Let’s start from the beginning, why is this so important? Because even though at home your cat is safe, well-fed (Ownat is undoubtedly your best ally for this, you already know that), and has extra fluffy cushions, your feline is still a professional hunter. If it can’t explore, investigate, or practice its “tricks,” it gets frustrated. And feline boredom is not something to take lightly: it can lead to anxiety, nightly meowing, scratching where it shouldn’t... So, since at Ownat we know this is one of the most important things, we bring you some simple ideas that will help a lot.
Floating shelves or elevated walkways
Cats love heights, this is probably something you already know, right? But beyond the pleasure of looking at the world from above, being elevated gives them security, reduces stress, and allows them to observe without being observed.
Easy ideas? Ladder-style shelves, wall pathways, or even the top of a wardrobe with a soft blanket.
Boxes, tunnels, and hiding spots
A fabric tunnel, a cardboard box, a wicker basket covered with a blanket – any nook can become an ultra-secret base! These kinds of hiding spots allow your feline to play ambush, hide, or simply disconnect from the world (yes, cats have their days too, don’t believe otherwise). Move the boxes around occasionally, and you'll see how they go back to exploring them as if they were new. Because yes: feline curiosity is endless.
Self-moving toys or toys with you
Battery-powered mice, bouncing balls, feather wands that you wave... Anything that mimics a fleeing prey activates their hunting mode. A trick? Don’t leave them all out. Store some and rotate them; this will make each toy seem interesting again, and you’ll prevent your cat from losing interest in two days. And if you can play too, even better – the bond you create during those shared moments is priceless.
New smells and textures
A cat’s sensory world is amazing! Introducing smells like catnip, valerian, or cat mint can be stimulating (or calming, depending on the case). And textures! They love kneading, scratching, and pushing with their noses; so corrugated cardboard scratchers, wrinkled blankets, soft or rough surfaces can be ideal.
Food as play
Here comes our favorite part (and we’re sure it’s their favorite too, haha): using food as part of the game (any Ownat recipe can be a real treat for this). Have you tried food-dispensing toys? There are homemade versions and more sophisticated ones, but they all have one thing in common: they make your cat think, explore, and move its body to get the reward.
You can hide croquettes from its favorite Ownat recipe in different corners, inside holey boxes or interactive toys. This way, your feline not only eats, but also activates its brain and entertains itself.
We hope all these tips help and are useful, and that your feline enjoys them from start to finish!
