How to Keep Your Cat Entertained This Winter

Posted on 5 January 2025
By Newfound Pet Center
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When the weather turns cold or your cat prefers the comfort of home, keeping them active indoors is essential for their health and happiness. Indoor activity helps maintain your cat's physical fitness, prevents boredom, and reduces unwanted behaviors. Here are some practical and fun ways to keep your feline friend engaged...

1. Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders

Toys that move, light up, or make noise can mimic the thrill of hunting for your cat. Try:

Laser pointers: Engage your cat in a chase they won’t forget (be sure to let them "catch" a toy at the end to avoid frustration).
Wand toys: These encourage jumping, swiping, and pouncing.
Puzzle feeders: Turn snack time into a mental workout by making your cat work for their food.

2. Cat Trees and Vertical Spaces

Cats love to climb and perch up high, so providing vertical spaces is a great way to keep them active. Options include:

Cat trees: These offer spots for climbing, scratching, and lounging.
Shelving: Wall-mounted shelves or floating steps create climbing opportunities and safe observation spots.
Window perches: A sunny perch offers relaxation and a view of outdoor action.

3. DIY Obstacle Courses

Create a fun agility course with household items:

Use boxes, tunnels, and chairs to design a course that encourages jumping and weaving.
Lure your cat through the course with treats or toys.
Change the layout often to keep it exciting.

4. Scheduled Playtime

Dedicate time daily to engage with your cat:

Use different toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
Play for 10-15 minutes multiple times a day.
End sessions with a reward, like a small treat or extra cuddles.

5. Hide and Seek

Tap into your cat’s hunting instincts:

Hide treats or toys around your home for your cat to discover.
Rotate hiding spots to keep it challenging and exciting.
Use catnip-filled toys or ones with enticing textures for added fun.

6. Rotation of Toys

Cats can lose interest in toys over time, so keep things fresh:

Rotate their toys weekly.
Introduce new items occasionally, such as crinkle balls, feather wands, or interactive gadgets.

7. Training Sessions

Believe it or not, cats can learn tricks and commands:

Teach them to sit, high-five, or even fetch using clicker training.
Use small treats or kibble as rewards.
Keep sessions short and fun to maintain their interest.

8. Enrichment Activities

Keep your cat’s mind sharp with enriching experiences:

Provide scratching posts for exercise and stress relief.
Offer safe items for exploration, like paper bags or cardboard boxes.
Set up a "cat TV" by playing videos of birds, fish, or other animals.

Why It Matters

Keeping your cat active indoors ensures they stay fit and healthy, reduces boredom, and strengthens your bond. A stimulated cat is a happy cat, and by incorporating these ideas into their routine, you’ll help them lead a fulfilled life—even inside.

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