Mental Stimulation for Cats to Keep Them Active
At Oakland Park Animal Hospital in Oakland Park, FL, our veterinarian believes that indoor cats should be mentally stimulated during their waking hours. Keeping them engaged in play helps ensure they get enough exercise and do not become bored or stressed. Here are a few ways to keep felines mentally stimulated.
Interactive Play Toys for Cats
Playtime keeps indoor cats mentally happy, physically healthy, and more content overall. Investing in interactive toys, especially those that mimic the interactive actions of their natural prey, can help reduce boredom and unwanted behaviors such as scratching. Spend at least 10 minutes daily playing with your cats for their enjoyment. Young and rambunctious cats may require more playtime.
Buy New Toys Routinely
Cats can get bored with the same toys, but you can mitigate this by keeping some toys out of reach. Bring out a few toys at a time and rotate them regularly. After interactive play sessions, put away wand toys so they are not accessible, preventing boredom.
Multi-purpose Cat Tools for Mental Stimulation
Cats view stagnant toys as "dead prey" and may not show much interest. Activate interactive toys like balls, laser lights, or wand tools to pique their curiosity and engage them. Renew interest in old toys by adding motion or using catnip sprays, creating a connection with your pet.
Scratching Posts for Lounging and Play
Cats love to scratch for exercise, stress relief, and to mark their territory. Good scratching posts alleviate stress and reduce negative behaviors like urinating, spraying, and scratching furniture. Choose a scratching post that is tall enough to provide ample lounging areas for all your cats. Place the post near a window and ensure it allows for satisfying clawing sessions.
Keep Entertainment Available When You're Away
Cats can become extra rambunctious when they feel dull and bored. Make a few toys available that can be pre-set to turn on randomly. This provides entertainment and a sense of companionship when they are home alone. Many cats find automated cleaning tools like the Roomba entertaining, so you can achieve two goals at once.
Contact Oakland Park Animal Hospital
Call us at 954-731-4228 or contact Oakland Park Animal Hospital online today to schedule an appointment or consultation. From wellness exams to minor and major procedures, surgeries, and emergency care, our veterinarian takes pride in providing optimal animal care in Oakland Park, FL. We look forward to seeing you and your pet!
