6 Brain Games for Your Cat (and You!)

Their claws aren't the only things that are sharp and curious. While physical play is important, mental enrichment keeps your cat engaged, confident, and less likely to fall into what we call the indoor gloomies. Just like you and me, cats thrive when their brains are challenged in fun and – keyword – rewarding ways.

In the wild, cats rely on their brains as much as their bodies. Every day is filled with problems needing to be solved: what to eat, where to go to find the eats, staying out danger and trouble. Sounds like a typical day in the life of an adult, I fear. Back to outdoor cats; their survival depends on curiosity, strategy, and quick thinking. Indoor cats may not face those same challenges, but their brains are still hardwired for exploration and clever problem-solving. Without needing to use these part of their brain – let's call it lack of stimulation – boredom can lead to stress, which can lead to destructive behaviors, health issues like inflamation, and even depression. That’s why brain games and enrichment activities are so important for cats living indoors.

Here are six simple and fun ways to keep your kitty’s mind a'buzzin:

1. Puzzles & Food Games
Disclaimer: not all puzzle feeders are created equal. I personally prefer a feeder that requires a tad more engagement than simply pawing at something that drops a treat. Thats my personal preference and you have permission to make your own decisions around what works for your cat. An even easier alternative to a puzzle is simply hiding small portions of kibble around the house. Working to hunt for their food not only slows down mealtime but also engages your cat's problem-solving skills. Food puzzles and hiding food around the house are a simple and fairly affordable place to start to turn eating into a brain workout.

2. Teach Your Cat a Simple Trick
Yes, cats can learn! With a little patience (and a lot of treats), you can train your cat to sit, high-five, or even come when called. Clicker training boosts their confidence, challenges their brain, and deepens the bond you share. Think of it as cat brain training that doubles as quality time together. If you need more inspo, check out Julie and Jones at Cat School on Instagram or YouTube.

3. Sensory Play
Cats experience the world through all their senses. Rotate safe, stimulating scents like silvervine, catnip, or even your worn T-shirt. Adding different textures or sound-based toys also keeps things fresh and fascinating. You know we favor silvervine because it provides a unique mental stimulation for cats, often sparking rolling, pouncing, and playful zoomies. I mean, Crouton and his Silly Stix face says it all.

4. Toy Cycling
A forgotten toy becomes exciting when reintroduced after a break. Every few days, I walk around the house and pick up toys that are out, put them away and bring out "new" ones that have been out of sight, out of mind. For a little extra enrichment, sprinkle some silvervine on an old favorite to reignite your cat's interest. This keeps novelty alive and prevents boredom from setting in.

5. Interactive Play Sessions
Bust out wand toys that mimic prey and let your cat practice their best hunter moves. Interactive play isn’t just physical — it requires strategy, timing, and problem-solving. When your cat is locked in on a moving target, even if he hasn't pounced, you know the wheels are turning in his brain. A few minutes of focused play each day helps prevent boredom while sharpening their natural instincts, just ask Ryley and Wren, President and Vice President of the Squiddy fan club.

6. Create Exploration Zones
Give your cat opportunities to explore and discover. Cardboard boxes, tunnels, climbing spaces, or even a window perch with a view can provide hours of mental stimulation as they observe and investigate. I recently shared how I moved a perch from one window to another window on the other side of the house and Roo spent the whole day looking out that new window. Activities for indoor cats don’t have to be complicated — a sunny spot by the window offers mental enrichment as they watch the world outside, and maybe make a lizard friend.

Keeping your cat’s brain active is one of the best ways to ensure they live a happy, enriched indoor life. Mental stimulation for cats isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity that supports their overall health and well-being. Does your cat have a favorite enrichment activity? Share it in the comments!