I write about a lot of topics on my blog, but I thought we could all use a quick and easy Top-10 list of the things all cats need to thrive.
1. Places to hide — I created the Hide and Sneak for this exact purpose. Cats love to hide while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Play tunnels and cat trees provide great perches and hidey holes.
2. Regular play time — Just setting aside five minutes a day to dangle a wand toy or crinkle the Magic Carpet for your kitty will do wonders for your cat’s health and vitality. Daily play is essential to every indoor cat's wellbeing.
3. A variety of toys — Even cats who love one special toy will appreciate regular toy rotation and a variety of options for play time. Find out what types of toys your cat likes best and buy a few types. For example our Wiggly Wand has several attachments so you can offer a different option for every day of the week.
4. Play that mimics hunting — Cats are instinctual hunters, so play is most fulfilling when it mimics reality. Some cats prefer ground prey and will gravitate toward mice-like toys similar to our Little Puff or Wiggly Ball. Others prefer birds and will enjoy any toy that dances or flutters like our Looper.
5. Scent enrichment — Indoor cats get stuck with indoor smells like air fresheners, cleaning products, and stagnant air. For a change of pace, let them use their super sensitive noses to sniff out leaves, grass, and small twigs. Or sprinkle a pinch of silver vine on their favorite toy.
6. Fresh air and sunshine — Letting cats roam outdoors isn’t always possible, but an open window, small catio, or leash walk on a sunny day is usually pretty easy. This can provide scent enrichment as well because they can smell the great outdoors while still being protected.
7. Places to scratch — Cats who don’t have scratchers go for the next best things, like furniture and carpet. Deter this unwanted behavior by providing a variety of scratchers. Cats love materials like wood, cardboard, and sisal.
8. Clean litter boxes — You wouldn’t want to use a grimy, smelly bathroom, and trust me, cats don’t either. To avoid accidents, place litter boxes away from food and in areas your cat frequents. Elderly cats and kittens may need more than one location, and if you have several cats, you’ll definitely need more than one box.
9. Reliable routines — If you’ve ever missed a meal time, I’m sure your cat has let you know. Cats are habitual and love routines. Make sure you do all of the wonderful things on this list at regular intervals so your cat knows what to expect and when. And that way she can remind you when you forget.
10. Lots of love — Cats often get called aloof, but cat owners know that’s not true. Your cat needs affection and lots of care. Regular veterinary visits, high-quality food, and reassurance that you are there for them is key to having a healthy, happy cat.
What do you think? Have I forgotten anything?
I bought the Hide and Seek for my 2-year-old kitty who previously was an indoor/outdoor cat but must now stay indoors. He LOVES this and sometimes just sits in it, watching me from the portal! I’m glad I got it! He also loves the Wiggly Ball, and plays fetch with it consistently. I’ve ordered another one because he has chewed this one until the tail is almost just a thread.
I place ping pong balls on tables, shelves and on the top of the cat condos to push off and then chase about. As kittens they would play for hours with a ping pong ball in the bathtub (empty tub is course).
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