I have to cats that do not go outside. I am always trying to find ways to keep them amused. Do you have ideas?

Answer 1

You can buy or build them some cat trees & shelves to climb on. You can also get 'cat grass' at the pet store for your kitties to chew on, and cat videos or DVDs for them to watch. Rotate their toys (put some away in a box and get out some that have been put away for a while) to make them feel like they're getting new toys. Put out some cardboard boxes and paper bags (cut off any handles so they don't get caught in them) for them to hide in and pounce on each other from. You can even cut holes in the cardboard boxes for the cats to go in & out of. You can try installing a window perch for your cats to sit on & watch the birds outside, and you can put a bird feeder outside their window to attract birds. Hide cat treats around your house for the cats to 'hunt' during the day. Try a 'puzzle toy' designed for cats: http://www.revivalanimal.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_50-321_A_name_E_Peek+A+Prize+Toy
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2002+113121

My cats' favorite interactive toy is 'da bird' - I have a play session with them every evening before supper to simulate hunting & feeding so they'll sleep better at night.

My cats also love plastic milk jug rings, crumpled pieces of paper, plastic bottle caps, and drinking straws.

This link has more ideas:
http://www.catclinicofroswell.com/faq/detail.aspx?faqid=3

You're doing the right thing keeping your cats inside & safe!

Answer 2

Hi,

My cats are also indoor cats. I have bought toys for them. Two of them like to play fetch. One plays with small mice ones and the other with a pompom. Amazingly enough, they do not play with each others' favorites.

They also like the toy mice on toy fishing poles that squeak. They like the motion.

I also got them a small laser light and they love that. My one cat has been so badly abused that she does not play. She had been at a shelter for a year and a half before I adopted her. She will react to the light. If you get a laser light, don't shine it in the cats' or humans' eyes. This can damage them.

Catnip is something most, but not all cats react to. I put it on their scratching boxes. You can also put it in a sock and tie the sock up or buy toys that have pockets for the herb. Two of my cats get mellow while the other gets very excited and runs about. I find it interesting that the big cats also react to catnip. Tip - buy it at a health food chose. It's more inexpensive that pet and grocery stores.

Answer 3

I would think anything that wiggles or jiggles. I have one cat who crazy about a couple of pill bottles with a couple of small marbles or small rocks on the inside. Try using one of those toys that flips out with a wand. I also have a toy with a scratch pad in the middle (this can be replaced when it wears out) and a recessed area that has a ball on the inside. The cat tries to get the ball out and ends up pushing it around and around the track.(This usually works well at 2 AM LOL). There is the laser light, toys that hang from door knobs, mini mice and all kinds of things. what one cat doesn't like, the other might. And I have a couple of cat trees with all kinds of places to sit and look outdoors or go into to sleep out of the way. Use your imagination and use torn up toys or pieces of toys to make other toys. Cats are generally pretty apt to like almost anything. You might also try videos and dvds just for cats to watch.

Answer 4

Cats like to be able to hide while playing with each other in order to ambush one another. You can place 2 boxes near each other with the tops cut out. Also, IKEA makes a little nylon tent that looks like a cat. They love playing in these.

You should continue to keep your cats indoors. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is 3 year versus 13 years for an indoor cat. Not to mention the likelihood that they can get viruses such as feline luekemia.

Answer 5

well when i brought my cat home for the first time, the owner told me it wasnt an outside cat and it never left the house. So i decided to do sumthin different. I left his food and litter box outside, and now when he is hungry or needs the bathroom he will scratch on the glass window and meow his heart out. Then one night he didnt come home for like 3 days, i guess he decided to tour the neighborhood and found new friends. Now he leaves the house in da afternoon and comes home at 6 in the morning. Just force him to stay outside for a little bit, he will get used to it and enjoy it too

Answer 6

A paper wad will keep them amused for quite a while. So will boxes or bags. And my kitties love the log that I nailed a piece of worn-out carpet on for them. And yes, have a place where they can sit and watch the world outside.

Answer 7

Is there a reason they don't go outside? My cat loves to go outside. We take him out on a harness and a 25 foot leash and he loves exploring. For inside amusement laser pointers, string, anything your cat likes to do. My cat loves to wrestle and when I say wrestle I mean he likes it rough. If I try to go easy on him he will keep after me until I get rough.

Answer 8

Maybe bring a log inside for them to scratch and play on, it also has the scents of the outside world on it and keeps them amused for hours.

Answer 9

My cats absolutely love laser pointers. They'll chase that little red dot around for hours if we will let them!

Make sure they have a nice place to curl up in front of a window to watch the birds and squirrels.

As long as they have each other to play with, and you to love them, they'll be happy as clams. :)

Answer 10

kitties LOVE milk rings! u know the plastic ring around the top of the milk! we have 2 indoor kitties who r very happy! we have little featherballs on a string and pole and they chase that ALOT!! they watch us when either is taking a shower or they watch the toilet flush lol! we have a cat condo that they terrorize but right now they r napping have fun!