With more and more kitties living strictly indoors, boredom is becoming a big problem for them.  Outside, our cats climb, stalk, scratch, and explore, which is normal for them.  However, many indoor cats are chastised for doing these things in the house.  This may lead to frustration, boredom, compulsive behaviors, and depression.

If we choose the indoor life for out cats to keep them safe, it’s up to us to create an interesting environment for them.  Just putting up a bird feeder outside a window, to which the cat has easy access, will greatly improve the quality of life for him or her.   And there’s just no substitute for twice a day interactive play to increase happiness in our cats.  Just 5-10 minutes twice a day can do wonders.    This small investment of time will vent the pent-up energy that builds up each day, help the cat sleep at night and not disturb you, and will be greatly beneficial to their strength and overall health.

I really like the feather toy called “Da Bird.”  Its patented swivel component makes the feathers REALLY look like a bird flying.  Cats go nuts for this.  I’ve rarely seen one able to resist it.

Whatever kind of  interactive toy your cat likes, be sure to make a few minutes daily for him/her that will make a huge payoff for your kitty’s quality of life.

Laura Speirs, Feline Behavior Consultant