Did you know that playtime is essential for your cat’s mental and physical well-being? The great thing about playtime is that you don’t need much space to play and have fun together. With a little imagination and some room space, there are plenty of ways to entertain and bond with your cat. This article shares simple and interactive ways of keeping indoor cats happy.
Interactive Playtime Keeping Indoor Cats Happy
Feather wand toys
If you go into a pet shop to look for a toy for your cat, most will gravitate toward feather wand toys. They come in a plethora of shapes, sizes and designs. Feathers, bells and even mouse-like shapes! Playing with an interactive wand with your feline allows them the opportunity to chase, hunt and play. This offers your cat an excellent means to let out any pent-up boredom, anxiety or extra energy.
Laser pointers
Anyone who has played a laser pointer with a cat knows they are obsessed with the little dot of light. Not exactly a toy but it does stimulate the cat’s hunting instincts. Cats see the moving dot as alive and something worth catching because it changes direction and speed. The dot provokes them into a chase that allows the cat to exercise and stretch their limbs. Be careful where you point your laser pointers because cats are often not paying attention to their surroundings and can run into a wall or furniture. Most importantly, never point the laser into a cat’s eye!
Interactive puzzle toys
Puzzle toys are amazing for mental stimulation. They encourage cats to solve problems, typically by rearranging pieces around to reveal treats. This type of toy is ideal for indoor cats because it simulates the problem-solving skills they would use in the wild. Puzzle toys can keep your cat mentally occupied but are also intentionally constructed to keep pets moving, active and physically engaged. Many toys are designed to be pushed, rolled, chased, batted, picked up, bounced or thrown around. Other than contributing to their mental and physical well-being, it also provides them with exercise and engagement, especially when you’re away. This is especially important if you travel frequently or spend long hours at work.
DIY Cat Crafts
Homemade catnip toys
Cats go crazy over catnip, but you don’t need to buy an expensive catnip-filled toy to play with them. There are many tutorials on homemade toys for cats on the internet. The little extra something is, of course, catnip! Here are some ways to make your DIY catnip toys:
- Take a sock, spoon in a little bit of catnip into the bottom and tie the end shut tightly. You can get creative by adding a small bell or tying a string at the end and wave around.
- If you’re a craftsperson, you can sew or crochet a toy and sprinkle a little catnip onto it.
- You can also use an old soft toy and repurpose it into a second-life toy for your cat. Cut a slit of the toy and add some catnip into it and sew them shut.
Cardboard scratchers
Have cardboard boxes lying around from your delivery packages? Don’t throw them away! They can be used to make DIY cardboard scratchers for your cats! Many YouTube tutorials can teach you how to make your scratcher. You will need cardboard, glue, rubber bands, and a catnip. This is a great DIY project to do over the weekend or with your family.
Cat-friendly DIY treats
Cat treats tend to be expensive so if you have the time and ingredients, why not make your cat treats for your feline friends? However, if your cat is on a prescription diet, avoid making these or consult with your vet first.
Remember not to freeze homemade cat treats. All homemade cat treats that have been baked should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 5-7 days to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. These cat treat recipes are found on the hillspet website.
Quantity: approx. two dozen cat treats
Cat Treats from Canned Cat Food:
- Open the can and shake the loaf of cat food out of the can.
- Cut the loaf into 1/4″ thick slices, and then cut the slices into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake the cat treats in a microwave oven on high for approximately 2½ to 3 minutes. For a conventional oven, follow the instructions above and place the bite-sized pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350’F/176’C degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy.
Snack “Triangles” from Canned Cat Food:
- Preheat oven to 350’F/176’C degrees.
- Spread 1/2 can of cat food onto a sheet of waxed paper.
- Cut the flattened cat food into triangles, each 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the triangles on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Flip the triangles, and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Let cat treats cool completely before serving to your cat.
Gravy from Canned Cat Food:
- Crumble 1/2 can of cat food into a measuring cup.
- Add 1/3 cup water to the measuring cup.
- Stir ingredients until the mixture is combined to the consistency of gravy.
Cat Treats from Dry Cat Food:
- In a blender, add 2 cups of dry cat food and grind into a powder.
- Pour powder into a mixing bowl and gradually add about 1 to 1¼ cups of water, stirring until it forms a dough consistency.
- Shape into individual “treats” or “cookies” and flatten the dough using the back of a spoon (the cookies will not flatten like standard “cookies for humans” do.)
- Place cat treats on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 350’F/176’C degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy. Do not freeze homemade cat treats.
Homemade cat treats for your cat shouldn’t account for more than 10% of their daily food intake, just like any other treat.
Relaxation and Bonding Keeping Indoor Cats Happy
Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day. So, after their daily exercise, you can try relaxing activities to spend time with your feline companion.
Gentle grooming sessions
Grooming your cat is a soothing activity that is great for bonding. Cats do an excellent job grooming themselves, but regular brushing is still necessary to maintain the health of their coat. While short-haired cats can typically be groomed once a week, long- and medium-haired cats should ideally be groomed daily.
Just as cats often groom each other, grooming sessions with your cat establish a stronger connection between you and your cat. Thus, take the time to sit down with a brush and gently brush your cat. They will love it and love you even more
Cuddling on the couch
To all the couch potatoes, this is an ideal activity for your lazy cats. Cuddling with a cat causes both animals and humans to release oxytocin, the ‘happiness’ hormone. Thus, enjoy a lazy Sunday with your cat watching your favourite TV shows and movies, because it’s a great way to spend time with them at home.
To conclude, there are plenty of ways for keeping indoor cats happy. These are just some ways you can play with your cat. Regular playtime fosters and strengthens the bond between you and your cat. During playtime, you can use colourful feather toys, use puzzle games to stimulate their minds or even chase for the laser pointer. If you’re into crafting, you can enjoy making homemade cat toys and treats for your feline friend. Or if you simply like to relax with your cat, a cuddling or grooming session helps to create trust between you and your cat.
