A bored cat is an unhappy cat. And every cat owner would know that an unhappy cat would scratch the walls, claw through pillows or knock everything down. To prevent these headaches, it is best to keep your cat preoccupied and busy, so best to put a small investment on toys, to prevent costly damages at home.
Toys for your cats while they are kept indoors all day is a good way to stimulate their curiosity and divert their innate mischievousness somewhere else. Cats’ naughty nature stems from their natural hunting nature. In earlier times, cats are socialized and intelligent, just like they are now, but because they have been treated as the “house cat”, they have been kept more indoors. Their hunting nature becomes more pronounced, and therefore, we come up with the conclusion that they’re bored. Some of us are so used to the cat being obstinate, that we would start to think that the cat would stay this way till we get home from work. What we tend to forget is that cats, like humans, are intelligent species, and need to be mentally and physically preoccupied.
To be able to approach these issues well, do your research and see what is available in the market. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet about harmful substances in cat toys. Here are great toys that you can leave with Ms. Whiskers at home, and help her fight the boredom.
1. Cardboard boxes
Amusing your feline friend need not be expensive. Get a cardboard box and put your old tennis ball inside it and your cat will get a kick from jumping in and out, tumbling around or just staying inside the box to play with her ball.
2. Cat Dancer
This is a toy proven to amuse cats all over the world. This toy is a wire with cardboard at the end. This amuses a cat so much because there are just so many ways that a cat can tangle herself in it, and reach for the cardboard ends tickles her curiosity too.
3. Mewvie DVD
If you want to put your cat in total trance, put on a Mewvie DVD. This DVD will fill your cat’s hours with videos of tweeting birds. That’s it. Cats are mesmerized with birds and their sounds, which produces a calming effect over them.
4. Peek-a-Prize Box
The peek-a-prize box is a toy that is fabulous for cats as it makes them more inquisitive and eventually more intelligent. Put treats inside and see your cat peek through the holes and she will have so much fun searching for her prize. She will also have the chance to use her innate hunting skills in the process.
5. Paper bag
Oh cats love the sound of crumpling paper! See how your cat can pounce on the bag, or look inside the bag for her treat. She can be so cute inside it too, to make into an adorable video. Having the cat play with paper bags is economical and environment friendly, having great use for your bags after a trip to the market.
6. Babble ball
Talking toys are great for cats as their intelligence is struck in so many levels. Your pet will be so curious with where the soft purring sounds are coming from. This toy will keep him alert and curious.
7. Play and Treat
Play and treat balls are great toys that you can put kibble inside, and will keep your cat wanting to get those treats out again and again. This toy will keep her curious and jumping at the same time. And once she gets the kibble out, your pet will want to get more. This toy is also good for her exercise. Try to move the ball and keep her chasing after it, harnessing her hunting skills.
8. Catnip Toy
You can actually make this one with old socks, a bell, catnip and yarn. Insert catnip into a sock and tie the lose end with yarn. Then put the bell in another sock and double wrap the sock with catnip. Tie tightly with yarn. Your pet will not get tired of the catnip smell and be constantly amused with the bell.
After a few weeks of playing and testing her curiosity, your beloved cat will need a good grooming and pampering. Take her to Petsmart and give her a good brushing and grooming. Don’t forget that grooming is important to keep her disease free.
Become a responsible cat owner and engage your cat in activities that will stimulate her mind and body. Your cats might be domesticated, and be a bit of a couch potato. This doesn’t mean that she does not get bored or cannot get into mischief. Cats are easy to take care of, just as long as you know how to address their needs.
