How to entertain a house cat?

Question

I Have got a lovely house cat, she hates it outside.
We have toys for her,b ut i would like more for her to do.
Any ideas?
Thanks:O)

Answer 1

Our cats don't like laser pointers, but adore the feather toys you can get on string or a wand. They'll play with them for hours if our arms don't get tired! lol

String and wool are a no-no, unless you're supervising the play and will put it out of your cat's way when not in use. Contrary to popular belief, these can be dangerous toys. If eaten, they can kill the cat.

When playing with this type of toy, or any kind where you're making the cat hunt, you need to wind down the session when you've had enough. If you simply stop it abruptly, your cat will be frustrated. Gradually bring it to a halt, let your cat attack it closely until it thinks its 'prey' is dead, then quickly give your cat a treat and remove the toy. This gives the cat a reward for its hard work and replicates the hunting process.

Another important thing is height. Many cats love climbing and being high up, so a climbing frame/cat tree/high scratching post is ideal for them. There are so many different designs on the market so you should be able to find the perfect one for your cat. Go for the best you can afford (cheaper ones break easily or the carpet comes off) or you can make your own. Here are a few webpages with photos and instructions on how to do this:

http://pashmina1.interfree.it/tiragraffi/index-en.html

http://www.nd.edu/~akolaczy/catladder.html

http://www.pandecats.com/x/building_a_cat_tree.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5421/forest.htm

http://www.mainecoons.org/h/cattree.shtml

The last one is huge, obviously, as it's designed for Main Coons. lol

Let your cat have easy access to various windows so that she can watch the world go by. Ours love staring out of the window and do it for hours on end.

A final thing, have you thought about how you feed your cat? Some prefer to have to hunt for their food instead of having it put down at the same time in the same place every day. If you use dry food, you could try hiding small amounts in various parts of the house.

The basic rule is mimic wild behaviour and allowing the cat to follow her instincts as much as possible will keep her happy.

Answer 2

If you want to do something really nice, build cat ramps, floating shelves, etc. for your cat to climb up and look down on everything. You can do this with cat trees but it is more interesting if she can walk across the room on a catwalk.

A perch against a window is nice especially in a sunny spot.

You can make her a climbing wall out of burlap or other material. Some cats like the heavy ropes suspended from the ceiling to climb.

You can grow her some different grasses indoors along with fresh catnip. You can also bring in a real tree with the bark still on it, screw it into a plywood base and give her some place to perch on and something natural to scratch.

You can also bring home cardboard boxes for her to sit in. You can cut holes in the side and connect up a bunch to make a 'fort' or a tunnel. You can roll some balls inside or play with her using an interactive toy.

I disagree about the laser pointer. It is 'prey' that a cat can never catch no matter how hard they try. Cats need to catch what they chase at least some of the time.

Answer 3

Try to find the best food for her. Get something that is healthy but also tasty. Also, try to make her bed very comfortable so she has a nice place to relax. Also, get her a scratching post so she can keep her claws in shape. Watch her and see if there is anything that you notice is uncomfortable for her and try to improve on that thing. Also, dont let her develop bad habits. Getting another cat could also be good to give her someone to be social with. Also, spend a lot of time with her. Whenever you are watching TV or reading, let her crawl up in your lap. Just let her get to know you.

Answer 4

I agree with the laser pointer (just be careful not to shine it in her eyes). Also do not underestimate the importance of vertical space. Cat trees and cat friendly shelves and ledges are great for perching. My cat loves plastic drinking straws and balls of foil.

Answer 5

I play hide n' seek with my cat, she loves "hunting" me. I also stalk her with our purple play towel and throw it over her and swat her a bit then run. When I do laundry I give her rides in the laundry basket, and I talk to her. Have you tried a honeysuckle pillow. I hide my cat's and she finds it and puts it back in the same spot everytime.

Answer 6

Two words: Laser pointer. I have yet to meet a cat who doesn't love to chase laser pointers around.

Answer 7

cat nip is always fun. or a scratching post, or something for her to crawl around in and explore. my cat likes to explore the kitchen cabinets, and cars....she almost got kittynapped because she was sleeping in the neighbors car and they drove off!! luckily she woke up and scared the neighbor brought her back home.

Answer 8

get another house cat

Answer 9

find a copy of "video catnip", its a video series for cats featuring birds and squirrels and such. Our cats went nuts over it, they even jumped at the tv, it was hilarious

Answer 10

A ball of aluminum foil. String of any kind. Tuna.