Most cats love nothing more than playing, and there are plenty of ways to help bring out your feline friend’s playful side. Here are 30 top tips for keeping your cat entertained and stimulated:.
1. Provide a variety of toys
Cats love to play with toys, so try to provide a range of different ones to keep things interesting. Some cats prefer toys that they can chase, while others prefer to stalk and pounce on toys. Experiment to discover which your cat enjoys the most.
2. Make use of boxes
Most cats adore boxes, and you can create hours of entertainment for your feline friend simply by providing a cardboard box to explore. You can even create a challenging maze by cutting holes in the box for your cat to navigate.
3. Use laser pointers
Cats go wild for laser pointers, and these can be a great way to encourage your cat to run and jump around. Just make sure not to shine the laser in your cat’s eyes.
4. Play hide and seek
You can create a fun game of hide and seek by hiding treats or toys around your home for your cat to find.
5. Create interactive toys
There are many interactive cat toys on the market that can keep your feline friend entertained for hours. These include puzzles and games that require your cat to solve a challenge to get to the treat or toy inside.
6. Use feathers and string
Feathers and string can be great cat toys, and you can even create your own by attaching feathers or bells to a piece of string.
7. Get a cat tree
Cats love to climb, and a cat tree can provide endless entertainment for your feline friend. Look for one with different levels and scratching posts to keep your cat active and engaged.
8. Let your cat hunt
You can create a hunting experience for your cat simply by hiding treats around your home for them to find. This taps into your cat’s natural instincts and can help keep them mentally and physically healthy.
9. Make use of catnip
Catnip can be a great way to get your cat excited and playful. Simply sprinkle it on a toy or scratch post and watch your cat go wild.
10. Use treat puzzles
You can buy or create treat puzzles that require your cat to work for their food. These can be great for keeping your cat mentally stimulated and occupied.
11. Play with bubbles
Most cats love chasing bubbles, so invest in a bubble machine or create your own by blowing bubbles yourself.
12. Get a tunnel
A cat tunnel can provide hours of fun for your feline friend, especially if you add toys or treats for them to find inside.
13. Make use of video
You can find many videos online that are designed to entertain cats, from videos of birds to videos of other cats playing. Try putting one on and watch your cat’s reaction.
14. Create a scavenger hunt
You can create a scavenger hunt by hiding treats or toys in different rooms for your cat to find. This can be a fun way to keep your cat active and engaged.
15. Create a window perch
Many cats love watching birds and other animals outside, so create a window perch for your cat to enjoy the view.
16. Use automated toys
There are many automated cat toys on the market, such as moving toys or toys that interact with your cat. These can provide hours of entertainment for your feline friend.
17. Play with sock balls
You can create your own toy by stuffing socks with catnip or other treats and creating balls for your cat to chase.
18. Use a feather wand
Feather wands can be great for stimulating your cat’s natural hunting instincts and encouraging exercise.
19. Play with ping pong balls
Ping pong balls can be a simple but effective toy for cats, especially if you put treats inside them to encourage play.
20. Create an obstacle course
You can create a mini obstacle course for your cat using boxes, tunnels, and other objects to encourage jumping and climbing.
21. Use a crinkly bag
Cats love the sound of crinkly bags, so get a paper or plastic bag and let your cat play with it for a while.
22. Play with a fishing rod toy
A fishing rod toy can be a fun way to encourage your cat to chase and jump.
23. Make use of windowsills
Most cats love sitting on windowsills and watching the outdoors. You can provide a comfortable cushion for your cat to enjoy this activity.
24. Use a cardboard tunnel
A cardboard tunnel can provide endless entertainment for your feline friend, and you can even attach toys or treats to keep them engaged.
25. Play with a jingle ball
Jingle balls can provide hours of fun for cats, and the sound can be very stimulating for them.
26. Use a scratching post
Scratching posts can be great for keeping your cat’s claws healthy and redirecting their natural urge to scratch. Many cats enjoy playing on them as well.
27. Make use of cat grass
Many cats enjoy chewing on cat grass, and this can provide both entertainment and health benefits.
28. Use a laser maze
You can create a fun laser maze for your cat by attaching laser pointers to walls and furniture and encouraging your cat to navigate the maze.
29. Play hide and seek with your cat
You can create a fun game of hide and seek with your cat by hiding yourself and encouraging your cat to find you.
30. Use a treat ball
A treat ball can be a great way to encourage your cat to play and work for their food.