21 Fun Things to Do With Your Cat (Indoors & Outdoors)
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If you’re stuck at home wondering what to do with yourself today, we have plenty of ideas for you! We’ve rounded up 21 things that you can do with your cat. From indoor and outdoor activities, we have everything covered!
If you don’t have the toys or accessories you need to get started, now is a great time to indulge in online shopping. The fun your cat will have when the packages arrive will be worth every cent!
The 13 Things to Do With Your Cat Indoors
1. Invest in New Toys
Cats love investigating new toys, so see if you can find a few on sale to keep your cat occupied. Cats love a selection of toys—from kicker toys to fishing rods, interactive battery-operated toys, and plush balls with bells.
Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive.
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Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher |
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Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set |
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At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. Find Cardboard Boxes
Don’t throw away the boxes that all the new toys arrived in! Cats love playing with boxes, sometimes more so than enjoying the toys that came in them.
Put empty cardboard boxes around the house, pop treats in them or sprinkle a little catnip in the bottom, and watch as your cat enjoys investigating their new hidey holes.
3. Buy Catnip
If you’ve never used catnip with your cat, now’s the time! Most cats love the natural herb, which can make them either energetic or a little more laidback than normal.
It’s also pretty good for them, but if you need convincing, read our article covering the benefits of catnip here. You can buy toys stuffed with catnip, loose catnip, or catnip bubbles!
4. Create a Birdwatching Station
Most indoor cats love to watch birds through the window, and you can encourage it, safely knowing that your cat can never actually catch them! If your cat loves looking at birds as they fly by, you can set up a birdwatching station.
You can install a few birdfeeders in your yard near a window. If you live in an apartment, you can get feeders that attach to the window. Fill them with birdseed, and it won’t be long before your cat can enjoy watching even more birds! You can also get a cat hammock that attaches to your window, so your cat always has a front-row seat.
5. Buy or Build a Cat Tree
Cats love to climb, stretch their muscles on something tall, and sleep in high places. If your cat doesn’t have a cat tree, they will probably love the chance to use one. You can also make your own from a range of online plans that we’ve collected here.
6. Make Mealtime Fun
Instead of feeding your cat from their bowl and walking away, consider adding enrichment to your cat’s mealtimes. You can hide small portions of food around the house, but it is probably best with dry kibble, not wet food! You can also buy toys in which you can hide food to encourage your cat’s hunting instincts.
7. Use a Food Puzzle
You can make food puzzles using treats. You'll cut small holes in a cardboard box and hide the treats inside. See how long it takes your cat to figure out that they need to get inside the box to find the treats!
Or you can buy a food puzzle here!
8. Teach Your Cat Tricks!
Cats are clever, and if you give them the chance, they can make eager students! Teach your cat to play fetch, sit, or do a high-five, and impress your friends and family when you see them next. Small, high-value treats given to your cat as soon as they perform the action you’re looking for will keep them motivated.
9. Try a Laser Pointer Toy
Felines love to play with laser toys, and you can have fun watching your cat trying to catch the little red dot! Ensure you give them a proper toy that they can “catch” after playing with the laser for a while. This will give your cat the satisfaction of feeling like they’ve completed a successful hunt rather than feeling frustrated that they failed.
10. Put Toys on Your Door Handles
Toys on a wand are irresistible to cats, but we don’t always have the time to play as often as our cats would like. Choose a few of your cat’s favorite toys and hang them from your door handles. See if your cat can resist swatting them as the doors open.
11. Spray Cat Pheromones Around the House
This is a good way of enriching your cat’s daily environment. You can buy synthetic feline pheromones in diffusers or spray bottles. Using them can help your cat feel calm and less stressed.
12. Buy Your Cat a Water Fountain
Some cats can be fussy when it comes to drinking water, and anything we can do to encourage them to stay hydrated is a good idea! Many cats prefer to drink from a moving water source, so treating your cat to a water fountain can be a great way to ensure they’re drinking as much as possible.
13. Get Your Cat a Friend
If you only have one cat, consider getting them a friend! Cats love to play together, and as long as you introduce your new feline carefully, your older cat will likely enjoy having a companion around the house.
The 8 Things to Do With Your Cat Outdoors
14. Build a Cat Enclosure
If your cat is an indoor pet, you can build an outdoor cat enclosure and watch them enjoy the fresh air from a safe environment! Check out our collection of DIY plans here. Whether you’re looking for a small self-contained structure or a colossal enclosure that connects to a window of your house, there’s plenty to choose from.
15. Teach Your Cat to Walk on a Leash
Training your cat to walk safely on a leash is a great idea. You’ll need a harness that’s the right size for your cat. Spend time with them indoors with the harness before you introduce the leash and short outdoor walks.
Taking your cat for a walk may sound challenging, but the right harness and leash can make all the difference! We recommend Hepper's Cat Harness & Leash Set because it combines important safety features with stylish and comfortable design elements.
- Escape Proof - Cat leashes and harnesses for walking aren't all equally secure. Our double aluminium D-rings ensure strength when outside, as does the reinforced stitching on this step in vest.
- Superior Comfort - Our cat harnesses are lightweight, made with premium velvet fabric, breathable mesh, with soft edging and resilient cushioning. Also, it is machine washable. Looks and feels great!
- Free Extra Strength Leash - You don't need to worry about your cat escaping this harness. This cat leash is made of thick nylon climbing rope with rotating clamp to keep the strongest kitties at bay.
From the highly adjustable, machine-washable velvet harness to the sturdy nylon climbing rope leash, this set has everything you'll need to start adventuring.
>At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
16. Plant Cat-Friendly Herbs
We know cats love dried catnip, but you can also grow it in your garden. After buying seeds, create a cat-friendly zone using pots or planting directly in the ground. You can also plant catnip in your cat’s enclosure if they’re an indoor cat.
17. Take Your Cat on a Road Trip
Some cats love the adventure of a road trip! If your cat doesn’t, you may need to skip this one. If they do, they will relish the opportunity to head out on the open road and explore somewhere different. Make sure you use a cat carrier in the car and a harness and leash when you’re out and about.
18. Create Spots for Your Cat to Hide
An enormous expanse of bare lawn can be intimidating to a cat. You can make hiding spots for your cat to explore using shrubs, wooden boxes, or even your old table and chair set.
19. Add Cat Shelves
Cats love to sit up high and watch the world go by. You can add shelves to your existing fencing at different elevations so your cat can choose which one gives them the best vantage point.
Check out our review of the best cat shelves here!
20. Make an Outdoor Cat House
If you have leftover timber, you can construct an outdoor cat house for your cat. Include shady inside spots where they can take shelter from the sun or rain, and an area on top where they can sit up high and sunbathe.
21. Create a Treasure Hunt
You can hide treats and kibble around the yard in areas where your cat would usually explore. Watch as they sniff them out, and enjoy their enthusiasm as they find each treat! You can help your cat find the ones they missed, but clean up the scraps to avoid attracting vermin once the game ends.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our roundup of 21 indoor and outdoor activities and gadgets you and your cat can enjoy together. Like humans and other animals, cats get bored easily, but our suggestions above can ensure your cat never experiences a dull moment in your home. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know, and we might even add them to a future post!
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
