Discussing The Best Ways To Keep Your Cat Well Entertained While Indoors During The Cold Winter Months

Being an indoor cat has many perks like consistent sources of food, water, litter box, and shelter. But, cats need more than just these basics in order to thrive. Cats also need attention, stimulation, and love. Additionally, cats can get bored fairly easily. That’s why this article will discuss different ways to keep your cat entertained while indoors. 

However, the effectiveness of these strategies will vary depending on the cat. Because every cat is different, every cat will respond to these strategies in different ways. It may take some trial and error, but we’re sure at least one of these strategies is bound to work on your feline friend. 

A kitten playing with a toy
A kitten playing with a toy

A Variety Of Toys

Most cats love to play with toys. It invokes their natural hunting instinct, but also keeps them well entertained. However, variety is the spice of life. Playing with the same toy every day can become repetitive and uninteresting after a while. That’s why we recommend providing your cat with several different toy options. 

Try giving your cat different types of toys to play with so they won’t get bored of them. This includes interactive toys, wand toys, toys filled with catnip, self-playing toys, and electronic toys. For a more comprehensive list of the best cat toys of 2024, click here

A cat tree/cat condo
A cat tree/cat condo

Vertical Spaces

Another great way to keep your cat entertained indoors is to give them a stimulating environment. That’s why we recommend giving them plenty of vertical spaces to sit, sleep, and play on. For example, a carpeted cat tree or condo. This will give your cat an elevated perch to satisfy their climbing and clawing desires. 

Additionally, cats usually feel more secure and safe when sitting in high up places. Feel free to get creative with your cat’s vertical spaces. You can provide various shelves, window sills, patio areas, and more. Just make sure the vertical areas are sturdy and secure before allowing your cat access to them.  

A cat playing in a cardboard box
A cat playing in a cardboard box

Cardboard Cat Maze

This one requires a little more ingenuity and space. But, it’s definitely worth it. Try building your own cardboard cat maze at home. You can use as many cardboard boxes as you want. The concept is simple. First, place several similar sized cardboard boxes next to each other. Next, cut out holes (big enough for your cat to fit through) on the sides of the boxes. You want the holes to line up with the holes on the other boxes. Last, let your cat have fun!

Most cats have a natural affinity for cardboard boxes. So, it shouldn’t take too much convincing to get your cat to play in the cardboard maze. But, you can also throw some cat treats or toys into the cardboard maze too. This will give your cat something to chase and look for while in the cardboard maze. For more information on how to make a cardboard cat maze, click here

Ping-pong balls
Ping-pong balls

Cat Ping-Pong

Our last form of indoor cat entertainment is much simpler. All you need is a few ping-pong balls and a large space. You can use a large cardboard box or a clean, dry, bathtub. You simply put the ping-pong balls in the cardboard box or bathtub and let your cat chase them. It may seem pretty basic, but it is widely entertaining for most cats. 

If your cat enjoys chasing things, then we highly recommend trying this one out. Ping-pong balls are very light, so they’re easy to knock around. Additionally, they are also very smooth, so your cat can’t catch them very easily. This makes them hard to catch, but even more fun to chase. 

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