An under-stimulated cat is often stressed which is evident by random mewing, excessive cleaning or stopping using the litter box. It’s particularly important to activate indoor cats. Indoor cats are often not able to satisfy their hunting behaviour by themselves, which is why you need to help them.
A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT ACTIVATES YOUR CAT
Cats have a natural instinct that needs stimulation and – according to the Animal Welfare Act – you must ensure your cat lives in a sufficiently active environment. This means that indoor cats need access to challenging environments, such as elevated sitting and resting places, scratching spots and hiding places. If you have an indoor cat, it’s particularly important that it receives sufficient activities during the day and that there is something that occupies it, both physically and mentally.
YOUR CAT IS ABLE TO KEEP ITSELF OCCUPIED
This means a cat can find their own activities to occupy themsleves. It does not have to be complicated. There are lots of fun cat toys available. You can buy toys or simply use something you already have in the home. Items such as cardboard boxes or rolls can endlessly fascinate both indoor and outdoor cats. Be mindful however, not to leave your cat out of sight when it plays with string or yarn as it can become snared in the cord. Food is always a great tip to activate your cat. Hide goodies around the house to allow your cat to hunt for their snacks, in the same way a predator searches for their prey out in the wild. Put a few pieces of dry food on top of the scratching pole, under the table or behind the sofa and leave the cat to do the rest. Another simple way to help your cat is to use motion activated food bowls, so they have to work a little for their food. It’s an exciting daily challenge for them and helps to stimulate both body and mind. There are even studies showing that motion activated food bowls can help to reduce stress and stressed behaviour in indoor cats and dogs. If you find it difficult to activate your cat or encourage it to play with its toys, try catnip that contains a substance which cats respond to very strongly. A cat’s improved mood will result in more interest in their toys.
PLAY TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH YOUR CAT
Not only do cats need to stimulate their hunting instincts, but also engage in social activities. Discover fun activities you can do together to activate your cat while also strengthening your relationship and providing the daily exercise you cat needs. Cat agility is a game for a more active cat. You can easily build a course at home and use books and chairs as obstacles. Entice your cat over, under and around these obstacles.
