Leaving your feline friend at home can cause feelings of guilt for many cat owners. While cats are often perceived as independent creatures, they still need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and the behavioural issues that might follow.
According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, environmental enrichment improves cats’ quality of life and lowers stress-related behaviours.
- Interactive toys and food puzzles
Cats are natural hunters, and this instinct doesn’t disappear in domestic settings. And so, interactive toys that mimic prey movements can provide hours of entertainment. Food puzzles, which dispense treats when manipulated correctly, engage your cat’s problem-solving abilities while rewarding them with tasty snacks. Cats Protection Organisation emphasised that cat owners often report a reduction in destructive behaviours after introducing food puzzles and interactive toys. These tools help fight boredom and provide physical exercise, which is quite important for indoor cats. Before leaving, set up a rotation of toys to maintain novelty. Automated options like motion-activated toys can provide unpredictable entertainment and keep your cat’s interest when you’re not there to initiate play.
- Utilising vertical spaces and window viewers
Cats naturally seek elevation to observe their surroundings and feel secure. So, with this in mind, you should create a cat-friendly environment with multiple vertical spaces that allows them to satisfy this instinct. Modern cat scratching posts with integrated climbing platforms have a dual purpose, as they provide essential scratching outlets and offer elevated perches from which cats can survey their domain. Window access is just as important. A comfortable perch near a window changes ordinary outdoor scenes into feline entertainment. Birds, pedestrians, and changing weather patterns all become sources of engagement for your curious cat. You can even consider a window bird feeder to attract wildlife and create a natural “cat TV” experience.
- Scheduling regular play sessions
If someone will be checking on your cat while you’re away, give them detailed instructions for interactive play sessions. These sessions should ideally mimic hunting sequences: stalking, chasing, pouncing, and “killing” the toy, followed by a small treat reward. Even brief, 10-15 minute play sessions twice daily can have an impact on your cat’s emotional well-being. For elderly or less active cats, gentler games using feather wands or crinkle toys can still provide valuable mental stimulation without excessive physical demands.
- Comfort and security
Cats find reassurance in familiar scents. So, before leaving, you can consider placing an unwashed item of your clothing in your cat’s favourite resting spot. The lingering scent gives them comfort and a sense of your continued presence. Maintaining a routine is also important, so, if possible, ask your cat sitter to feed, play with, and attend to litter box duties at the same times you would to minimise disruption to your cat’s established schedule.
With these strategies, you are able to create an enriched environment that keeps your cat physically active, mentally stimulated, and emotionally secure during your absence.
