Greencross Vets 
Tips for feline fun
There are many advantages to keeping your feline friend confined indoors. While reducing the risk of injury and disease we also see a benefit for the local wildlife. Most cats will be satisfied with just a view of the outside world. Providing access to a window ledge or even an enclosed outdoor run can keep the confined puss quite content. Playing games to encourage feline fun will prevent your cat becoming bored and stressed.
How can I keep my cat entertained?
Cats require both mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis. Toys with an element of motion and sound will help attract your cat’s interest and enthusiasm. Try a table tennis ball, scrunched up paper bag or cardboard box with a surprise inside. It is possible to teach tricks and play games such as retrieve, hide and seek, and chasing. With patience, cats can respond well to this attention and training.
For the more food driven, a ‘Kitty Kong’ can have dry food items placed inside to extend the pleasure of mealtime.
You might like to grow your own indoor garden and include catnip, cat mint or cat grass.
Scratching posts and climbing posts can provide the exercise your feline friend would usually get when climbing trees and can also save your furniture from the feline claws.
Most importantly, your furry feline needs quality time with you. Cats can become bored and stressed quite quickly. They may display signs of stress which can include:
- Reduced appetite
- hiding
- vocalising
- bowel complaints
- Unwanted behaviour like increased attacking, scratching, and biting
- spraying on inanimate objects such as beds or shoes
- clawing at furniture
- Over grooming
To encourage best behaviour and overall wellbeing in our feline friends, we must give them the attention they deserve. If you’re concerned about any symptoms being displayed by your cat, contact your local Greencross Vets for advice.
