How to keep cats entertained

Think about how you feed your cat

Most cats will have always been fed from a bowl. Try hiding treats around the home for them to find – this can make feeding time more fun and stimulating.

You can also buy or make puzzle feeders or dry feeder balls. Introduce these gradually and remember some cats will always prefer to eat their food from a bowl. Read our articles on making your own egg box and tube treat holders.

Automatic pet feeders are useful if you want your cat to eat specific amounts at set times. The voice activated feeders enable you to record your voice calling your cat – like having their own alarm clock. This avoids unwanted early morning wake-up meows for food and keeps your cat happy too!

Explore different ways for your cat to drink water

Always remember to keep food and water bowls separate. Cats are lactose intolerant, so milk is not a good replacement for water. They’ll often only drink from something that their whiskers don’t have to touch. This is why they typically help themselves to a drink from a full glass of water if given half a chance.

Encourage your cat to drink by offering them larger water bowls, water fountains, or a running tap. These stimulate your cat’s desire to drink and are great way to keep them occupied.

Some cats will even like to play with their water. Water fountains are great for this, or using a large tray filled with water and placing floating toys on top. This can provide them with plenty of entertainment – especially in the summer months.

Toileting areas

Cats need several options for toileting. Allow for one litter tray per cat, plus one extra tray, placed separately in areas – ideally where the cats won’t get disturbed.

Litter trays come in a variety of sizes. They can be open or covered, if you want to provide your cats with more privacy. Buying a litter tray that suits your cat’s size means they’re more likely to use it. They also won’t make the mistake of toileting over the edge of an open tray.

For cats who prefer to toilet outside, provide a secluded area with non-toxic sand or soil. This can encourage them to use this area, rather than your flower beds! Remember, this area will need cleaning like their litter trays if you want them to continue using it.

Relaxation and sleep

Cats like places out of the way or high up. On top of the fridge or underneath a chair are often favourites. These spots are great for sleeping as they’ll be well protected and undisturbed.

Provide your cat with a nice comfy bed in the areas of their choice. Also consider cat beds that incorporate perch and hide opportunities, like radiator or covered beds.

There are plenty of complementary products available which can relax cats, relieve their anxiety and help them get along together, including feline diffusers. Some are specifically designed to help improve relationships between cats. Cat anxiety remedies, available in tablets or as supplements, can take the edge off any anxious feelings your cat may have.

Scratching areas

Give your cat at least one scratching area like a sturdy scratching post, scratch pad (old carpet tile) or disposable scratcher. This is a form of scent marking and something you should encourage.

Let your cat build up a scent profile around their home so they feel safe and secure. Where possible, vertical scratching posts must be high enough for your cat to stretch up and scratch. These should be placed in entrances and exits of rooms.

Your cat may also like a carpet tile to scratch in these areas. Read more in our article about cats marking their territory.

The importance of hiding and perching

Cats love to hide and perch – your feline friend should have the option to do this in your home. Give them an upturned sturdy cardboard box that’s big enough for your cat to lie in, turn around in and sit on top of. You could also consider a chair with a large towel draped over it, or similar items.

If possible, there should be hiding and perching options in all rooms and floors of your cat’s home.

Jumping and climbing

All cats should have the opportunity to climb and jump up high, whether they’re indoor or outdoor cats. You could use tree branches for ramps, provide platforms and sturdy cardboard boxes, tall scratching posts and even let them explore shelving – minus the ornaments, of course!

Playing, hunting and mental stimulation

Encourage your cat to play with toys and rotate them regularly to prevent over-familiarity and boredom. Use toys that emulate the natural hunting sequence, which is: locate, stalk, chase, pounce, kill, dissect and eat.

If your cat likes predatory games, play with them at various times throughout day with a suitable toy if you can. This will allow your cat to express their natural hunting behaviours. Some examples of predatory toys to mentally stimulate your cat include:

• String toys
• Feather toys
• Ping pong balls
• Cat nip toys
• Stalking toys

When playing with your cat, remember to give them a food reward to finish off the natural hunting sequence. Avoid any toys (like laser pens) that don’t allow your cat to follow this process. This can cause them to redirect their frustration onto you. If you do use one of these toys, finish the game by offering a toy for your cat to ‘kill’, and give them a tasty treat afterwards.

What to do if your cat is distressed by neighbouring cats

If your cat is showing signs of stress that might be caused by other cats near your home, try to prevent your feline friend from seeing, hearing and smelling them.

Cover floor level windows and glass doors to block your cat’s view of the outside from the ground. You can also create high perches in front of the windows. Your cat will feel happier if they can look down on the other cats outside. Leaving a radio on to cover any sound can help reduce stress too.

What about indoor cats?

Giving your cat some dedicated space outside will allow them to express their instinctive behaviours in a more natural environment.

If you have a balcony, you can make it part of your indoor cat’s territory with a few simple steps outlined below.

Start with cat-proofing the space with netting or clear Perspex to prevent them jumping over or through the railings. Next, add some cat-friendly plants such as catnip or cat mint, as well as toys and scratching posts. This will make the balcony a place where they’ll enjoy doing whatever suits their mood – whether it’s relaxing, playing, or exploring to their heart’s content. Of course, it makes a great spot for sunbathing too!

We understand not everyone is able to provide their cat with an outdoor space. If so, all the above points on what you can do in the home are even more important. They can’t create their own entertainment while out exploring, so a little extra help from you is a must.

Other useful tips

Cat-safe garden fencing and outdoor runs are great for indoor cats. They allow them to enjoy the garden without the chance of escape. Window covers are useful for giving your cat access to fresh air, while keeping them safely inside too.

Every cat is different. The amount of entertainment they need will vary from cat to cat. So, be prepared to adapt to each individual cat’s personality – and get as creative as possible!