Keeping Your Cat Happy & Healthy

Cats are very independent creatures who come from a history of being active animals and hunters. It is important that, as cat owners, we find a way to mentally stimulate them and their desire to hunt. This is especially important for indoor cats who do not have an area outside for free-roaming. 

Why is it important to keep your cat mentally stimulated?

Cats are brilliant creatures and need to keep their brains at play to address their cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. Cat boredom can lead to mischievous behavior caused by pent-up energy. If you don’t find ways to enrich your cat mentally, you (or your furniture) may pay the price. 

The best way to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated is with enrichment games. Here are a few fun ways to create an outlet for your cat to help keep them happy and healthy: 

DIY Treat Tube

What You Need:

• An emptied paper towel roll 
• Scissors 
• Whole Life Cat Food or their favorite treat broken into pieces

Directions:

• Cut holes sporadically from one end of the tube to the other (make them small enough to allow a piece of a treat to pass through)
• Seal off one end of the tube by folding it closed  and fill with food/treats
• Seal off the other end
• Set in front of your cat and watch them bat it around.

They’ll learn cause and effect when one of their treats appears after pushing the tube! (Remember never to leave your pet with homemade toys unattended!)

Interactive Games

Some of the best games to play with your cat are interactive and allow them to “act” out the hunting experience. Find a cat toy that can be moved or dragged by you at a safe distance from your cat’s paws and mouth. Spend time with your cat moving the toy around and allow them to chase /”hunt” the toy. Often cats will be using both physical and mental stimulation throughout these types of interactive games. 

Scratching Post/Climbing Pole

Cats are naturally very good at climbing short vertical distances and enjoy using their agility to move from one space to another. Providing them with a scratching or climbing post allows them to physically move around a new space without fear of them ruining something in your home. This is the perfect outlet for your cat’s climbing needs. 

Surprise food/treat boxes

What You Need:

• 5 emptied shoeboxes with removable lids
• Whole Life Cat Food or the cat treat of their choice. 

Directions:

• In an open area in your house, place the shoe boxes on the floor
• Place treats or food in some of the boxes and leave the others empty
• Cover with lids
• Introduce your cat to the scene. Let them use their nose to find their treats or prompt them to search the boxes. 

They’ll have fun discovering what’s inside and will use their cognitive abilities to find and open the boxes.