Ways to stimulate your stay-at-home cat
Indoor cats can easily become bored. Here are practical ways to keep them active and content, from places to climb, scratch and hide to puzzle feeders, play, grooming and keeping their weight in check.
The short answer
Indoor cats need outlets for climbing, scratching, hiding and hunting. Give them a sturdy scratching post, shelves or a cat tree, hiding places, and at least one litter tray per cat plus one. Use puzzle feeders, hide treats, rotate toys and play with them every day. Regular play also helps prevent weight gain.
Key considerations
- 01Indoor cats need places to climb, scratch and hide.
- 02Provide at least one litter tray per cat plus one.
- 03Puzzle feeders and hidden treats let your cat use its hunting instincts.
- 04End laser games with a real toy or treat, and never shine a laser in your cat's eyes.
A bored cat may show it through unwanted behaviour, such as scratching or chewing things it shouldn't, waking you at night, or picking fights with other cats in the home. Stress can also show as urinating in unusual places or hiding more than usual.
Outdoors, cats meet their needs to climb, hide, retreat and hunt. An indoor cat relies on you to provide these opportunities, so it can live a full and happy life.
Places to climb, scratch and hide
Give them places to climb, scratch and hide. Indoor cats need a sturdy scratching post, shelves or a cat tree to climb, hiding places, and at least one litter tray per cat plus one.
Make them work for their food
Cats are natural hunters, even when they live indoors. Use puzzle feeders or food balls so your cat has to work for some of its food.
Hide treats around the home
Hiding a few of your cat's favourite treats around the home is a fun game. While your cat is in another room, place treats in spots where it has to search, sniff or climb to reach them. Make sure sharp objects and anything poisonous are out of reach first.
Toys and play
Many cats enjoy toys they can play with on their own, such as moving mouse toys that they can chase. Hide a toy so your cat has to hunt for it, and swap toys around regularly so they stay interesting.
Interactive pet cameras let you watch your cat and talk to it while you are out, and some let you play games remotely. Some even include a laser pointer. End laser games by letting your cat "catch" a real toy or treat, and never shine a laser in your cat's eyes.
Bonding and grooming
Many cats enjoy being brushed. Regular grooming is good for your cat's coat and skin, and it is a calm way to spend time together and strengthen your bond.
Keeping your indoor cat a healthy weight
Indoor cats can put on weight if they don't get enough activity. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, so make play a daily habit and keep providing toys and activities so your cat doesn't become bored.
Feed a suitable diet and keep treats in proportion. Ask your vet if you are unsure what your cat should weigh. Rewards don't have to be food: a stroke or a play session works too.
Before you decide
- Does your cat have a sturdy scratching post and somewhere high to perch?
- Do you have time to play with your cat every day?
- Are toxic plants, chemicals and sharp objects out of reach?
Questions readers ask
How many litter trays does an indoor cat need?
Provide at least one litter tray per cat plus one. So a single cat should have two trays.
Is a laser pointer safe for cats?
It can be fun, but never shine a laser in your cat's eyes. End laser games by letting your cat "catch" a real toy or treat so it doesn't get frustrated.
How can I stop my indoor cat getting bored?
Provide places to climb, scratch and hide, use puzzle feeders, hide treats, rotate toys and play together every day.
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
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