How To Keep Indoor Cats Stimulated
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Indoor cats have the same instincts as outdoor cats, so it’s essential to keep them stimulated and active.
The second cat tree I ordered arrived, and I put it together. Thankfully, there weren’t many pieces.
The kitties run from one cat tree to the other, dangling over the top and reaching down to swipe at another one on the lower level. They look like little monkeys jumping and playing on the cat trees.
I woke up yesterday morning to find a dining room chair knocked over. You’re probably wondering why I didn’t hear that occur since my bed is only about 4-5 feet away. Well, the night before, I’d laid a blanket over the top so I’d remember to carry it to the laundry room when I next headed that way.
Simon and Daisy like to follow me into the bathroom and fight one another through the shower curtain. Sometimes, they accidentally get their claws caught up in the curtain, but they still play with one another using one paw.
That’s a wild kitten for you. Not much stops them.
Ivy:
I saw Ivy jumping around with that measuring tape I recently mentioned the kittens running off with. She still has a playful side, and I think watching the kittens makes her more lively.
Ivy likes to sleep on my bed much of the day, as the kittens are such energizer bunnies that they rarely stop.
I asked Greg if he thought the kittens were good for Ivy, and he said yes. They’ve made her more active and in tune with what’s happening around her. She watches the kittens run and play.
And since we moved here, she no longer gets treats. The neighbors were fattening her right up, though their intentions were the best.
A Cat’s Instincts:
All cats want to hunt, scratch, hide, and climb. If you provide these things for your indoor kitties, they are less apt to take their energy out on your furniture. Cats need an environment that allows them to use their brains and muscles frequently.
This means your cats need mental stimulation. There are many ways to keep indoor cats entertained and their hunting instincts well-exercised. You can buy interactive toys for them if you like, but cats are easily entertained with a plain cardboard box.
You can arrange a “scavenger hunt” for your cats. Just put a little cat food here and there randomly inside your home and watch as they sniff out the places where you’ve hidden them.
I have two cat trees/towers and various scratching posts around the house. So far, so good regarding the cats and my furniture. When Ivy was young, she nearly destroyed a chair, but I’ve become wiser since then.
I feel I’ve done my part in indulging these three cats.
When Cats Are Naturally Most Active:
Cats are not nocturnal—they’re crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk.
Birds and mice are very active at dawn, and cats evolved to take advantage of this by developing the ability to see in low-light conditions.
The cats are excellent company to me; I spoil them rotten. Watching them cavort around and play is such a treat.
Yes, I love to decorate my home, so I’ll decorate around the cat trees, toys, and scratching posts. These things are now just part of the scenery.
which toys and tree house do you recommend pls
my baby loves her remote / Autosenses it goes forward backwards if it rolls over it’ll roll back over and it was very inexpensive. I also have shelves in one designated room for my baby that are all hers to run and jump. hope that helps
what is this autosenses toy?
this is ur 1st post I’m reading but it’s actually described my boy’s to the letter lol!!!
Sounds like it was a good idea to get 2 young ones so they mostly bother each other instead of Ivy. But good she is taking more interest too…sounds like you have solved her problem too. Having 2 cat trees/scratching posts is a great idea too!! It is nice to have pets to “mother” a bit when our babies have left the nest. I miss our last dog still!! It has been 15 years now since she left us. She was so remarkable, thus not replaceable…plus living in apts is very hard on dogs…and I do not have time now. But I can still remember with joy when I did!!
Oh my goodness, I love your cats! They are soooo cute! I like the new cat tree. Are both of the cat trees in your living room? My sister has a cat patio attached to one of her windows, that allows her cat to go outside, through a window, and into an enclosed screened porch, if you will, so he can enjoy being outside, but cannot run off. Is that something you can do? You can, of course, close the window to deny them access outside during bad weather or the evenings, when you want your house locked up. They might enjoy that.
Any suggestions on a certain kind or brand of a catio? I live in New England so it has to be sturdy, with a good roof, etc. and want to construct it out a first floor window too. Thx!
Wow! Two cat trees! Your kittens are in paradise! I have had many indoor cats, even in a high rise on the 8th floor. That particular cat had a heated pedestal bed on the balcony so he could watch the birds. I have found that cats will have a particular place they want to stretch and sharpen their claws. Instead of fighting it, that is where I put the scratching post, usually next to a couch or chair.. Then I praise them when they use it. In fact my current kitty, Nikki, has me trained. When she wants a treat she runs to the post and looks at me while she scratches waiting for the praise and a couple treats. Such a smart little cat!
Yes, now that you mention it, it looks like Ivy has lost some weight, which can only be good for her overall health and longevity. The youngsters crack me up. The top photo is so precious with the two kittens sleeping together with back and front legs dangling over the edges of the curved resting place on the cat tower, and the second photo on the bed looks like Simon took a paw punch underneath his chin, LOL!
The kittens only stop to eat and sleep. Otherwise they’re running and playing.