New Ways to Entertain Kittens
Playtime is more than entertainment, it's crucial for a kitten's mental and physical development. Explore new ways to entertain your kitten and strengthen your bond.
Playtime with your kitten is not just fun for both of you, it's also crucial for their development and ensures that they remain active. This is particularly important for indoor cats, as they're often deprived of the stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy.
Keeping your kitten mentally and physically active can help prevent behavioral problems such as excessive vocalization, scratching furniture, or eliminating outside of the litter box. It can also minimize the risk of them developing health problems like obesity and cognitive disorders later in life.
There are many ways to keep your kitten entertained, and it's worth experimenting to see what works best for them. But if you're looking for some inspiration, you're in the right place. Keep on reading for five new ways to entertain kittens in 2022!
1. Give Them Interactive Toys
Providing your kitten with interactive toys is a great way to keep them entertained and occupied. These days, there are a wide variety of options available, from simple wind-up toys to automatic laser pointers, and everything in between. There's something for every budget and preference, so make sure to do your research before you buy.
It's a good idea to rotate your kitten's toys so they don't get bored with them. A good way to do this is to keep their toys in a box or basket and bring one or two out each day. Engage your kitten in active play and then replace their toys when they're done.
2. Provide Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are an excellent way to keep your kitten engaged and satisfy their natural hunting instinct. There are lots of different types of puzzle feeders out there, including treat-dispensing balls, snuffle mats, interactive treat mazes, and more.
The basic concept is the same for each one: you fill the toy with food and your cat has to work to get it out. This can be done by pawing, nuzzling, or batting the toy until the food is released. Puzzle feeders challenge your cat and keep them mentally stimulated. They can also aid weight loss and prevent obesity, which is a common problem in cats.
3. Play Brain Games
Like puzzle feeders, brain games are a great way to keep your kitten mentally stimulated. They can be as simple as hiding some cat treats around the house and letting your kitten hunt for them, or you could try interactive games made specifically for cats.
Did you know that there are apps you can download that are designed to entertain cats? That's right, there are games featuring fish, birds, and mice that your kitty can interact with on your tablet or phone! Just make sure to keep your device out of reach when you're not playing as cats tend to chew on anything they can get their paws on.
4. Let Them Watch Cat TV
If you're looking for something to keep your kitten entertained while you're at work, look no further than cat TV. There are all kinds of videos designed for cats to watch, and many feature creatures such as birds, fish, and mice. Your feline friend will be thoroughly entertained as they watch the action play out on the screen!
Search for "Cat TV" on YouTube to find a huge variety of videos for your kitten to enjoy. If you're an Amazon Prime member, make sure to check out the Cat TV videos that are available on their Prime Video service.
5. Build Them an Outdoor Catio
There are lots of benefits to keeping your kitten or cat indoors. In fact, most veterinarians and organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommend keeping cats confined. The reason for this is that outdoor cats are at much greater risk of injury, illness, and death.
But one major disadvantage of keeping your cat indoors is a lack of mental stimulation. Cats are naturally curious creatures and denying them access to the outside world can lead to boredom. Luckily, there's a simple way to solve this problem: build your furry friend an outdoor catio!
A catio is an outdoor enclosure that provides your cat with a place to run around, explore, and play. Some catios allow access from the inside of your home, allowing your cat to go outside without fear of them escaping. Others are completely separate from the house and look like an aviary or enclosed patio. Either way, they're a wonderful way to give your cat some quality time outside and keep them (and the local wildlife) safe at the same time.
Strengthening Your Bond
Keeping your kitten entertained can help prevent behavioral issues and health problems. Plus, playing with your furry feline friend is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond and show them just how much you love them. So, what are you waiting for? Get started with these five new ways to entertain your kitten today!
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Richard has shared his life with pets since childhood, and currently has a rescue cat and dog. He works with veterinarians and pet businesses to improve their content. To find out more, please visit his [website](https://richardrowlands.com/).
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