Clipped from Best Friends Animal Society: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/enrichment-ideas-activities-and-products-indoor-cats
There are so many ways that you can enrich the life of your indoor cat. Keeping in mind that every cat is an individual, spend some time discovering what your feline particularly enjoys.
Enriching your indoor cat’s environment
Here are some products and objects that you may consider acquiring to enrich your cat’s daily life:
- Cat pheromone: Spray cat pheromone (lightly!) on your cat’s bedding and furniture. One commonly used brand is Feliway; it’s a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, which is used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. Another brand of feline pheromone that comes in a collar is NurtureCALM 24/7.
- Cat furniture: Provide cat furniture for climbing and romping. You can buy ready-made cat trees and other furniture that range in cost from cheap to expensive, but you don’t have to go that route. Some cats are just as happy with cardboard boxes and paper bags to investigate and play in. There are many terrific websites with instructions for making your own cat furniture; simply do a search for “how to make cat furniture.”
- Catnip: To treat your cat to fresh catnip, grow it yourself. Try catnip-filled toys, too.
- Wheat grass: Grow wheat grass for your cat to chomp on. You can purchase pet wheat-grass kits either online or at pet supply stores.
- Cat drinking fountain: Buy your cat a drinking fountain if she likes to drink running water from the faucet. (Drinkwell is one brand.)
- Bird feeder: Place a bird feeder outside a window where your cat can watch the birds.
- Feline window perch: To offer your cat a better view and a spot to sunbathe, buy a window perch (available at pet supply stores) or make one yourself.
- Cat exercise wheel: Some cats even enjoy using exercise wheels; for more information, check out the Pet Wheel.
Allowing your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely
Give your indoor cat a chance to experience the great outdoors safely with the following ideas:
- Walking a cat: To allow your cat to safely enjoy time outdoors, teach her to walk on lead wearing a harness (see “Walking the Cat”). You can buy harnesses made especially for cats at pet supply stores. Be careful to properly fit the harness so the cat doesn’t slip out of it. Train your cat inside your house to be relaxed in the harness and on the lead before adding outside adventures.
- Catios and other cat enclosures: There are many other options for cats to spend time outdoors safely. Google “catios” or “cat enclosures” to get some ideas for structures you can purchase or build. Read "Catteries and Catios" for more info.
- Cat stroller: Another option that works well for many cats is a pet stroller. Strollers can be found on many websites; simply do a search for “pet stroller.”
Cat enrichment activities for you and your cat
Here are some suggestions for activities that your cat and you may enjoy doing together:
- Interacting with your cat: Find out if your cat likes petting, being carried around, being gently combed or brushed.
- Reading to your cat: Read aloud or sing to your cats, and have your children join in.
- Teaching a cat using treats: Teach your cat to come when called, using treats as a reward. The best method for doing this is clicker training.
- Cat food foraging: In nature, the behavior that occupies the majority of cats’ time is searching for food. Indoor cats have this same instinctual urge. If it’s possible in your home, hide little bits of food all around the house so your cat can do the normal feline “work” of finding food. It’s an enjoyable activity that gives your cat something interesting to do and satisfies that particular aspect of a cat’s nature.
- Fostering or adopting a second cat: If you have only one cat, consider getting a second feline to give your cat someone to play with when you’re not at home. Try fostering another cat first if you’re not sure you want to adopt right away. If you foster, your cat can help choose the new family member.
Most important of all: Spend time interacting with your cat doing things you both enjoy!