Rainy days can be a drag for both humans and pets.
While we can pass the time with indoor activities or curling up with a good book, our feline friends may become restless and bored.
Table of Contents
- Set up a scavenger hunt
- Create a homemade obstacle course
- Play a game of laser tag
- Practice some training exercises
- Give your cat some solo playtime
- Final Thoughts
- Pin for later:
However, there are plenty of ways to keep your cat entertained on a rainy day if it cannot go outside. Here are five ideas to try:
Set up a scavenger hunt
Why it’s a good idea
A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive activity that will keep your cat entertained for hours. It provides mental stimulation as they have to search for hidden items, and it can also provide some physical exercise if you hide the items in hard-to-reach places.
How to set it up
To create a scavenger hunt for your cat, hide some of their favourite toys or treats around the house. You can make it more challenging by hiding the items in different rooms or harder-to-find places.
Important things to consider
Supervise your cat during the scavenger hunt to ensure they are safe and not getting into mischief. If you are hiding small toys or treats, ensure they are not in a place where your cat could accidentally swallow them.
Pros
A scavenger hunt is a simple and inexpensive way to entertain your cat on a rainy day. It’s also a great bonding activity that you can do together.
Cons
If your cat is not interested in searching for toys or treats, there may be better activities for them than a scavenger hunt.
Create a homemade obstacle course
Why it’s a good idea
Cats are natural climbers and jumpers, so an obstacle course is a great way to let them use their instincts and burn off some energy. It also provides mental stimulation as they must figure out how to navigate the course.
How to set it up
To create a homemade obstacle course for your cat, use cardboard boxes, paper bags, and other household items to create a series of obstacles for them to navigate. You can add treats or toys as incentives for them to complete the course.
Important things to consider
Ensure the obstacles are safe for your cat to climb and jump on and that there are no sharp edges or loose pieces that could harm them. If you are using treats as incentives, ensure they are healthy treats appropriate for your cat’s age and size.
Pros
A homemade obstacle course is a fun and creative way to keep your cat entertained, and it can also be a great bonding activity for the two of you.
Cons
Setting up an obstacle course can take time and effort, and it may not be the best activity for cats not interested in climbing or jumping.
Play a game of laser tag
Why it’s a good idea
Cats love to chase moving objects, so a laser pointer is a great way to keep them entertained on a rainy day. It provides mental and physical stimulation as they chase the moving light around the room.
How to set it up
To play laser tag with your cat, turn on a laser pointer and move the light around the room for your cat to chase. You can also create a course or set up obstacles for them to navigate as they chase the light.
Important things to consider
It is important to never shine the laser directly in your cat’s eyes, as it can harm their vision. It is also important to never point the laser at your cat’s face or body, as they may try to catch it and could potentially harm themselves.
Pros
Laser tag is a quick and easy activity that provides endless entertainment for your cat. It’s also a great way to bond with your furry friend.
Cons
Some cats may become overly excited or aggressive while playing with a laser pointer, so monitoring their behaviour and stopping the game if necessary is essential.
Practice some training exercises
Why it’s a good idea
Rainy days are an excellent opportunity to work on basic obedience training or teach your cat some new tricks. Not only will this keep them engaged, but it will also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Training exercises also stimulate your cat as they learn and master new tasks.
How to set it up
To practice training exercises with your cat, you will need to start by teaching them basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Once they have mastered the basic commands, you can try teaching them more advanced tricks such as “roll over,” “fetch,” or “high five.”
You can use treats or toys as rewards to motivate them to learn.
Important things to consider
Use positive reinforcement when training your cat; never use punishment or physical force. It’s also essential to start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty as your cat progresses.
Pros
Training exercises provide mental and physical stimulation for your cat and can improve your bond with them. It’s also a great way to entertain them on a rainy day.
Cons
Some cats may not be interested in training exercises; teaching them new tricks takes time and patience.
Give your cat some solo playtime
Why it’s a good idea
While it can be tempting to spend all day with your cat on a rainy day, giving them some alone time is also essential. Cats need time to relax and recharge, and providing them with a cosy spot and some interactive toys can help them stay entertained.
How to set it up
To give your cat some solo playtime, set up a comfortable relaxing spot, such as a cat bed or a blanket box. Please provide them with interactive toys, such as a scratching post, a mouse, or a catnip-filled toy to keep them entertained.
Important things to consider
Ensure the toys you provide are safe for your cat and remove any broken or worn-out toys. It’s also essential to respect your cat’s need for alone time and give them space when they want it.
Pros
Solo playtime allows your cat to relax and recharge, and it can also help prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.
Cons
Some cats may become anxious or distressed when left alone, so monitoring their behaviour and providing extra comfort and reassurance is important.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to keep your cat entertained on a rainy day.
By providing mental and physical stimulation, you can help your feline friend stay happy and engaged even when they can’t go outside.
Pin for later:
