Mary Allen
Cats love to play with other cats. But indoor cats are also happy when their humans play with them. The interaction with owners strengthens the bond between cats and humans. Playing is also important, especially for indoor cats, to prevent boredom.
Cats need exercise and the opportunity to use all of their senses. Outdoor cats can try their skills in chasing mice in the garden and exploring them. However, indoor cats do not have this option. Boredom can easily set in there. Over time, this can lead to behavioral problems and depression in furry friends. For this reason, you should keep at least two of your indoor cats – and play with them every day.
Playing With People as a Challenge
It is best to take a few minutes every day two or three times to play with your house tiger. Play fishing rods and feather feathers are very popular – especially when they move back and forth under a newspaper or blanket. Toys with catnip or valerian are particularly appealing.
No cat, however lazy, can resist the nimble red dot from a laser pointer. But caution is advised here: the light beam must not hit the cat’s eyes. Be aware that light can be reflected from windowpanes and mirrors – this could also damage your cat’s eyes. If you are unsure, it is better to do without the laser pointer. Finally, there are enough alternatives to play with your velvet paw.
Make Games for Indoor Cats Yourself: Tips
Cat toys don’t always have to be bought. With simple means, you can easily make games for your indoor cat yourself. You should follow a few basic rules:
● Safety first: do not use anything that could injure your cat
● Protect your fingers from eager cat claws
● Cats love toys that rustle
● Quick zigzag movements stimulate your furry friend’s hunting instinct
● End the games with a sense of achievement for Your cat
● In other words, let your cat win, otherwise, it will be frustrated after the game.
The following everyday objects can be used as handicraft materials for homemade cat toys:
● Paper balls
● Empty toilet paper and kitchen paper rolls
● Rolled up newspaper
● Boxes, boxes, and more boxes!
● Bamboo sticks or other untreated, sturdy wooden sticks
● Twigs and leaves from the garden
● Discarded socks, scraps of fabric, and handkerchiefs
● Old stuffed animals
● Shoelaces and leather cords
Especially with old stuffed animals, check that nothing can come loose while playing. Otherwise, your cat could swallow and choke on the small parts or get an intestinal blockage. As a precaution, do not leave toys lying around unattended. Your pet could become entangled in long threads or, in the worst case, strangle themselves. In addition, the toy will remain exciting for your cat for longer if you keep it in the drawer in between.
You can make a play fishing rod yourself with a stick, ribbon, and scraps of fabric or an old stuffed animal. You can let your cat chase paper balls around the house. Cardboard boxes can be used to build a maze, cat tunnel, or cat castle, but you can also hide treats in them under a bunch of leaves, twigs, and scraps of cardboard. The rolled-up newspaper can be moved around in front of your cat so she can try to catch it. Caution! You may get a scratch or two on your hand playing this game. Also, make sure that your house panther does not eat the torn pieces of newspaper.
Lure Indoor Cats Out of Reserve
Is your cozy lounge lion not available for even the most unusual toy? Motivate him with food! Whether it‘s treats or homemade meat snacks – the prospect of eating makes almost every house cat mobile. Just toss a few treats around in the presence of your cat and she will happily follow.
To increase the level of difficulty, you can hide the food. This playful handling of the feed also prevents obesity. Also, keep in mind that once you’ve rewarded your cat with treats while playing, you’re reducing your cat’s normal food portions.