Cats are beguiling creatures who exhibit many instinctual or natural behaviors. From chasing after a stuffed mouse to pouncing on your ankles during a sneak attack, cats’ instincts contribute to their well-being. Keeping your indoor cat happy and fulfilled involves more than providing food and shelter. They require mental enrichment to express their natural behaviors. 

Cats are famous for those 3 a.m. zoomies, knocking over items in the house as they run through. You may not find these nocturnal frolicking sessions endearing, but they are part of your cat’s collective natural behaviors. Cats are obligate carnivores, so hunting, stalking, and perching are all ways they express their instincts. To satisfy your cat’s instincts, there are many creative things you can do at home. Our Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County team shares seven essential tips so you can learn to help your whiskered pal thrive by enabling them to practice their instinctive behaviors.

#1: Provide your cat with vertical spaces

Cats enjoy climbing and perching high above to survey their surroundings. Imagine a mountain lion perched on a cliff or a bobcat resting on a tree branch. Your small “wild cat” loves cat trees, shelves, and window perches that allow them to climb and observe their surroundings from a high vantage point. You can also consider building a cat wall so your feline friend can navigate their environment without setting a paw on the ground.

#2: Engage in interactive play with your cat

Various toys and games can significantly enhance your cat’s mental enrichment needs. Interact with your furry pal during daily play sessions to provide them with physical exercise, stimulate their natural instincts, and strengthen your bond with them. Interactive play can involve toys, such as:

  • Cat dancers
  • Feather wands
  • Catnip mice
  • Laser pointers
  • Automated toys
  • Treat-dispensing puzzles

#3: Swap out old cat toys with new ones

Like most pets, cats quickly lose interest in toys and games they have used time and again. New toys provide a challenge and additional stimuli to pique your kitty’s curiosity. However, you don’t have to break the bank and keep buying new toys. Simply rotate your cat’s toys regularly to prevent boredom and entice them to play.

#4: Play hide-and-seek with your cat

Hide-and-seek is a great game to teach your pet because it encourages instincts such as hiding and stalking. Hide treats or toys around the house for your cat to find. Hide-and-seek taps into your cat’s natural hunting and foraging instincts, stimulating them mentally and physically.

#5: Offer your cat several scratching posts

Your cat needs to scratch to mark their territory and to keep their claws trimmed, clean, and healthy. However, their need to scratch may include your sofa or chair if no other options are available. Offer your whiskered pal multiple scratching posts, including materials, such as sisal, carpet, and cardboard, to satisfy your cat’s scratching preferences. Also provide horizontal and vertical scratching posts in case your cat has a scratching orientation preference

#6: Give your cat a window view

Imagine if you always stayed inside your home. You would want windows to look out at the rest of the world, of course. Your indoor cat will thrive when they can access windows with a view of the outside. Cats love to watch birds, squirrels, and other outdoor stimuli, which can provide entertainment and mental stimulation. You can also consider installing a bird feeder or bird bath outside the window to make the show more entertaining.

#7: Provide your cat with safe and supervised outdoor time 

While cats can be “squirrely” (pun intended) about training, teaching your whiskered pal to walk on a harness and leash is possible. Start your cat’s training indoors to get them accustomed to walking on a leash. A fenced outdoor area is ideal for walking your leashed cat around. You can also create a safe outdoor space by giving them a catio—cat enclosure—or letting them out on a screened-in porch. Allowing your cat to experience the outside world’s sights, sounds, and smells while staying safe from potential dangers promotes their health and happiness.

Domestic cats share traits with their early ancestors—African wild cats—so they benefit from activities that fulfill their instincts. By following these tips to incorporate instinctive behaviors into your cat’s daily routine, you can help them lead a fulfilling and enriched indoor life. Schedule your whiskered pal’s appointment with our Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County team to learn additional tips to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged.