Top Tips for a Happy and Enriched Cat at Home from Weybridge

Despite their reputation for napping, cats are intelligent and curious creatures that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Whether your cat spends much of their time indoors due to preference or necessity, and especially if you're often away from home, there are plenty of ways to keep them entertained. Here are Weybridge's top tips for a happy and enriched cat at home.

Cat behaving strangely? Book a consultation with our vets in Weybridge to check for any underlying health issues.

Signs of cat boredom

According to the team at Weybridge, your cat may be bored if they are showing these signs:

• Excessive grooming
• Destructive behaviour
• Lethargy
• Weight gain
• Aggression
• Loss of interest in play

If you notice any of these signs of boredom in your cat, try providing them with more mental and physical stimulation. Some of these symptoms can also be linked to certain cat health problems so it's wise to get them checked over with our vets in Weybridge.

How to keep your cat entertained

Our veterinary nurses at Weybridge have listed below some of the best recreational activities for your cat:

DIY delights

• Toilet Rolls: These simple items can provide hours of fun for your cat.
• Rotating Toys: Keep your cat guessing with a variety of toys that you can rotate regularly.
• Cardboard Boxes: Cats love to explore new spaces, and cardboard boxes can be a great way to provide a cosy hideaway.

Furniture fun

• Cat Trees: Encourage your cat's natural instincts with a cat tree that offers opportunities to climb, jump, and perch.
• Scratching Posts: Provide scratching posts to satisfy your cat's natural urge to scratch and prevent them from damaging your furniture.
• Window Perches: Give your cat a safe window perch so they can watch the world go by.

Training and socialisation

• Clicker Training: Weybridge's nurses share that it is possible to teach some cats simple tricks using a clicker. This can help to keep their mind sharp and strengthen your bond.
• Outdoor Adventures: If your cat is comfortable going outside, supervised walks or playtime in a secure outdoor space such as a ‘catio' (short for cat patio) can provide valuable enrichment.
• Feline Companionship: Consider getting a second cat to provide companionship and social stimulation. Talk to our veterinary nurses about how best to facilitate a harmonious introduction of new cat BFFs.

Remember, every cat is different, so experiment with different activities to find what your cat enjoys most. If you are concerned about your cat's behaviour, book a health check with our vets in Weybridge soon.