Activity for cats

Indoor cats are confronted with fewer stimuli than outdoor cats. They should therefore be kept sufficiently occupied both physically and mentally. Our ideas will banish boredom in no time at all.

Can a cat be bored?

If you look at the life of an outdoor cat, it is extremely varied. If there is a cat flap, they can leave their home at any time and go exploring. They certainly won't get bored here, as they can meet other cats, explore new areas or go hunting. The situation is different for indoor cats. For them, there are big differences in terms of variety.

This depends on the presence of other cats, the amount of time the cat spends with its owner and the availability of toys. If you only have a single cat, are rarely at home, have little time and offer few opportunities for activity in the form of toys and other equipment, it is very likely that the cat will become bored. This can result in a very unbalanced cat that may exhibit behavioral problems such as marking, constant meowing or scratching furniture. To prevent this from happening in the first place or so that you can eliminate these problems as quickly as possible, we have lots of ideas for you.

Do cats prefer to live alone or together?

The rumor still circulates that cats are loners. But this only applies to hunting. After all, it makes little sense for two cats to pounce on one mouse. On the other hand, they enjoy contact with other cats the rest of the time. It is therefore generally advisable to choose two cats if you are keeping your cat in an apartment only.

For example, two kittens from the same litter that get on well together are ideal. Or if you are looking for a cat at an animal shelter, ask which two animals get on well together. And if you currently have a single cat household and are thinking about getting a second cat, we recommend our article "Getting cats used to each other". It contains numerous tips on which cats go well together.

How can I keep my cat occupied in a meaningful way?

Cats sometimes have to stay home alone and even when we are there, there is not always time for them. This makes it all the more important to offer them a cat-friendly environment. For many, the focal point is a large scratching post. Preferably it reaches up to the ceiling, offers several places to lie down at different heights, perhaps even a cave, cords or other play options. If these are not included in the basic equipment, they can perhaps be retrofitted.

This will create an excellent basis for a happy cat's life. But you can do even more: cats are happy to have several places to sleep in the home: perhaps a blanket on the windowsill, a bed in the study or a cuddly blanket on the couch.

Which cat toys are good for keeping them occupied?

When choosing a cat toy, a distinction should be made between toys that the cat can play with on its own and those that are intended for playing together. A cat household should definitely have both. If the cat is left to its own devices, it will love to pass the time with play mice, balls or scented cushions. These should not always be available at the same time. Cats are similar to children in this respect: Too much quickly becomes confusing and boring. It is better to change the selection regularly and offer a new cat toy from time to time. Intelligence toys, for example, which require the cat to use its brain to get at tasty snacks, are also very popular.

Less variety is required with cat toys that are used for joint play, such as the cat fishing rod. This toy is fun for both two-legged and four-legged friends. However, the prerequisite for this is that the cat is successful in catching it. If you pull the fishing rod away every time before it can grab the feathers, frustration will eventually set in.

How long should I play with my cat?

It's not just kittens that are playful, many older cats also have the urge to play well into old age. This is a good thing and should be encouraged. Don't turn your cat away when it shows a desire to play, because playing together relieves boredom, keeps the body fit and challenges the mind. For older cats, playing is a pure fountain of youth. You should therefore encourage your older cat to play occasionally. However, it should not be bedtime or mealtime. Some cats have very specific ideas about playtime. Preferred times are often early morning and/or late afternoon. But this can vary greatly from cat to cat. Over time, you will have found out what makes your cat "tick". Three to four play sessions per day are fine. The time can vary from 10 to 15 minutes each.

Tip: Cats love to be hunters. When playing together, you should therefore adopt the position of the prey. Most cats dislike chasing after you. Sneaking up on you again and again is usually much better received.

Time together is important

Occupation is not always synonymous with action - cats are also indirectly occupied when they simply receive attention. This is the case, for example, when you chat with your cat or lie on the sofa together. Grooming is also a time to spend together. Make sure that combing the fur is pleasant for the cat and that it doesn't pull. Cuddles are also welcome. They are not only beneficial for the cat, but can also help it to relax.