Three Low Cost Ways to Amuse Your Cat
Aaron Wilmot
May 02, 2009
If you´re a cat owner, then from time to time it´s a good idea to play with your cat. Playing with your cat is not just "play" to a cat but gives him important mental and bodily stimulation, which is vital to the health of all animals, including people. Remember good cat health is not only about what cat food you give them – although this too is key and requires some attention, but it also requires tending to your cat´s other needs.
To give your cat the necessary amount of stimulation, you needn´t spend a fortune, in fact – you can use a bit of imagination along with some household items to give kitty some fun and to get him moving. Here are a few tips below which we hope will get you started:
1. Open a Paper Bag and Leave it on the Floor:
I know sounds all too simple right? (laugh). But cats LOVE paper bags, and if you have two cats they´ll amuse themselves for a good hour, if not more, hiding inside, peeking inside, jumping on top of it and such. The paper itself makes a lot of crunchy noises which cats seem to be attracted to. Although cats would also play in plastic bags, I recommend not using those since cats can get the handles caught around their necks and unknowingly strangle themselves trying to get free. TIP: Don´t put the paper bag too close to their cat food, or you´ll have a mess on your hands.
2. Go Fishing with a String
Find a long piece of string and on the end place an object that your cat is attracted to – such as a balled up sock or stocking, tie it to your belt, and walk through the house. Cats love chasing things that are being dragged, and they will be intrigued by your new accessory.
3. Create a Tower
You don´t need to go to the pet store and buy a $70 cat tower to amuse your cats. You probably have the makings of a tower in your home or garage. Go and find some sturdy cardboard boxes (a few will do) and either place them side by side or stack them one on top of the other. Cut windows so that the cat will be able to move from one to another. Also make windows so that they can see outside. Place it up against a wall, and secure with furniture or masking tape to the wall, whichever works for you. Just make sure your base box is big enough to support and balance the two other boxes above it. Introduce your cat to the bottom box and watch Kitty explore. Note: If Kitty is hesitant to go in you can entice him in with a little cat food trail or cat food treats. Speaking of that, I do recommend a premium cat food such Life's Abundance or another top brand. A premium grade food is very important these days in light of the pet food recalls.
To give your cat the necessary amount of stimulation, you needn´t spend a fortune, in fact – you can use a bit of imagination along with some household items to give kitty some fun and to get him moving. Here are a few tips below which we hope will get you started:
1. Open a Paper Bag and Leave it on the Floor:
I know sounds all too simple right? (laugh). But cats LOVE paper bags, and if you have two cats they´ll amuse themselves for a good hour, if not more, hiding inside, peeking inside, jumping on top of it and such. The paper itself makes a lot of crunchy noises which cats seem to be attracted to. Although cats would also play in plastic bags, I recommend not using those since cats can get the handles caught around their necks and unknowingly strangle themselves trying to get free. TIP: Don´t put the paper bag too close to their cat food, or you´ll have a mess on your hands.
2. Go Fishing with a String
Find a long piece of string and on the end place an object that your cat is attracted to – such as a balled up sock or stocking, tie it to your belt, and walk through the house. Cats love chasing things that are being dragged, and they will be intrigued by your new accessory.
3. Create a Tower
You don´t need to go to the pet store and buy a $70 cat tower to amuse your cats. You probably have the makings of a tower in your home or garage. Go and find some sturdy cardboard boxes (a few will do) and either place them side by side or stack them one on top of the other. Cut windows so that the cat will be able to move from one to another. Also make windows so that they can see outside. Place it up against a wall, and secure with furniture or masking tape to the wall, whichever works for you. Just make sure your base box is big enough to support and balance the two other boxes above it. Introduce your cat to the bottom box and watch Kitty explore. Note: If Kitty is hesitant to go in you can entice him in with a little cat food trail or cat food treats. Speaking of that, I do recommend a premium cat food such Life's Abundance or another top brand. A premium grade food is very important these days in light of the pet food recalls.