Summer is heating up, and pet parents are seeking new and innovative ways to keep their furry family members cool and comfy. Indoor cats enjoy watching the world go by from their throne atop the lofty cat tower, but that doesn’t mean boredom can’t be an issue on those scorching summer days. When the mercury is rising, keep your feline friends entertained with these creative cat-friendly activities.
1. Climbing, stretching, and exploring, oh my!
Cats might sleep about half the day away, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally wake up full of energy. When they do, make sure they’ve got an activity station perfect for expending it safely. Climbing towers, scratch pads, and other creative “catification” solutions cater beautifully to your cat’s instincts, allowing them to climb, stretch, and explore or nap to their heart’s content without ever leaving the safety and comfort of your home.
2. Ensure Visual Stimulation
Cats are the original nosy neighbors: There’s little they love more than sitting in a sunny window and watching the world pass by. They always have the inside scoop on which chipmunk is beefing with which squirrel and which robin is nesting where. Give your cat plenty of options when it comes to perching in their favorite lookouts so that they can “ek-ek-ek” to their heart’s content. Consider hammocks that attach directly to their favorite window, cat trees in front of picture windows, or extra-wide window ledges that allow your cat to keep tabs on all the neighbors from all the best vantage points.
3. Interactive Toys
Cats are playful animals, and the right toys will keep them active mentally and physically. The best toys stimulate your cat’s prey drive by mimicking prey and enticing them to stalk, pounce, bat, and kick. Interactive playmats, powered toy birds and mice, puzzle feeders, catnip toys, and even crumpled paper balls can keep your cat occupied for hours.
4. Indoor Gardening
You have probably heard that cats are obligate carnivores. This means they must have meat to survive, but cats enjoy nibbling a little greenery from time to time, too, which is why you might spot them snacking on your houseplants. Not all houseplants are equally safe for cats, but planting a cat-friendly indoor garden can safely satisfy their need for greens. Consider growing catnip, catmint, cat grass, oat grass, lemongrass, cat thyme, licorice root, and valerian so your cat can enjoy a safe nosh.
5. Training
Many people believe that cats can’t be trained, but these people have never had a cat stand on their chest at 5 a.m. demanding breakfast because Mr. Fluffernutter knows that’s when your alarm normally goes off. Cats are intelligent animals that enjoy learning and problem-solving, and they benefit from training. Use positive reinforcement and repetition to teach your cat new skills, like “high five” or “sit,” and reward them with high-value treats. Your cat will enjoy the bonding time, and you’ll have fun showing off your cat’s new skills.
Keeping your indoor cat engaged and active throughout the hot summer months can help them stay healthy and boost your bond. If you’re planning a summer vacation, be sure to call Cozy Cat Suites. We offer cage-free cat boarding with spacious themed suites where cats can engage in natural behaviors while their people are away. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule your visit.
