4 Tips for Keeping Indoor Cats Active during Pet Obesity Awareness & Beyond

4 Tips for Keeping Indoor Cats Active

At Animal Admiration Pet Care Services, we are advocates for keeping cats indoors. Especially around Halloween, domesticated cats can face many hardships and potential dangers outdoors. If they are kept indoors, ensuring cats live an active lifestyle is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Today, I’m sharing 4 tips for keeping indoor cats active

1. Toy Rotation

• Variety is Key: Regularly rotating toys can keep your cat interested and stimulated. Introduce new toys or reintroduce old favorites every few weeks to maintain their curiosity.
• Interactive Toys: Consider using toys that require your cat to engage actively, such as puzzle feeders or wand toys, which can provide mental and physical stimulation.
• If you want to avoid investing in toys, feed your cat out of a slow feeder like the Mine Pet Platter, which slows them down and makes them work for their food.
• If you like to give your cats treats, hide them or toss them on a fuzzy rug and make them find them.

Pro tip: I swear by infused toy boxes. I have a large plastic bin with a snap-on lid where I keep my cat’s toys. I sprinkle catnip into the box and shake it vigorously every morning.Then, I pick 2-3 toys to put out for the day. My cats love their new, freshly cat-nipped toys and I love how the catnip gets them moving!

2. Climbing Structures

• Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from a height. Installing climbing structures, such as cat trees or wall-mounted shelves, allows them to explore vertically, which is crucial for their natural instincts.
• Customized Options: Look for customizable climbing solutions that fit your space and your cat’s preferences. For example, modular cat walls like these you’ll find on Etsy can be tailored to suit your home environment while providing plenty of climbing opportunities.

We shared an entire blog about cat climbing structures and the importance of providing this kind of kitty outlet last week. Check it out here!

3. One-on-One Playtime

• Dedicated Interaction: Spend quality time playing with your cat daily. Activities like chasing a laser pointer or engaging with feather toys can significantly enhance their activity levels and strengthen your bond.
• Scheduled Sessions: Establish a routine for playtime, ensuring that your cat receives regular attention and exercise. This can help prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues. Many families do this after dinner or before bed, which can be wind-down time for humans but a very active time for our crepuscular feline friends.
• Engage a Helper: Hiring a cat sitter to come over a few times a week or more is a great way to get your cat moving, even when time is tight. Our team would be happy to come over for a play session while you’re away – even if you’re just down the street at the office.

4. Automated/Sensor-Based Toys

• Tech-Savvy Playthings: Invest in automated toys that move or make sounds to attract your cat’s attention. These toys can keep them engaged even when you’re not around, providing stimulation throughout the day. We like Catit’s collection of cat toys. They have some innovative, fun, and attractive toys that don’t look like an eyesore in the home and keep cats entertained for hours.
• Interactive Features: Look for toys that respond to your cat’s actions, encouraging them to chase or pounce, which mimics natural hunting behaviors and promotes physical activity. Petlibro’s Pixie Mouse, for example, is cool because it mimics the movements of a mouse and is rechargeable. It’s not suitable for carpets so opt for something that works in your home but, again, makes independent playtime easy on you and your cat(s!)

By implementing these strategies, you can create a stimulating environment that keeps your indoor cats active and happy. Count on us to help! Our team of expertly-trained cat sitter are happy to come over whether you’re at work or traveling for a playdate. Your cats will love the exercise and you’ll love coming home to a fitter, happier, healthier cat!

New clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding cat care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.

Existing clients schedule your cat sitting visits here. We look forward to providing exceptional care for your cats! (We care for dogs, reptiles, farm friends, and small animals too!)