It is important to keep your indoor cat enriched. While safer indoors, without properly enriched indoor environments, cats become increasingly bored and are likely to gain unhealthy amounts of weight!

But how should you enrich your indoor cat’s environment? Here are five ideas:

• Train your cat—yes, cats can be trained—various cues and tricks. Use positive reinforcement (like clicker training) to teach your cat how to sit, come, or even play the piano.

• Use technology to keep your cat active. From cat game apps for smartphones and tablets to videos and music designed specifically with our feline friends in mind, there are plenty of options for even the most discerning kitty.

• Create a “catio” so your cat can enjoy time outdoors safely. These outdoor enclosures give cats the opportunity to soak in some fresh air and sunshine while watching and hearing the outside world around them. You can even incorporate other sources of enrichment, like a cat tree. There are many ways to build a catio—conducting an online search will provide ideas.

• Toys that you and your cat can play with together are a great way to strengthen the human-animal bond. You can entice your feline friend with wand toys that have strings and feathers, laser pointers, and even homemade toys, like wadded-up paper or foil balls.

• Encourage the natural hunter in your cat by using food puzzles. Not only do these items help to satisfy your cat’s natural need to search for her food, but they also help to keep them active, which promotes a healthy weight. 

There are many ways to help enrich your cat’s environment. Find out what your cat prefers by trying new things with them! We want your cat to be happy and healthy, contact us to schedule a routine wellness exam to make sure your cat is in their best shape!