How can I keep my cat mentally stimulated while I'm away?

Question

My cat is very smart and easily bored; her favourite thing in the world is trying to figure out how the humidifier works.  We've tried getting her toys -- balls, little mice, what have you -- but unless it's really stimulating, she's not interested.  She only likes playing with people, people with string, or that humidifier, because to her the people, string and bubbles are unpredictable.  What can I get her to keep her occupied and engaged while I'm at work?

? · Accepted Answer

Two cats are almost always better than one!

TWO CATS ARE BETTER THAN ONE 
By having two or more cats, you are able to enjoy the true social nature of cats and their relationship with each other. 

Cats who have a playmate tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting, hissing, being frightened and hiding in the company of people they don't know. 

Cats need stimulation during the day like humans. Studies have shown that some animals left alone most of the day in the house have brains that weigh up to 25% less than those that live in the street. 

In Switzerland, an anti-cruelty law was passed that requires people who are buying/adopting dogs and cats to acquire two instead of one since it is the nature of an animal to have company of his/her own kind. 

They are less likely to ruin furniture out of boredom. 

If you must work long hours or travel for a couple of days, two or more cats keep each other company and are more tranquil during your absence. 

It's more likely that people bring back an adopted cat due to behavior problems when only one has been adopted rather than two. 

Your cat will remain more playful and youthful into his/her later years with a companion. 

Cats are much less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement, and to suffer related illnesses. 

The workload to care for two cats remains relatively the same. 

You don't need more space for a second cat! 

good luck!

troublesniffer · Answer

Hi there,

Great question, and thanks for thinking about your cat this lovingly. Bravo!

Cats love looking out the window. Getting a high perched cat tree with a few shelves and levels is perfect! Also you can make a tunnel out of paper bags, rolling the ends of the bags before you tape them together so the tunnel won't collapse. Pre-made tunnels are available at pet stores. Cats really enjoy them.

Since I love to keep my cats' environment stimulating also, I did some research for my personal blog.  These are some things I found which may be of interest ... and help.

http://frequentlyfeline.blogspot.com/2008/05/toe20tapping20cat.html

http://frequentlyfeline.blogspot.com/search?q=cat+toys

Catster has an interesting toy featured that your cat may find amusing:

http://www.catster.com/video/406441/top_toys_for_cats_part_3_the_fling_ama_string_2

I gave this toy as a gift for her kitty and he just loves it.

Of course a companion kitty always provides entertainment, if you can adopt another! My two are hardly ever bored!

Hope these help,

Troublesniffer
Owned by cats for over 40 years
Member: Cat Writer's Association

cat lover · Answer

My cats love to watch out the windows.  Sure, I find their toys dragged all around the house, and they have each other.  But when they are not sleeping, they do spend a lot of time watching what is going on outside.

Of course, having a bird feeder outside one of the windows helps.

Dannie L · Answer

the best is to get another cat

rugger4@sbcglobal.net · Answer

radio or tv

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How can I keep my cat mentally stimulated while I'm away?

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