How to Keep an Indoor Cat Entertained

Cats that are kept indoors can become bored very quickly, which leads to excessive eating, weight gain and connected health problems. Of course, owners that keep their cats indoors do so with the best of intentions - keeping their pets safe and ensuring that he, or she, does not randomly kill local wildlife.

However, if your cat is cooped up indoors all day, it is important to make sure that he, or she, is stimulated physically and mentally. The following tips will provide ways to keep an indoor cat entertained.

1. While your family is at work or school, it is a good idea to keep the television on and perhaps a radio in another room. The sound of voices will help a cat feel less alone, but the volume should not be turned up too high. If possible, set your television to a children's station with lots of bright colors. Alternatively, your cat may enjoy nature programs that feature birds, fish and small mammals.

2. Make sure that your cat has lots of toys to play with. Of course, there are many toys available from pet stores, such as laser pointers, balls and scratching posts. However, you can also making your own toys simply by placing a length of string from your ceiling that reaches about two feet off the ground. You can then attach a plastic ring, ball or bell to the end of the string. That said, it is crucial that you ensure that the item is safe should your cat remove it. So, cotton wool balls or soft plastics should never be used.

3. On a similar vein, it is wise to ensure that your cat does not have access to anything that may do him, or her, harm while you are out of the house. This means ensuring that bins are secure. Shoelaces, plastic bags and cotton wool can all cause your cat serious harm, so make sure that your cat cannot play with any of these items.

4. Some cats enjoy simple pleasures, such as playing with an empty cardboard box. You may find that leaving a cardboard box or paper bag in the middle of the floor provides a good few hours of entertainment for your cat.

5. Don't leave your cat with the same toys everyday. Try to alternate toys and, when making your own, think of new things you can add or different ways to setup the toys. Cats are intelligent and, even if they have plenty to do, they will become bored with the same old things everyday.

6. It is a delicate balance between ensuring your cat is entertained and overwhelming him, or her, with toys. You do not want a room, or house, that is full of cat toys. Just three or four toys everyday should be enough to keep your cat amused while you are gone.

7. Climbing apparatus is also great, because it provides your cat with physical stimulation. Cats enjoy climbing and jumping, so you may like to play some of your cat's toys on different levels, as this will encourage exercise, which is especially important if your cat is a little overweight.

8. Your cat may enjoy a room with a view. In other words, ensure that your cat has access to a window. Watching birds or simply watching the world go by, can be entertaining for a cat.

9. If your cat still seems to be distressed when left alone, you may find it beneficial to get a second cat. However, it is advisable to ensure that the cats do not fight before leaving them alone together.

Of course, there are many other things that you can implement to keep your cat entertained. Some toys and activities will appeal to some cats, but not others. So, remember to cater to your pets individual tastes.