Five ways to enrich your cat’s life
Unpopular opinion here - I let my cat go outside!! She’s been supervised since she was a kitten. She does not like harnesses. We have a privacy fence surrounding the backyard, she’s tiny and has never shown any interest in even attempting an escape. She slowly became comfortable meandering the entirety of the yard.
We monitor the skies and let our dog out with her at times as a deterrent. Of course we use and recommend proper parasite control.
Her favorite time to go out is at dawn to hunt crickets. She’d like to go out at dusk, but I prefer not to since we’re trending toward more dark than light if she stays out there for an hour. However on occasion she’s retrieved other creatures that will postpone you getting to work! Since you’ll be trying to catch and release a tree frog or bird!
She loves to chase toy helicopters outside too!!
Obviously as all you professionals know, every cat is different, every home/yard is different and this may not work for yours but there are tons of creative ways to get your kitty some exploration outside! I find great joy, relaxation and satisfaction while I am sitting outside with my pets.
Various scratching posts and some are beautiful!! Check out the one I made for Pet Candy here. I love this scratcher that I made because you can create one that pairs perfectly with your decor. We have a plastic “wicker like” hamper for the dog's toys in the living room which has proved to be one of her top places to stretch out near and scratch. Along with cardboard kitty houses and carpeted towers with twine on the legs. She likes both vertical and horizontal scratching options. Occasionally we’ll sprinkle a little catnip on a post she stopped visiting for an extra treat which entices her to start using it again.
Perhaps the most important is 1:1 Playtime!! Her favorite toy, since she was a kitten, is a yellow felt “fishing line” that is barely hanging in there! with 2 of its “fish” left on the line after 9 years of play it’s her “woobie” “binky” whatever you call it!
Her go-to, favorite type of mice are from ONE store - again for over 9 years - this ONE type of mouse is her all time fav. I can't even tell you which store because we have to ensure a steady supply for Penelope!! Hahaha
Her other most favorite type of play is rough housing. Few cats play like she does, it's very dog-like. Wrestling with you and your hand, as if it were prey she flips all around, you can slide her across the floor and she comes back for more. Leaving behind teeth indents on your wrist and scratches on your arm but never too hard to break skin. She’ll rough house with you for 20 minutes or better! Leaving you nearly as tuckered out as she is.
So there you have it, my TOP ways to enrich both of your lives. Research shows that these simple ways positively affect a cat's wellbeing, reducing stress and inappropriate behaviors that follow. While of course, bringing you closer to your feline friend, enhancing your wellbeing too.
