Happy Cat, Happy Life
If you’re a cat owner, you know just how much attention and love a cat needs every day. Sure, they are far more independent than other pets, but they also get bored and crave new activities. With that in mind, here are 20 ways to spice up your cat's life.
1. Laser Pointers
If you’ve had a cat for a while, you know how crazy they go for laser pointers. They’ll essentially hunt this mysterious red dot for hours. Just be sure to give them a tangible treat afterward to reward their efforts.
2. Wand Toys
Wand toys are elongated rods that usually have dangling feathers, balls, or stuffed toys at the end. You can move them around like natural prey and watch your cat get ready to pounce. Unlike some of the other toys on this list, the wands emulate instinctive hunting behaviors.
3. Treat Dispensers
There are plenty of different kinds of treat dispensers to choose from, from playful toys to mentally stimulating puzzles. Either way, these devices keep your cat busy and reward them automatically as they manage to get treats out.
4. Fetch
It turns out you can teach your cat to play fetch, and they’ll be just as good as any dog. Start with small toys they like, such as plush mice or crinkle balls. After a few attempts, your cat will figure out just what it needs to do.
5. Lick Mats
Lick mats are textured mats that can make mealtime far more exciting. Rather than having your cat chow down all its wet food immediately, you can spread the substance over the mat. This slows down the eating experience and actually makes it quite soothing for the cat.
6. Cardboard Boxes
All cat owners know just how much their feline friends love cardboard boxes. There’s a running joke about buying your cat a new toy and having them more interested in the box than the toy itself. With that in mind, go ahead and reuse your cardboard boxes to make forts for them to explore. You can cut out holes and make interesting shapes for added flair.
7. Hide Treats
Whether you want to provide some scent training or simply play hide and seek, treats are always a good motivator. You can hide them around the house and let your cat hunt for them.
8. Cat TV
Cat TV consists of channels that feature wildlife imagery, usually birds and squirrels. You can find plenty of these on YouTube. However, if you want the real deal, you can also set your cat by a big window and put some birdseed outside to attract animals for it to view.
9. Cat Grass
Cat grass is a cat-friendly plant that can actually help with digestion and hairball control. You can buy it at any pet store, and most cats enjoy nibbling on it or simply sniffing it.
Antoine Soufflard--Guyon on Unsplash
10. Leash Training
While most cats struggle with leashes, it is completely possible to train them. This is a great way to show your cat the outside world without fear. Of course, you can also buy cat backpacks, which keep them safely contained as you go for walks.
11. Outdoor Tents
Another way to safely expose your feline buddy to the outside world is with cat tents. These tents are secured outside and tied down very close to the ground. That way, your cat can sit on the grass inside them and look around.
12. Catnip
Of course, you can never go wrong with catnip, which has been attracting cats for ages. They can get a little crazy for this herb, and many treats incorporate the scent to make for a fulfilling experience.
13. Crinkled Paper
Cats are honestly very low maintenance, and they certainly don’t need expensive toys. Even a ball of crinkled-up paper will get them excited and interested in running around and chasing it.
14. Cat Obedience
It turns out you can, in fact, train cats to do tricks. You can use treats, a clicker, or a combination of both. But don’t worry if it doesn’t work out, as not all cats are motivated to please their humans.
15. Cat Trees
Having one or two cat trees around the home is a must for a happy cat. But if you’re looking to add even more enrichment, don’t be afraid to add another or invest in some cat shelves.
16. Cuddles
Cats are happy with almost any kind of attention, so if you don’t feel like playing, just go ahead and scoop up your little buddy for a world of cuddles. They’ll be happy to dodge your hugs, or maybe they’ll indulge in it and cozy up.
17. Frozen Treats
Another way to make the eating experience more interesting is by making frozen treats. This will keep your cat busy for an hour at least as it licks away to melt the treat down.
18. Bubbles
If you have pet-friendly bubbles on hand, you can simply find a place to sit and blow bubbles. Your cat will be happy to chase them around and pop them. Don’t worry if they’re a bit shy at first—eventually, their curiosity will get the best of them.
19. Rotating Toys
You probably have a few toys out for your cat to enjoy at any time, but they might not seem interested anymore. Cats enjoy newness, which is why it's recommended to rotate a certain number of toys every week. This way, the cat thinks it’s getting a new experience when it's actually just switching through existing toys.
20. Tug of War
You can also play tug of war with your cat, but it's recommended you use a soft fabric rather than anything too sturdy that can hurt their teeth. Unlike dogs, you don’t have to worry about who wins, as cats already think they run the house.
