If you are one to purchase toys for your cat, or perhaps you just want to find ways to keep your cat happy while you aren’t home, then you are likely interested in the many products available for pet entertainment. After all, no one wants to come home to clawed-up furniture, or items that have been knocked down because the cat was chasing an imagined (or possibly real) object through the house.
Just wander down the aisle of any store that carries pet products and you will discover a plethora of products – from the basics such as rawhide bones for dogs to those toys designed to keep your cat active mentally and physically. But, is it absolutely necessary to spend large amounts of money to keep your dog or cat happy? Not necessarily. Here are some simple ways to keep your cat entertained while you are gone during the day.
• Television – Cats are fascinated by the television – especially if there is something they “recognize”. A popular video purchased by cat owners, is the Mewvie Birdland DVD. Just set it to loop and your cat will be mesmerized.
• Paper bags and boxes – Of course, you don’t want your cat to watch TV all day. Consider keeping an assortment of paper bags and cardboard boxes that your cat will turn into hiding places. Help them along by crunching up the corner of one the bags, or perhaps cut a hole in the side box that your cat can use as a window. You may even want to fasten several boxes together and cut doors into them to form a “cat condo” or perhaps throw in a few balls or catnip mice. Should you opt to leave paper bags, be sure to cut off any handles to prevent your cat from getting choked.
• Balls – Ping-pong balls or balls with holes cut into them. Cats especially love these when they are placed in a dry bathtub where they can bat the ball around without it actually escaping.
• Catnip – You can buy these at any pet store or you can turn baby socks into catnip stuffed “mice”.
• Tubes – Save empty cardboard tubes from paper towels, toilet paper or wrapping paper. Unwind a little of the cardboard and your cat will happily unwind the tube the rest of the way.
• Get a food dispenser. There are many different food dispensers available on the market. Some are straightforward in design, others are more involved. Consider getting one that requires your pet to “work” for the food.
• Provide an secure outdoor enclosure. Make it easy for your cat to go out and play, while still staying safe. A wooden frame, some chicken wire, perhaps a few toys that will keep their interest, and an access door for your cat, means they can go play and you won’t need to worry about them being injured.
• Cat trees – Whether you choose to buy one, or build your own, cat trees are a great way to keep your cat entertained. Place the cat tree where your cat can see out the window from different heights, as well as have a place to rest.
Keep your cat happy during the day by providing plenty of entertainment. Then, when you are home in the evening spend some time playing with your cat. If you have other questions about keeping your happy or engaged, give us a call. We would love to hear from you.
