We know cats love routine, but there can also be TOO much routine and your cat can easily fall into a rut. Adding some changes to their daily life can keep them intrigued and curious. By encouraging more adventure in your cat’s life you can keep them mentally sharp, physically fit, and emotionally fulfilled. Making a few small changes can spark big curiosity.
Here are some fun and easy ways to bring out your cat’s inner explorer.
Enrich their Meals
Let’s start with what we know best, cat food. Cats are more likely to be bold and brave when they’re motivated by some tasty snacks. Try hiding a few of their favorite treats around the house to create a “treat hunt.” Lead them to the desired areas with a wand toy. They’ll get some exercise and end up finding a little reward. You can also try using puzzle feeders or treat balls that roll around and dispense snacks as your cat plays with them.
Mealtime enrichment allows your cat to use their natural hunting instincts and gets them moving and thinking. When they solve the puzzle presented to them, they get rewarded with a delicious bite or two.
Change Their View
If you notice your cat tends to stay in the same area of your home, encourage them to explore other spots. Move their favorite bed or blanket to the new location to entice them to try hanging out over there. Let them explore a room they don’t spend much time in.
Try moving their window perch or cat tree in front of a new window so they can see new happenings outside. Seeing new things can be very exciting for an indoor cat. Maybe different birds and bugs live near the flowers outside a different window. Or maybe your cat will enjoy watching the cars and people pass by in the front of the home. You can even rearrange your furniture.
Add Vertical Spaces
Cats are predators by nature, obligate carnivores who need to hunt for their meals, and they have a strong inclination toward climbing, jumping, and exploring elevated spaces.
By climbing up and perching in elevated areas, cats can survey their surroundings, get an overall view of their environment, establish a sense of control over their territory, and feel safe from predators. This can reduce stress levels, especially in multi-pet households or during times when there are unfamiliar people in the home.
Vertical spaces also provide cats with physical exercise and mental stimulation that help them to maintain a healthy weight. Climbing, scratching, playing, and jumping on vertical spaces help cats to satisfy their curiosity and stay mentally engaged while preventing boredom and behavioral issues. Adding vertical spaces to your home will give your cat something new to explore and play with.
Offer a Taste of the Great Outdoors
Give your indoor cat a taste of the great outdoors. Being outside can be a great source of enrichment for your cat as they experience new sights, smells, and sounds. Bring home - or grow your own - pots of cat grass for them to nibble on. Buy a bird feeder for your window so they can watch the birds, bugs, and squirrels come out for meals. Put on some cat TV so they can watch bird videos. Download a cat game on your tablet where they can practice batting at animated ladybugs and grasshoppers that crawl across the screen.
If your cat needs more stimulation, you can buy a harness and leash and try taking them for a walk. Read more about leash training your cat here. Or install a catio so they can enjoy the outdoors from the safety of their own home.
Before bringing your cat outside, make sure they are current on their vaccines and that they have been treated for fleas.
Play More
Playtime is important because it allows your cat to lose their inhibitions, which is crucial for being adventurous. Interactive play with your cat helps them get in touch with their hunting instincts. That little butt wiggle they do before they pounce on a toy is the same action their wildcat relatives do before pouncing on their prey.
Try different toys and see what your cat likes best. New toys provide new ways to let loose and try new things. Feather wands, jingle balls, kickers, catnip sticks, treat balls - the options are endless. You can even make your own toys. We all know cats love balled up paper and receipts!
Just 10-15 minutes a day of active play can build confidence and curiosity, especially in shy or older cats. It also strengthens the bond you share. You can see your cat come out of their shell, let loose, and really have some fun.
Conclusion
Encouraging your cat to become more adventurous helps them to expand their comfort zone and be more adaptable. They will be more comfortable with new people, places, and things, which makes life easier for you both! With a little encouragement and motivation, your cat can start to explore and play like never before. They will be happier, healthier, and more open to new experiences.
Love, Nala
