Cat Toys

Do Cats Feel Bored Inside All Day?

yawning cat

Cats like routine, but even they can get bored with the same old thing every day, just like us. It really can be a challenge to try and keep a cat active and entertained, especially an older one. The key is enrichment. It helps if you can find creative ways to mix up their environment and give them new things to explore. This can be easier, and cheaper, than it sounds. A new box with holes cut in the side or a paper bag from the market can help. It's not only the new "place" - it's also the new smells that come along with it. Even making a play fort from a blanket over a couple of chairs can change things up enough to make them interesting for them.

When you come home, be sure to let your cat smell your hands if they’re at all interested. The scents left on your hands from your day tell a story and most cats very much enjoy the new scents from the outside world. Think about ways that you can share the smells you bring into your home.

I leave soft music on all day for my cats. I had one who was over-grooming and that stopped when I started playing music. My cats are both very fond of soft harp music like this: https://youtu.be/dCvEgqePl84

I've also had great luck playing live streaming nature cams for cats. Here’s one my cat like to watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/F1Q7iN_RWUs

None of this addresses activity, of course, at least not directly. When cats are more stimulated by their environment, I've found that they become more interested in playing. The way you play can affect their interest as well. The toy should behave like prey and it's better if the toy is moving away from the cat, not toward them. Many cats respond well to the "Da Bird" wand toy, but some don't. Each cat has a bit of pre-programmed preference for a particular kind of prey. If your cat doesn't have the "I want to kill and eat birds" gene, she won't be interested in feathers, but she might like stuffed toys. It takes some trial and error to determine.

If your cat will accept a harness, you could also take them outside for brief exploratory sessions. Cats enjoy exploring and, even though they’ll probably go about it very slowly, they would be likely to enjoy it.

As to adopting a new cat friend, it usually doesn't work well for cats above the age of four. I won't say it never works out, but it's risky. Older cats rarely take to new housemates.


cat behaviorist Tom Kirby, UW-AAB

Author: Tom Kirby, UW-AAB - cat behaviorist

I’m certified in applied animal behavior and have years of experience solving the specific problems faced by cat caregivers like you every day.

I’m here to help you and your feline friends live happier, healthier lives together.

CLICK HERE to get help with your cat today!


Should Cats Play with Strings?

kitten stalks string

Cats and strings are a deadly combination. Due to the barbs on a cat's tongue, stringy things can easily be swallowed. There have even been instances where cats had to have hair bands surgically removed because they were blocking their digestive tract. Once inside the intestinal tract, stringy objects can wreak havoc with your cat's digestive system and can even block his ability to absorb nutrients from his food. Sometimes the string will come out the other end, but that also creates dangers.  

WARNING: Never, ever pull on a string that's sticking out of a cat's throat or anus. You can cause terrible damage by doing so. Instead, TAKE the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

I’ve seen cases where masses of string and hair bands had to be surgically removed from a cat’s digestive tract. This is no trivial matter. It could even be life threatening.

If that's the bad news, you're probably wondering what the good news could possibly be. The good news is that there are some stringy toys that your cat may like just as much as string or twine. It may take a little trial and error, but we're certain that you'll find something you’ll both like. One of my favorites is this rainbow cat charmer.

 
cat charmer toy
 

How does it differ from string? Well, the main difference is its thickness. Your cat would be hard pressed to get the toy into their esophagus.

There’s more good news too. If you'd like to continue to play with your cat using strings or twine, you can do so, but you'll need to be diligent. The string must never leave your hand. You can achieve this by tying a slip knot at one end and using it to secure it to your wrist. When you're done playing, be certain that you put it away where your cat can't get to it.


cat behaviorist Tom Kirby, UW-AAB

Author: Tom Kirby, UW-AAB - cat behaviorist

I’m certified in applied animal behavior with over six years of experience solving the specific problems faced by cat caregivers like you every day.

I’m here to help you and your feline friends live happier, healthier lives together.

CLICK HERE to get help with your cat today!