15 Ways to Create a Stimulating Environment For House Cats
For the last 13 years, I’ve had house cats. However, as they spend their lives indoors they are prone to boredom and loneliness. As responsible cat parents, it is our duty to create a stimulating environment for house cats in order to keep them mentally and physically active.
What is a stimulating environment for house cats?
A stimulating environment for house cats is one that prevents them from becoming bored or lonely when they are home alone. Being confined to the four walls of a house, although safer than free-roaming outside, can lack the excitement that outdoors brings.
All cats deserve to be happy, even house cats home alone. The best way to make sure our cats are happy and don’t get bored is to provide them with a stimulating environment.
Is Your Cat Bored?
Although cats are more independent than dogs, they still need a stimulating environment to keep them mentally and physically active. Any cats that are continually left alone for long periods are at risk of becoming bored. Some common signs of boredom in cats may include:
- Urinating outside of the litter box or in places they shouldn’t.
- Increased or decreased appetite.
- Overgrooming
- Displaying destructive behaviours such as scratching inappropriate places, like furniture or shredding packages and bags.
- An increase in sleeping or being more lethargic.
- Depression, a lack of interest in anything around them.
- Increased vocalizations and crying.
- Increased aggression towards their humans.
- Separation anxiety
If you are concerned about any changes in your cats’ health or behaviour you should seek advice from a veterinary expert immediately. Behavioural changes can be due to an underlying medical condition which the vet will be able to assess. However, if there are no underlying issues, boredom may be a factor. Even without any symptoms, there’s no harm in providing a more stimulating environment for house cats.
Vertical Spaces
Cats naturally love to climb and be high up. In the wild cats would get high up to look for prey and get away from danger. Although house cats don’t have the same dangers as cats in the wild they still have the same natural instincts. Having an elevated view over their environment will make them feel safer. Also, they will have lots of fun climbing up, down and over obstacles to get to their high spots.
Cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, and countertops are usually a favourite vertical space. But you could add shelves, wall beds or even a sturdy cat tree to their environment.
A Room With a View
Cats are stimulated by small, quick movements like a bird fluttering. Placing beds, cat trees or resting spots near windows will give them something to watch throughout the day. Add bird feeders, plants that attract butterflies and bees or even a fish pond near to a window for constant entertainment.
For cats that don’t have got access to a window or a view, there’s plenty of videos for cats to watch on YouTube. Here are some of my favourite videos.
Space to Hide
For anxious cats, a hiding place is necessary. Especially for those noises that happen when they’re alone like a knock at the door or heavy rain. A small space is a place of safety and refuge.
Hiding spaces can also be fun! With a few holes cut into a cardboard box, a cat could have hours of fun. I’m yet to meet a cat that doesn’t jump into a box or laundry basket as soon as they see it!
Scratching Posts
Cats need to have somewhere suitable to scratch. If they don’t have anywhere then they will resort to furniture. Cats need to be able to scratch so that they can
- Shed the outer layer of their claws – As they grow they make way for stronger healthier claws.
- Stretch their muscles – A good scratch post should be sturdy enough so that it won’t move as soon as they pull on it. It should also allow them to fully stretch their body, not just their front paws.
- Mark their territory – Cats have scent glands on their paw pads so by scratching they’re making their mark.
If your cat already has a scratch post but isn’t using it, it might be because it’s in the wrong place for them or too small. A scratch post tucked away, out of sight, in a corner doesn’t offer any excitement. Look at where your cat does scratch, is it a high traffic area? Is it more secure than their post, can they get a good stretch? Do you need to move the scratching post into a more prominent position?
Cats should have an option for scratching vertically or horizontally. My own house cats also have a large cardboard horizontal scratcher that doubles up as a lounger! It’s purrfect for those lazy days.
Suitable Toys
Cats like to engage in various types of play. Some toys allow them to play independently like balls and mice. A ping pong ball in the empty bath always goes down well! Whilst other toys need human interaction like wand toys. The fast movements mimic prey and encourage them to practice their hunting skills.
If you have a basket of untouched toys that they never use, it might be because to them, its a pile of dead prey. Add some excitement into their day by placing toys around the house. Hide them in boxes, on top of shelves or inside paper bags (remove the handles first). Just leave little bits of the toys on show or dangling so that they have to find them during the day. The cats will have fun and you’ll be able to see which places they explored and found the toys.
Exercise
A cat with access to roam outside can travel up to 3 miles a day. However, a house cat doesn’t have the same opportunities for burning off that excess energy. A cat wheel, basically a supersized hamster wheel, lets them run around and keep fit. Cat wheels aren’t suitable for every cat but for the more energetic breeds (like Bengals and Savannahs) or younger cats, they are a great way to let off steam.
