How to Amuse a Bored Cat

Cats are such clever animals that it's no wonder they bore easily. Think Garfield. The following are ideas to keep your cat physically and mentally entertained.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Stuffed mice
• A mouse or feather on a string
• A bathrobe sash
• A bed with a sheet or comforter
• A throw rug
• Empty boxes
• Empty paper bags

1. The easiest way to amuse a bored cat is to cater to her predatory instincts. Introduce a stuffed mouse or mice with catnip and have the cat chase the mice. Toss them into the air and watch your cat stalk them.
2. Building on this "mouse" game, you can add a mouse (or feather) on a string or fishing pole. Hide behind a table or chair and swing this toy so your cat won't see where the mouse or feather is coming from.
3. If you don't have mice to entice your cat, you can use a simple bathrobe sash to throw out to your cat, and he will try to grab it from you. Keep tossing it out as your cat gets more eager to capture it with her claws. You can also hide for this game.
4. Cats love stalking things, so try placing your cat on a bed and shaking the sheet or comforter over his head. He will try to grab it with his claws. Make a rippling effect with a sheet and your cat will go crazy trying to grab that sheet.
5. If you have a small throw rug and a hard floor surface, plop your cat on the rug and drag her along the flooring. She will grab on for this "magic carpet ride." This works best on a long, narrow floor, such as a hallway or galley kitchen. When you get to the wall, turn around and start again.
6. A final idea is to place open boxes and paper bags around the house and let your cat explore them. See what kind of mischief he gets into.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use plastic bags for cat play. Just like with humans, these sorts of bags can cause suffocation. Stick to paper bags only.