5 Cheap and Easy Ways to Keep Your Cat Happy at Home
One way to encourage your cat to spend more time at home is to make it an enriching and fun environment. While it may seem that your independent, nap-loving cat can amuse themselves all day long, they like to explore new experiences and interact with interesting objects. Enrichment is essential for cats of all ages and keeping your cat’s environment as entertaining and stimulating as possible will promote a happy and healthy life.
Here are 5 cheap and easy ways for you to give your feline a happy and healthy life at home!
1) Use a puzzle feeder
Puzzle feeders can keep your cat busy for hours. You can even make them out of upcycled items such as toilet rolls or plastic bottles.
Watch this video on how to make a puzzle feeder.
2) Cat TV
Create a comfortable space for your cat near a window for endless entertainment. You can place a cat tower, a bed, or cat safe plants nearby to make it nice and cosy. This will also be a great place for them to enjoy a sunbathe!
Put on a wildlife livestream to give your cat a glimpse of the outdoors from the safety and comfort of home. Simply search “videos for cats” on youtube or virtually visit your local zoo via Twitch livestream.
3) Hiding spots
Cats love quiet secluded spots where they can nap or hide when feeling anxious. Collecting old cardboard boxes and paper bags is a cheap and creative way to provide your cat with a novel objects that they can play and hide in. Draping a sheet over a chair works great for hide and seek games.
4) Train and play with your cat
Playing with your cat provides them with visual sensory enrichment, entertainment, and strengthens your bond.
Did you know? Cats can be trained! Use reward-based training (food from their daily ration) and keep training sessions short (about 5 minutes) and always end on a positive note! Start with simple things like training your cat to come when called or to give their paw.
5) Spend time brushing and stroking your cat
Touch is very important for your cat’s enrichment, make sure to spend a few minutes each day grooming or cuddling with your cat—it’ll be good for your cat’s and your own mental and physical health!
*These tips were compiled from resources by RSPCA, SPCA, and ASPCA.
Read SPCA’s guide to Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy at Home for more tips.