Long summer days can be a mixed bag for indoor cats. There is more sunlight to nap in, more birds to watch through the window and more activity in the neighborhood, but there can also be restlessness. Cats are natural hunters with busy minds, and a home that gives them outlets for those instincts tends to be a happier home for everyone.
Play that mimics the hunt
Cats hunt in a sequence: watch, stalk, pounce, catch and eat. Interactive play that follows this pattern is often the most satisfying.
- Use a wand toy with a feather or small toy on the end, and move it like prey, darting, pausing and hiding behind furniture.
- Let your cat catch the toy regularly. A hunt with no catch can be frustrating.
- End play sessions with a small meal or treat, which completes the hunt sequence.
- Short sessions, a few times a day, are often better than one long session.
Laser pointers excite many cats, but because there is nothing to catch, some cats seem unsettled afterward. If you use one, finish by guiding the dot to a physical toy or treat your cat can grab. Never shine a laser into a pet’s eyes.
Food puzzles and foraging
In the wild, cats eat many small meals and work for each one. Food puzzles let indoor cats do something similar. Options include treat balls that release kibble as they roll, puzzle boards with compartments and even simple homemade versions, like kibble tucked into an egg carton or a cardboard box with holes cut in it.
Start with easy puzzles so your cat succeeds quickly, then gradually make them harder. Use part of your cat’s regular daily food so you are not adding extra calories.
Vertical space and safe views
Many cats feel more secure when they can climb and survey their territory from above. Cat trees, wall shelves and cleared bookcase tops all add vertical space. A perch near a secure window gives your cat a front-row seat to birds and squirrels, sometimes called cat TV.
Make sure windows have sturdy, secure screens, and position perches where your cat cannot fall or push through.
Novelty and rotation
Cats can lose interest in toys that are always out. Try rotating toys, putting some away for a week and bringing them back later. Simple novelties often delight cats:
- Cardboard boxes and paper bags with the handles removed.
- A new scratching post or pad.
- Cat-safe grass to nibble.
- A fresh blanket in a sunny spot.
Avoid string, ribbon, rubber bands and hair ties as unsupervised toys. Cats sometimes swallow them, which can cause serious intestinal problems.
Watch for signs of boredom or stress
Overgrooming, destructive scratching, nighttime yowling or sudden changes in behavior can sometimes point to boredom or stress, but they can also signal medical issues. If you notice changes, talk to your veterinarian before assuming the cause is behavioral. A healthy cat with plenty to do is often a calm, contented cat.
