Thank you to our guest writer, Julie Woodworth!
Are you looking for ways to keep your newly adopted cat entertained? Cats need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to stay healthy and happy, and it’s a big part of bonding with your new feline friend and establishing trust.
Fortunately, there are lots of creative ideas that can help make sure your cat gets the exercise they need while also providing them with plenty of fun and entertainment.
From interactive toys to DIY projects, here are some inventive ideas that will keep your newly adopted cat entertained.
Why Should We Keep Cats Entertained?
It is important to keep your newly adopted cat entertained because cats need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
Bored cats can become destructive, so keeping them occupied with toys, activities, and playtime will help ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Providing ample opportunities for exercise, as well as stimulating their natural instincts by offering scratching posts, catnip, and hiding places, will help keep your cat occupied and entertained.
Providing interactive playtime with you or other family members can help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Interacting with your cat through toys or activities like laser pointers can also give them a more positive outlook on life, as well as provide mental stimulation that helps keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
Cats are curious creatures and will often explore their environment. Providing an enriching environment for your cat with plenty of toys, hiding spots, scratching posts, and stimulating playtime will help ensure they get the exercise and mental stimulation that they need to thrive in your home.
Toys And Playtime
When it comes to choosing toys for your newly adopted cat, there are a few important things to consider.
Think about what kind of toy you’d like your cat to play with; some cats prefer interactive games while others may enjoy a simple plush toy or wand.
Once you have an idea of what type of toy would be best for your cat, consider its size, as some toys are better suited for smaller cats while others are better for larger felines.
Think about your budget and how often you’ll need to replace the toy; some toys may be more expensive but last longer, while others may be less expensive but require more frequent replacement.
You can find toys specifically designed for cats, such as interactive laser pointers and feather teasers, or you can create homemade ones with items you have around the house.
Consider setting up a scratching post in an area of your home that is easily accessible to your cat and providing them with a variety of toys to choose from.
You can provide a cat tree to offer your furry friend a place to have fun, rest and relax.
In addition to toys and games, there are other ways to keep your cat entertained.
Consider setting up a window perch or providing them with an outdoor enclosure if they can be supervised – this will give them an opportunity to enjoy the sights and smells of nature while also engaging in activities that are important for their mental and physical health.
Don’t forget to spend quality time playing with your cat; this is not only a great way to bond, but it will also provide your cat with plenty of stimulation.
Food Puzzles
Food puzzles are a great way to keep your newly adopted cat entertained while they learn the ropes in their new home.
Food puzzles are toys that either dispense food or require your cat to work for her meal by engaging with them in different ways.
When choosing food puzzles, it’s important to pick ones that match your cat’s skill level.
There are puzzles that range from easy to very challenging.
If your cat is new to these toys, it’s a good idea to start with something fairly simple and work your way up as your cat gets more comfortable with the concept of working for their food.
In addition, food puzzles should be made from safe materials like plastic or rubber and should be big enough for your cat to interact with.
It’s also a good idea to vary the type of puzzles you get for your cat. Some cats may enjoy working on puzzle feeders, others might like interactive toys and some may like simple treat balls or scatter feeders.
It’s all about finding what works best for your particular pet.
Grooming
Regular grooming sessions offer a chance to check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or bumps, as well as helping remove dirt, dead hair and skin cells from their coat.
Grooming also helps with bonding time between you and your cat as it is a comforting activity that can help build trust between you both.
Regular brushing can reduce excess shedding, as well as decrease the risk of hairballs and other digestive problems.
It is important to use the correct grooming brush for your cat’s coat – long-haired cats should have a metal comb with wide spaced teeth and short-haired cats should have a rubber brush with finer tips.
Regular grooming not only keeps your cat’s coat healthy and clean, it is also a time for you to bond with your cat and show them affection.
Climbing And Jumping Challenges
Climbing and jumping challenges are important for a number of reasons.
First, they provide your cat with much-needed exercise.
Second, they help to keep your cat’s mind active and engaged, preventing boredom and helping to stave off potential behavior problems.
Third, they offer an opportunity for you to bond with your cat through play.
Most cats love to jump and climb, so it’s important to provide them with the opportunity to do so.
Cats can easily become bored if they don’t have anything fun or stimulating to do. Regularly providing your cat with climbing and jumping challenges will ensure that they get plenty of exercise and entertainment.
One way to create climbing and jumping challenges for your cat is to set up a series of shelves or perches at different heights.
This will give your cat the opportunity to jump and climb up and down, providing a good workout. You can also scatter small toys around the shelves for your cat to chase after.
Another option is to create an indoor obstacle course. This can be as simple or complex as you like.
You can use household items such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and towels to create tunnels, ramps, and other obstacles for your cat to navigate.
Be sure to supervise your cat while they’re playing to make sure they don’t hurt themselves.
Climbing and jumping challenges can also be created with the help of store-bought cat trees and scratching posts.
Many pet stores sell these items, so you may want to take a look and see if something might be suitable for your home.
Conclusion
Providing your newly adopted cat with plenty of playtime, stimulation and enrichment activities is key to keeping them healthy and happy.
With a little patience, creativity, and even some trial-and-error experimentation on your part as an owner you can find the perfect mix of fun activities that will keep your kitty entertained for hours on end. Plus, these interactive games are also great opportunities to strengthen the bond between you two! So why not grab those toys or scratching posts today? Your feline friend will thank you later!