If you are like me, your animal is more than just your pet, they are like your child and you want to make sure they are living their best life!  Though cats are often viewed as low maintenance pets, they still require activity and entertainment in their daily life.  Since I only have one cat I always feel bad when I have to leave her home alone to go to work.  The best way to help your feline friend fight boredom is through regularly scheduled play time and also making your apartment home more fun so that they can entertain themselves while you are away.  Living in a Camden apartment home provides you with spacious layouts and upgraded finishing’s that not only you will enjoy, but your cat will as well.  Making your apartment more fun does not require purchasing fancy expensive toys; just a few adjustments to your home can turn it into a kitty playground! 

Bring on the toys!

Photo courtesy of Colette LaPorte

I find sometimes my cat finds the boxes toys come in more fun than the toys themselves, but still be sure to stock up on some of their favorites.  Many cats enjoy playing with things they can entertain themselves with such as balls of string (so cliché but my cat loves it!), plush mice filled with catnip, or even little cat toy balls with jingle bells in them that make noise as they toss them around.  Just like us, your cat can get sick of playing with the same toy.  Be sure to mix it up!  Sometimes I will store away certain toys and bring them back out so they seem "new" again.  Variety is the spice of life - even for your cat!

Help Them Get to Greater Heights!

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While we prefer surveying our world with both feet firmly on the ground, cats prefer to check out their surroundings from a higher vantage point.  This is due to its deeply embedded survival instinct.  Being elevated helps cats communicate their hierarchy as well as increase their odds of survival.  The easy solution to this height issue are cat trees, however, if these clash with your apartments design esthetic there are other solutions.  Shelving provides an elevated space for your cat to hang out.  There are many different types but one of my favorites I have come across is KATRIS which allows you to play 'Tetris' with the design and layout and their shelving.  

Windowsill and Chill

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The window is your cats’ form of entertainment – while we have Netflix to unwind with your cat utilizes your window for hours of commercial-free programming full of sights and sounds to stimulate their hunter instinct.  Placing items such as bird feeders near your window creates fun bird activity guaranteed to keep them entertained!  If your window does not have a ledge that will accommodate your cat there are fun window hammocks available online that provide that elevated surface we discussed as well as an area for them to lay and watch outside! 

Get Them a Cat Cave

Cats love to snuggle into cozy, dark spaces.  They love hiding under covers, in small nooks & crannies, anywhere where they can feel hidden and keep warm.  A cat cave provides security, comfort and warmth.  If your cat is hiding around your apartment home a cat cave may be just what they need!  There are plenty of DIY options as well as ones you can purchase.  Trust me – this is one addition your cat will love!

Cat Scratch Fever

One way to avoid your cat redecorating your apartment home with scratch marks is by providing them with a place they can sharpen their claws on!  Scratching serves many purposes for your cat.  Not only does it remove the dead outer layer of their claws, but they also use it to mark their territory, and to stretch their bodies.  Scratching is normal, instinctive behavior and you don't want to discourage it completely. Instead, your goal should be getting your cat to scratch acceptable objects like a scratching post. There are plenty of decorative options out there and lots of fun DIY projects you can make at home!

Your cat will appreciate the time and effort you put into making their home life the best it can be!  I always feel more reassured when I know she has plenty of toys to play with, activity to watch through the window, and a great scratching post!  Be sure to check out these blogs on 5 Ways to Hide Your Cat’s Litter Box and also 4 Ways Your Pet Makes You Healthier.