If you do decide to buy a cat wheel do research your options. Some companies have unfortunately caused serious damage to cats as they became unstable when in use. I looked at several companies before purchasing a cat wheel and for me, the Cazami Cat Exercise Wheel stood out. They are sold worldwide and have an excellent reputation for safety with no accidents or incidents.
It can take time to train a cat to use the wheel, some will be confident and explore immediately. Whilst others need some gentle persuasion to use it. I’ve found that once a cat uses it they will go back to it regularly.
Puzzle Feeders
Most cats instinctively like to hunt for their food. However many cat parents provide an all you can eat buffet open 24/7. If your cat has nothing better to do then the food bowl seems like a good way to pass the day while they wait for you to come home.
A puzzle feeder provides a more exciting way to ‘catch’ their food. They can also extend the length of time it takes to eat the food, good for those greedy guzzlers. It also encourages them to activate their brain in getting the food from the container to their mouth. They have to work for their food, and then they are rewarded!
There are lots of different puzzle feeders available for dry food, some can be used with wet food but the food would spoil quickly, especially if left out all day. My cats use this one throughout the day. You can make your own puzzle feeders using cardboard tubes, empty water bottles, egg cartons, and boxes.
Look for Treasure
Make a treasure hunt for your cat to follow by hiding treats around the house before you leave. Your cat will have lots of fun finding the tasty rewards.
When any cats are staying at The Great Catsby that have treats I hide them around their room. It’s a great way to encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
For a healthier, natural alternative to Dreamies use freeze-dried treats like Thrive or Wilkos own.
A Place in the Sun
Maybe it’s due to their ancient Egypt connections but cats love the sunshine! If there is a sunspot in your house your cat probably already knows about it.
Place a bed, shelf or resting spot near to a bright sunny window. Your cats will love to laze about in the sunshine.
I haven’t tried them but they do make window beds for cats like this one! I’m not brave enough to test one with my 9kg Maine Coon just yet! She will have to stick to her lounger instead.
Catnip Party
Not all cats like catnip but for those that do, let them have a little catnip party. Some cats love to eat it, whilst others roll around in it. Use the catnip as a little treat every now and then. If you overindulge them they’ll soon lose interest in it. You can always sprinkle in on their food, on old toys or just give them some on its own.
I find the catnip bought in the petshops here in the UK don’t seem to have any effect on my cats but the Premium Canadian Catnip works a treat. It’s a fine powder, with absolutely no sharp bits, unlike the catnip I find here. For anyone struggling to get hold of the Premium Catnip, I have some available to take home or post out. Just send me a message if you’d like one.
Bring the Outdoors In
For cats that have no access to the outside world a pinecone, log or feather found in the garden will provide a whole new set of interesting smells and textures. Just make sure anything you do bring in is clean, and not been used by other animals outside.
Alternatively, grow some cat grass or wheatgrass for your cat to enjoy. Not only will they have fun chewing the grass but it can help aid digestion.
Spend Quality Time With Your Cat
When you get home from work after a busy day it’s easy to start the chores or make tea. But your cats would appreciate it if you take a few minutes to acknowledge them as soon as you get home.
Just 15 minutes of interactive play with your cat can make a huge difference to their quality of life. If your cat is at home for long periods during the day consider getting a neighbour, friend or pet sitter to spend some time with your cat each day.
During the evening, when you’re wanting to relax why not let your cat curl up with you and treat them to a little grooming session.
Create a Safe Outdoor Space
Many house cats have the luxury of a purpose-built catio. These catios enable cats to safely enjoy the outdoor space. They often have cat trees, sheltered spaces and lots of perches to sit and watch the world go by. Kitty Gardens is a great Facebook page for inspiration and ideas for catios.
If you prefer your cats to have more freedom in the garden whilst being secure then you could go all out and make your garden cat-proof. ProtectaPet offer fence top barriers as well as full enclosures. They have a team of installers ready to make your garden safe or you can install your own with their DIY packs. Mention GREATCATSBY to save money at ProtectaPet
ProtectaPet was our company of choice when we installed our cat balconies at The Great Catsby. The balconies were designed to our requirements giving cats access to the outdoors. The cats are able to sit outside, through the window onto an elevated platform.
Train Your Cat
Spend a few minutes every day teaching your cat to do a simple trick like sit or fetch. They’ll enjoy your attention plus it keeps them mentally active. A good place to start is with clicker training. Catmantoo has some great videos on YouTube to help you train your cat.
Get a Playmate
Kittens always do better in pairs, after leaving their mums and their littermates they can be prone to loneliness. They need lots of play as they are very active and a friend is usually the best companion. Having a playmate means that they will always have someone around even if you’re out all day.
Depending on the nature and age of your cat you may need to spend some time introducing your new cat to them. Not all cats accept a friend immediately but after a slow and patient introduction, they will tolerate each other.
How do you provide a stimulating environment for house cats? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear what you do.