Fun things to do with your cat

Cats are not just pets; they are cherished members of our families, providing us with companionship, comfort, and endless entertainment. But beyond being cuddly creatures who laze in the sun, cats are intelligent and curious beings who thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Engaging in enriching activities with your cat not only keeps them happy and healthy but also strengthens the bond between you. Here are six fun and enriching activities you can enjoy with your feline friend.

Watch Cat TV together

What better way to bond with your cat than by indulging in some quality screen time together? Yes, screen time. There are several ways to create a “Cat TV” without actually sitting in front of the television. Whether it’s a mesmerizing fish tank, an ocean screensaver, or a dedicated cat app filled with fluttering birds and scampering critters, you and your cat can snuggle up to enjoy some sights and sounds together.

Cats are natural hunters, and these virtual scenes stimulate their predatory instincts, providing both mental and visual stimulation. As you watch together, observe your cat’s reactions – the flick of their tail, the twitch of their ears – and revel in the shared experience. It’s a simple yet effective way to connect with your cat on a primal level, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their natural instincts.

To enhance the experience, consider introducing interactive elements. Fun cat toys dangled in front of the fish tank or cat treats strategically sprinkled around the viewing area encourage your cat to engage both mentally and physically. And why not join in the fun yourself? Mimic the movements of the creatures on screen or engage in a playful dialogue with your cat about the on-screen action. Before you know it, you’ll find yourselves immersed in a shared world of excitement and wonder, deepening your bond together.

Puzzle feeder and treat dispensers

Mealtime doesn’t have to be just about filling your cat’s bowl with kibble. Introduce some excitement and mental stimulation by investing in puzzle feeders and treat dispensers. These interactive feeding tools require your cat to work for their food, engaging their problem-solving skills and providing a fun challenge. Whether it’s rolling a ball to release treats or navigating through a maze to reach their meal, puzzle feeders turn mealtime into a rewarding and enriching experience. Plus, it helps prevent boredom and overeating, keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated.

But how can you enjoy this activity with your cat? Start by choosing a puzzle feeder or treat dispenser that suits your cat’s size and skill level. Then, hide the dispenser behind furniture or under their plush cat blanket to add an extra layer of intrigue. You can even incorporate it into a mini obstacle course for an extra dose of excitement. And don’t forget to switch things up regularly to keep your pet’s interest piqued. With a bit of imagination and a whole lot of treats, puzzle feeders and treat dispensers can turn ordinary mealtimes into unforgettable adventures for you and your furry companion.

Create an indoor kitty playground

Transform your home into a feline paradise by creating an indoor playground. Cats love to explore and climb, and providing them with a variety of textures and heights to navigate keeps them entertained and engaged.

Set up a cardboard fortress for them to conquer, drape blankets over furniture to create cozy hiding spots, and scatter toys throughout the space for added excitement. Not only does this encourage physical activity and mental stimulation, but it also strengthens the bond between you as you play and explore together.

If DIY isn’t your style or you want to add more sophistication to your cat’s playground, consider investing in a cat climbing tree. The customizable options from Omlet offer a variety of indoor playground setups that cater to all kinds of feline preferences, from adventurous climbers to laid-back loungers. The modular designs of the Freestyle cat tree let you mix and match components, ensuring a perfect fit for your home and your cat’s needs. Whether it’s a stylish cat tree, an interactive play tunnel, or a combination of both, Omlet’s playgrounds are designed to provide endless fun and stimulation.

Clicker training

Think dogs are the only ones who can learn tricks? Think again. Cats are incredibly intelligent animals capable of learning a variety of behaviours through positive reinforcement training, using a clicker as a marker for desired actions. Whether it’s sitting, shaking paws, or jumping through hoops, clicker training provides mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your cat through shared learning experiences. Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge your cat’s cognitive abilities and teach them new skills while reinforcing positive behaviours.

Getting started with clicker training is simple and rewarding. Begin by ‘charging’ the clicker: click it, then immediately give your cat a treat, repeating this several times until they associate the sound with something positive. Once your cat is tuned into the clicker, you can start shaping behaviours. For instance, if you want to teach your cat to sit, wait for them to naturally sit down, click the moment their bottom touches the ground, and reward them. Gradually, your cat will learn to associate the action with the click and the reward. The best part? Training sessions are brief, keeping your cat’s attention without overwhelming them, making it a perfect daily activity to stimulate their mind and keep them happy.

Plant a feline friendly garden

Bring the outdoors inside by creating a cat-friendly garden filled with safe, non-toxic plants for your feline friend to explore. Catnip, wheatgrass, and spider plants are just a few examples of plants that cats love and are safe for them to nibble on. Not only does this provide your cat with sensory enrichment and mental stimulation, but it also brings a touch of nature into your home, creating a calming and relaxing environment for both of you to enjoy.

Creating your indoor garden is simple and can be done with a few basic supplies. Start with some small pots or a window box, fill them with organic soil, and plant seeds or seedlings of cat-friendly greens. Make sure to include a variety of textures and heights to keep your cat intrigued. As the plants grow, your cat will enjoy nibbling on the fresh greens, which are not only safe but beneficial for their digestion. Plus, nurturing these plants can be a soothing and rewarding hobby for you, making it a delightful project that enriches both your lives.

One-on-one interactive play session

Nothing beats good old-fashioned playtime when it comes to bonding with your cat. So set aside dedicated time each day for one-on-one interactive play sessions, using toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, and interactive catnip toys to engage your cat’s natural instincts. Get down on their level and let them chase, pounce, and stalk to their heart’s content. Not only does this provide physical exercise and mental stimulation, but it also strengthens the bond between you as you share moments of joy and laughter together.

Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. Incorporate a mix of high-energy play, like chasing and jumping, with quieter activities, such as puzzle feeders or hiding treats around the house for them to find. This variety not only keeps your cat engaged but also allows you to spend quality time together in different ways, building a deeper connection. Remember, it’s not just about the play—it’s about the joy and love shared in those moments.

Omlet and your cat

At Omlet, we understand the importance of nurturing the bond between pets and their owners. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating innovative products that enhance the lives of both you and your cat, fostering meaningful connections and enriching experiences. From customisable indoor cat trees to cosy cat beds, we celebrate the wondrous connections between humans and their feline companions, helping you create memories that last a lifetime. So why wait? Start exploring the world of Omlet today and discover how you can elevate your bond with your beloved cat.