Boredom Buster - how to keep your cat occupied when You just can’t
Happy August, furriends! It’s time to start planning for back-to-school days – which also involves helping your cat adjust to a busier schedule! Here’s a few tips on how to keep your cat happy, healthy, and engaged as we make these changes for the new seasons ahead.
Shift your cat’s daily routine:
Start off by gradually shifting their daily routine by changing their feeding and play times by about 15-20 minutes daily every few weeks before school starts. Since cats are creatures of habit, this helps them easily adjust.
Some websites suggest trying to tire them out with a play session before you leave for school or work, but this involves getting up extra early and if you’re like me, that’s a hard NO. So check out Izzy's Picks on amazon, which is a shopping guide to some interactive tools to help your cat stay engaged while they adjust to your busy lifestyle. This is just a guide for ideas, there are many, many other options out there!
Have you ever tried to blow bubbles or use a bubble machine with your cat? Some cats are scared of bubbles, but most cats are fascinated. There are cat-safe bubble formulas you can buy, although some brands tend to leave residue where the bubble *pops*, so be sure to read the label and reviews if purchasing online.
Whatever method you decide, giving positive reinforcement such as spending quality time in the evenings by cuddling or playing as soon as you get home can help with stress on your cat too. This helps them have something to look forward to when you return from your long day.
There’s tons of resources to keep your cat occupied and help them to not be bored or destructive throughout the day while you’re gone. Entertaining them is easy when we’re home, but when we are away there’s not much for them to do when they’re left alone all day.
One favorite distraction is an egg carton or Paper towel tubes, etc. Click the link to show how you can DIY your own egg carton or paper towel tube toy for your cat!
Make sure your cat has plenty of window perches to look outside
Clear a spot by a sunny window or set up a bird feeder outside the glass to bring out their inner tiger for natural enrichment.
Leave some Comfort items: Leave a worn t-shirt or piece of clothing that smells like you in their favorite sleeping area.
Many common tools for keeping your furry friend occupied include puzzle toys which are specifically designed to keep your cat occupied and entertained when you’re not available. This helped me when I was in school, because it was just me and Izzy and I was all she knew. I worked long hours and when I came home I was studying and didn’t have much time to give her very much attention so I heavily relied on these interactive toys to help me keep her occupied while studying. Puzzle toys are a great tool because you can usually fill them with treats or their own food. Cats are natural hunters, so this is a great tool because it helps them work for their “reward” as well as keeping them engaged and entertained.
SCRATCHING POSTS ARE EVERYTHING
A lot of cats love to climb which can require a good amount of mental and physical energy. A Cat tree can keep them entertained for HOURS – however can be expensive or bulky. Smaller scratching posts may be ideal if you have a smaller space, but there are many different kind of scratching posts or furniture that can be spread around the house without looking out of place.
Catnip
Catnip can be hit or miss. Not all cats respond well to catnip, but there are many that do. This can keep them entertained for hours and it is usually reasonably priced. Most local pet stores have them in stock to purchase, OR you can always try your luck at growing your own. Try putting catnip inside toys, pillows, climbing structures, boxes, or even their favorite bedding.
Boxes and PaperBags
Cats love boxes and paper bags.
The best part about a box or a paper bag is that it is (usually) free. – unless you live in Seattle or other big cities and have to pay the hefty price of $0.12 per bag, but that is still a pretty cheap entertainment tool for your furry best friend who is waiting for you at home.
August Celebrations
August is Clear the Shelters month, which means fees and adoption costs are usually waived across the US!
It’s also Itchy Pet Awareness Month – because allergies happen to pets too. Zoetis founded this special month which helps bring awareness to skin allergies in our pets! You don’t want to be itchy, and neither does your pet.
Did someone say “RAWgust”? No matter your opinion on raw feeding, it’s a celebration this month!
The best day of the year is August 8th which happens to be International Cat Day – where we get to celebrate cats all around the world! How many cats you ask? All of them.
My personal favorite day in August is Aug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day. Check out some DID YOU KNOW information on black cats to see some interesting facts that make them special!