Cats need mental stimulation just as much as dogs do, and love to play.
While they do make great loungers, it’s in their nature to hunt and are quick to chase.
Daily routines and physical activities help keep them healthy.

Boredom can sometimes lead to a less active lifestyle which could then lead to obesity, and that could create other health problems.

Being bored can also have a pet acting out with destructive behavior, such as tearing up plants or furniture.

We have created a list of easy indoor activities that you can do with your cat, along with engaging toys to help keep them busy.

Cat trees and catnip

These are great ways to keep your cat happy.

Adding catnip to your home will create a stress free, happy environment for them.
A great way to start.

Give them their own space, to make them feel at home.
Create a room or an area with cat trees or cat shelves that will make them feel safe and comfortable.

Interactive toys

Invest in some rotating or battery operated toys that will move themselves to create a kind of chase.  Amazon has many interactive toys that will entice your cat to play.

Outdoor enclosures

Outdoor enclosures are very creative and beautiful, giving your pet that feel of the outdoors, while keeping them safely inside.
Depending on the size you choose, these enclosures can also give them the opportunity to run,  jump, or even bird watch.
Enclosures can be either an outdoor run, or something as simple as a protruding window.

Hide and seek

Cats love to hide and pounce.
Hide and seek is a great game to play with your cat.
Remember they are hunters, with an instinct to jump and chase.  They are also very playful in nature, making this game an easy one to play.

Catch

Cats love to grab things out of the air.

Find something lightweight and feathery to throw to your cat, you may be surprised how high your cat will jump to catch it.

Laser pointers

Laser pointers create a very active play, as they can go a distance easily chasing the light around a room.

While laser light is a fun way to get your cat moving, remember to never shine a light directly into the eyes, as this can be harmful.

Exercise wheel

Becoming more and more popular, is the cat exercise wheel
While this takes a little practice, and getting used to.  Some cats become really good at it, running at very fast speeds and loving it!
Also a great start for some overweight cats needing to lose a little.

Theres just no room for boredom!
Not when there are so many ways to keep your cat happy, healthy, and active.

Image: Pixabay