Keeping your cat entertained is the easiest way to prevent problems associated with boredom. Providing your cat with stimulating activities is easier than you think.
While many people believe that cats are independent creatures, they do get bored spending the day confined within the parameters of the home while their owners are gone all day. This is when problematic behaviors often start, such as inappropriate scratching and general destructive tendencies. So how do cat owners curb their feline's mischievous behavior while they are away? The easiest solution is to keep your cat from getting bored in the first place, and the simplest way to do that is to provide them with plenty of options for entertaining themselves.
Free Sources of Cat Entertainment
While cats may have a reputation as picky eaters, they are generally easy to please when it comes to entertainment. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to keep kitty occupied, and there are plenty of ways to keep his curiosity piqued for next to nothing.
Chances are good that you have plenty of the following items in your house right now, taking up space and collecting dust. Well, now is the time to dig them out and transform them into free kitty toys. Start hunting around for the following:
1. Boxes. For some reasons, cats are highly interested in empty cardboard boxes. These make great hiding places and napping spots. The next time you get a delivery, keep the box and leave it out for your cat to explore.
2. Paper Bags. We all know that paper bags are good for the environment, but did you know that they are practically irresistible for your kitty? It could be the crinkle sound they produce, or it could be the fact that they make for a good hiding spot. Whatever the reason, the next time you go grocery shopping, think of you cat and save the bags. Also, remember that paper is fine for kitties to play with but plastic is not and can cause suffocation.
3. Paper Towel Rolls. There is something about the empty paper towel roll that provides cats with plenty of playtime fun. Again, it could be the texture or its rolling ability (which makes it great for chasing), but whatever the reason, before you throw out your next empty roll, give it to your cat and see how she reacts. This works equally well with toilet paper rolls.
Cheap Sources of Cat Entertainment
Sometimes it is hard to resist the urge to splurge on toys for your feline friend. However, when it comes to playtime most cats are satisfied with cheaper items that support their natural tendencies to hunt, stalk and chase. Here are some good ideas for the cat owner on a budget:
1. Catnip Infused Fuzzy Mice. These are probably one of the most popular cat toys available. You can purchase them anywhere and they come in both small and bulk packaging. They have the cat approved double combination of catnip scent and mice resemblance that will keep your cat busy for a long time.
2. A Scratching Outlet. This serves double-duty as it provides your kitty with something acceptable to scratch at, while protecting your furniture. Generally the ones that are crafted from sisal rope or cardboard are preferable to carpeted ones.
3. A View of the Outside World. Cats are curious, that's no surprise. So give your kitty a way to watch the world from a safe vantage point. Items like carpeted window perches and cat towers placed in front of a window or door, can provide your inquisitive feline with a way to watch wildlife and humans, while satisfying its curiosity and curbing boredom.
With just a little money, you can provide your cat with lots of options for entertainment while it is home alone. Remember that an occupied cat is less likely to seek out his or her own ways to remain entertained, which can make both a happy owner and a satisfied cat.
