometimes Simple Is Better

Cat toys come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes, simple is better. Plainly put, you don’t need to go to Petco and spend hundreds of dollars to make your cat happy. Chances are, you probably have plenty of items around your house that your cat would love to play with. You can also make a lot of these toys yourself.

Cats have a natural instinct to stalk, chase, and pounce on prey, so toys that mimic these behaviors are often the most appealing. For example, feather wands mimic the flitty nature of birds and are excellent for interactive play. The fluttering feathers are irresistible to them, and simply attaching a string and feather to the end of a stick will do the trick. Even a single piece of string can work wonders for interactive play. Drag it behind you as you move around the house, and your cat will likely chase after you in the funniest way, trying to get the string at every chance. 

If you want to play with your cat from the comfort of your couch, you might want to consider an interactive laser. Curl up in a blanket and watch them frantically climb the walls and bat the floor as they try to get ahold of the mysterious red dot. 

Paper bags and cardboard boxes are sure to please, as well. Cats love hiding spaces, and you probably have some of these items shoved in a closet somewhere. Try cutting out a hole in a cardboard box so your cat can enter. Then, dangle a feather wand at the opening and watch your cat’s paws go wild. We promise this will be as equally entertaining for you as it is for your cat. 

Cat Treats 101: From Catnip to Churu Treats

Treats are a also fantastic way to reward your cat and add a little excitement to their day. If you worry that your cat is getting a little thick around the waistline, don’t worry. There are plenty of nutritious, low-calorie treats that your cat will love just as much. 

For example, Churu cat treats are soft, squeezable cat treats that come in various flavors. Cats adore them, and they can be used for training or as an occasional indulgence. And because most of their content is moisture, they’re only six calories a tube!

You could also provide your cat with tuna or salmon flakes either as a treat or on top of their food. They’re thin fish flakes that are extremely low in calories, however, they pack a punch of flavor your cat will love. 

While it’s not necessarily meant to be ingested as food, catnip is one of the best forms of enrichment you can give your cat. It provides them with a little “kitty high” and makes them go wild. Once you see that glazed look over their eyes as they stare off into space, you’ll know it’s hit them. Catnip can make everyday activities much more fun for your kitty. 

Lastly, be sure to use cat treats to reinforce the behavior you want to see. For example, don’t give your cat a Churu tube right after it starts scratching up the furniture. By doing this, you’re unintentionally telling them that furniture-scratching deserves a reward. Better times to provide treats include: after play sessions, when they’re lying on your lap, and other occasions when they’re being a good kitty.  

Pro Tip: Learn how catnip affects the dogs in your household.

What Are Simple Cat Enrichment Ideas? 

Now that we’ve covered toys and treats, let’s explore some simple cat enrichment ideas to keep your feline friend mentally and physically engaged. If you don’t already have one, we highly recommend getting your cat a cat tree. These entertaining cat towers provide so much for your cat – vertical space that kitties love, appropriate scratching areas, and cozy places to sleep and hide. They can be the perfect solution for bored indoor cats who want a whole new perspective on life. 

You can also try rotating their toys as well. Just like children, cats can get sick of their toys after a while. What was once a novelty can turn into a boring old toy that never gets played with. Try putting away those toys and introducing some new ones into their space. Remember, these don’t have to be extravagant toys. They can be as simple as crumpled paper, ping pong balls, or catnip-filled socks. 

Do you have a senior cat? Find out what makes these cat trees so amazing for older cats.

Need More? Try These Advanced Cat Enrichment Ideas!

Have you already tried most of the ideas above? Here are some more enrichment ideas that might pique your cat’s interest. 

1. Provide Cat-friendly Plants 

Cats love to chew on plants. In fact, outdoor cats regularly ingest grass to both relieve stomach upset and increase their vitamin intake. Be sure to invest in cat-safe plants, however, as many household plants can be toxic to cats. Options like cat grass, catnip, or spider plants are great to help satisfy their natural urge to chew and explore.

2. Food Puzzles and Lick Mats 

For thousands of years, cats have had to work for their food. They’re not meant to have food handed to them every day without the challenge of hunting. Food puzzles and lick mats are a perfect solution because they provide two things: mental stimulation and nutrition. They require your cat to work for their food, making mealtime an engaging activity. This also helps them to eat more slowly, which in turn prevents them from vomiting after eating too fast. 

3. Cat Shelves on Your Walls

Cats love to climb and perch in high places. One fun way to enrich their space is to install cat shelves on your walls, providing them with an entertaining “catwalk” high up on the wall. Better yet, make these catwalks lead to their cat trees, windows, or other exciting areas in the house. Your cat will have a ball exploring their home from a new vantage point. 

4. Cat Water Fountain

Cats are more likely to drink water from a flowing source. A cat water fountain not only provides fresh water but also entertainment as they watch the water flow. You might even find your cat hilariously batting at the water as it splashes down. Water fountains can be entertaining not only for your cat but for you as well. 

5. Motion Toys

Of course, there are the battery-operated toys that you can find at most pet shops. Toys that move unpredictably, such as electronic mice or feather teasers, can keep your cat entertained for hours. These are a great option if you’re away from home a lot or simply don’t have time for a lot of play sessions with your cat. It can be hilarious watching them stare at the toy with the utmost confusion and try to figure out how to destroy any moving part they see. 

Do you need more entertainment in your life? Check out these 7 amusing cat podcasts — you won’t regret it!

Reap the Rewards of a Happy Cat

By investing time and effort into keeping your cat entertained, you’re not only preventing destructive behavior but also enhancing your feline friend’s well-being. A cat with plenty of enrichment is more likely to be affectionate, healthy, and content, making your bond even stronger.

Remember that every cat is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the toys, treats, and enrichment activities that your cat enjoys the most. Just like humans, cats have their preferences, so pay attention to their reactions and adapt your approach accordingly. Whether you opt for simple toys, elaborate furniture, or tantalizing treats, the key is to keep your cat engaged and happy. After all, a content cat means a happy home for both you and your feline companion.

So go ahead, indulge your cat’s inner tiger, and watch them thrive in a world filled with endless entertainment.

What are some of your cat’s favorite toys? Tell us in the comments below!