Pets
6 ways to brighten up your cat’s life
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Pets
6 ways to brighten up your cat’s life
Your cat’s laid-back life is about to become that much more exciting.
As a proud cat-mom of three beautiful indoor furbabies, I’m always looking for fun and interesting ways to spice up each of their nine lives. I’ve never passed on an opportunity to bring home a brand new cardboard box, toy wand or new kitties to play with, as was the case for my cat Loki. Depending on your circumstances, another play pal may not be in the cards, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to enrich their lives.
Here are six things you can do to ensure your cat is living its nine lives to the fullest.
1. Foraging toys
Cats have a natural instinct to hunt for food and you can easily fulfill that need with foraging toys, which make it a challenge for your cat to obtain a food reward. I like PetSafe Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser. It’s a good option for cats who are on a weight loss journey and need an increase in exercise. Make your own foraging toy with a shoebox—just cut holes in it that are roughly the size of ping pong balls and slip in some treats and ping pong balls for an obstacle.
2. Cat grass
Some cats love chewing on houseplants, but most aren’t safe for them to consume. Cat grass (or pet grass) is a safe plant to have around your home and can help your cat with digestion, fur balls and serves as a niacin and B vitamin supplement. Place it near a window or by your cat's bed to encourage them to chew it.
3. Water fountain
First-hand experience has taught me that cats love running water. Instead of constantly turning on your kitchen or bathroom sink faucet on, invest in a water fountain that will satisfy your kitty’s running water needs. The Hommii Pet Water Fountain is purrfect (pun intended) for multi-cat homes, so there’s no fighting over who gets a sip of water first.
4. Get outside—if you must
Some supervised outdoor time can help stimulate your cat’s mind, but this all depends on your cat. If you find they’re too scared or timid to be outside, avoid taking them out altogether. If your cat seems a bit more confident, putting them on a leash and harness is great way to allow them to enjoy some fresh air while giving you control as to where they can and cannot go. If you’re not sold on that idea, an outdoor cat tent may be a good investment to give your feline some safe outdoor play time—and give you peace of mind. Alternatively, a pet stroller is also a safe option for providing some outdoor time.
5. Nature videos
We get it, cats—you love birds and even try mimicking their cute little chirps (see here). For the days that are particularly slow for birds and other wildlife, or if you live in an area where there isn’t a lot going on outdoors, there are tons of videos your cats can watch for the same type of entertainment. Being able to watch nature videos draws upon their natural predator instincts and stimulates their mind so they stay alert and happy.
6. Another playmate
Cats are often better in pairs and sometimes in a single cat home, a play buddy can add that much more fulfillment to their life. Many cats grow to love the companionship but many don’t as well. Fostering may be a good option to test out the waters to see how they take to a new cat before fully committing. Plus, you’ll be providing a much-needed temporary home for a cat in need and freeing up space in the shelter.
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