Meta Description: Although cats seem low maintenance, they yearn for social and environmental stimulation. Provide enrichment, especially if they’re cooped up for long periods.
If you’re caring for a new kitty, fostering, or recently relocated to an apartment in Brooklyn, you may be considering ways to keep your cat happy and stimulated in a more confined space.
Cats are relatively easy to take care of—they bathe themselves, sleep for numerous short stretches throughout the day, and find objects around the house to keep them entertained.
However, cats do need substantial stimulation. Otherwise, they can begin to exhibit unhealthy behaviors and health issues.
Here are some signs that your cat needs more enrichment:
- Aggressive behavior
- Waning appetite
- Excessive grooming
- Property destruction
Although cats seem aloof and don’t necessarily require as much assistance as dogs, their affection can grow deep once you’ve won over their hearts. They’re highly intelligent animals, natural predators, and sweet, feisty companions. Cats, like most intelligent animals, do need a lot of stimulation.
Here’s an essential feline supply checklist:
- Veterinarian-approved cat food
- Water bowl and food dish
- Litterbox
- Litter
- Comb
- Cat bed
When it comes to stimulating your cat either while you’re at home or away, here are some easy-to-put-together DIY toys.
Boxes
Save your Amazon, FedEx or UPS boxes. Your cat won’t discriminate. They love inspecting the foreign scent of the packaging and the remaining contents inside the box. Plus, cats have a natural inclination to hide and rest in small, confined spaces.
To make the box more appealing to your kitty, cut different size holes and place anything of interest inside the box for your cat to play with. This simple hide-and-seek box will keep your cat’s interest.
Packaging Paper
Don’t underestimate the paper packaging that comes with your packages. Your feline friend is attracted to the crinkly and rustling sound of paper and all its scents permeating it.
Toilet Paper Rolls
Before you pitch your empty toilet paper roll, turn it into a cat toy that will keep your cat occupied for a while. Add cat treats inside the tube and fold the ends on each side. Your kitty will have a new temporary cat puzzle feeder.
A Ball of Yarn
Cats love to hunt and chase smaller objects, and yarn provides the perfect makeshift cat toy. If you have a plush mouse toy, you can tie the end with a string to play with and have your cat chase it. Another idea that doesn’t require your participation is to make a yarn pom pom. Always supervise your cat around yarn because it could be harmful to your cat if ingested.
Keeping Your Cat Entertained While You’re Away
Cat Trees With Scratch Post
A cat tree is a great resting and play post. Ideally, you’ll want to set it up by a window (the buzz of the city should keep your cat captivated) or in the corner of a room where your cat can view all of its surroundings.
Many cat tree options will work with your decor and your cat’s needs:
Toys Your Cat will Love That You Can Easily Tuck Away in an Apartment
Your cat needs social enrichment, carved-out time to interact with you. For the time frames that you won’t get to be home and play with your cat, bring out some of your cat’s favorite toys to fulfill their environmental enrichment needs.
Here’s a good starter kit of toys to stimulate your cat:
If you’re a first-time cat parent or recently adopted a new pet and are looking for ways to cultivate a happy environment for everyone in the household, schedule a virtual vet appointment at Vetster with one of our licensed veterinarians located in Brooklyn.
