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Boredom is the worst. When I’m bored, I find myself scrolling through Instagram, random Facebook reels, or falling down the YouTube hole. It’s not just us humans who fall into bad habits though. Cats can too. 
Indoor cats who have little mental and physical stimulation can and do get bored. This might show up as misbehavior like destroying stuff among other behavior problems. 
Before you write off any changes as boredom, visit your vet to rule out any physical causes to their behavior. 
If nothing is happening physically, then one of the easiest ways to keep your cat blissed out, happy and well-behaved is to give them the mental and physical stimulation they crave. Here are my favorite ways to do just that. 
  
Tip # 1: Cat Ribbon Toys
Rio absolutely loves this toy. He will stand on it and meow at you until you play with him. He’ll then chase it in circles like a crazy cat until he’s out of breath – and then he’ll play even more! Trust me—this will keep your kitty happy and busy for hours! 
 
Tip #2: Ping Pong Balls
Families that play together, stay together! I make sure to spend at least 30 minutes playing with Cyradel every day. He loves to play with ping pong balls, chasing after them. I especially enjoy this time with Cyradel because I get to wear him out as he chases the ball down the hallway at lightning speed and because it gives me an excuse to pet and snuggle with him even more afterwards.
   
Tip #3: Get a cat tree – or five. 
Cat trees are fabulous. They keep cats entertained, exercising and come in a lot of varieties. In my shared home, I have 5 cat trees of different types.
Cyradel really likes to scratch his claws and climb to the highest point on our cat trees. Shop around and I’m sure you’ll find something purrfect for your home. 
 
Tip #4: Stairs, Window Sills, Cabinets
It’s no secret cats like climbing. Installing cat-safe perches throughout your home is a great way to let them explore the space. Cyradel has climbed on every high point he can reach – the cat trees, window sills, kitchen cabinets, and more!
It’s fun to add them near windows so you cat can see what’s happening in the outside world. 
 
Tip #5: Find safe ways for your cat to explore the outside world.  
When we first lived in the apartment (before the house we are now in), we got a cat leash so Cyradel can safely enjoy the outdoors. Our cat leash came with a harness so it could comfortably fit around his body while allowing him to explore the outdoor world to his heart’s content.
I feel good knowing my cat will be safe from traffic as long as he has his leash. And I know my cat is having a blast and getting constant stimulation out there.
Do you have a trick up your sleeve for keeping your cat enriched? Let me know!
CJ Ashmore
Pawfect Photo Moments LLC, Owner and Photographer