Fun and Games with your Kitty

Cats need environmental enrichment just as much if not more than dogs.  Most cats are indoor only and have very little outside stimulus.  Cats that are stimulated are much less likely to have behavior problems such a inappropriate urination/defecation and aggression towards others cats or pets in the household.  Cats love to hunt and all these activities will help support that drive.  There are even cats now days that do cat agility.  They navigate obstacles in a timed competition.  Check it out at catagility.com! 

Here are a few simple ideas for cat entertainment:
1.  Pyramid Play:  Stack up several toilet paper roll lengthwise in a pyramid and glue them together.  Then tuck various goodies into the hollow rolls - catnip mice, treats or anything that interests your cat.

2.  Ping-Pong Party:  Place 2 treats at the bottom of a plastic bowl and them cover them with ping-pong balls.  Bowls with higher sides make it more challenging.

3. Kitty's Cups:  Begin by placing 2 plastic cups in front of your cat; show her a treat and let her see you place it under one cup.  Once he/she has mastered batting the cup over, you can up the ante by hiding the treat when the cat isn't looking.

4.  Best Friend's Toy:  Use your dogs lattice ball(I included a picture, I wasn't sure what it was till I saw it) and place a small catnip stuffie inside it.  The cat can fit his/her whole paw through the holes, much like a wildcat feeling for a mouse in a hole.

5.  Treat Dispenser:  Use a plastic bottle ( I used an old spice container), and cut several holes in the sides.  Then put several treats or cat kibble in the bottle and let the cat bat it around to get the food out.