Cats are arguably one of the calmest household pets, and getting them to be active and energetic may require some gentle coercing and nudging. Nonetheless, we have the veracious Turkish Van or the highly energetic Bengal cat and other like breeds that might not need such nudging to be engaging as they have quite extroverted personalities.
Cats are arguably one of the calmest household pets, and getting them to be active and energetic may require some gentle coercing and nudging. Nonetheless, we have the veracious Turkish Van or the highly energetic Bengal cat and other like breeds that might not need such nudging to be engaging as they have quite extroverted personalities.
In no particular order, these engaging and entertaining fun activities will get your cats purring and meowing in joy:
- Laser wands
Kitties will go after any semblance of single or streamlined light, especially in the dark. Using a laser wand or pointer or any toy that flashes light in the fashion of a laser pointer, direct the wand or toy producing the light at various corners of the room, and this will make your mog follow the light in trying to pounce and “catch” it. This is an activity that not only gets your kitty to move and exercise but is also highly mentally stimulating. Take caution, however, to avoid directing the lights directly at your cat’s eyes and use light not too bright or visually stimulating.
- Chewable toys
This is an ideal way to get your calm felines engaged and healthily stimulated. Using chew toys from online vendors like mellowed cats that not only keep them engaged but also healthy, like dental chew toys that prevent plaque and tartar build-up, can help relieve their anxiety and stress and also catalyse mental stimulation.
- Obstacle jumps
Yes, felines love climbing and jumping and will readily participate in obstacle jumps. Starting low, arrange obstacles up to a certain height and have your cats jump them. The better they jump over, the higher the obstacle. To motivate your cat to jump, reward it with a treat after every jump at the other side of the obstacle. You can use paper cups, toilet paper, sticks and cartons, and other similar objects that can act as obstacles.
- Whack a mouse
It is no news that mice are age-long prey of cats, and the feline version of whack a mole, the whack a mouse game is a ‘purrfect’ way to increase the inquisitiveness of your furry friend and engage their hunting instinct. This is an interactive game that can be built by DIY methods or bought already assembled. Either way, your feline is sure to be kept busy for the duration of the game.
- Fetch
Although a game of fetch is typically a pooch’s activity, cats can also excel at fetch. Throw a toy ball or any other object away from your cat and have it go to fetch the toy. You can place these fetch toys high on window sills or indoor cat trees to motivate them to climb and fetch you the game.
Irrespective of the breed, however, bonding with your kitties over fun activities that help keep them active and entertained is for every cat. Although the highly energetic cats may be quick to welcome these activities, calmer cats are not left out as they also eventually tend to enjoy these fun pastimes. What fun ways do you bond with your feline companions?
