As winter settles in, our furry friends enjoy spending more time indoors, escaping the colder and wetter weather outside. Since cats are naturally drawn to warmth and aren’t usually fans of the cold weather, there also is less prey and outdoor activity for cats as wildlife activity often decreases. If you are worried about your cat feeling bored or lonely indoors, there are plenty of ways to create enriching activities and spaces around your home.
If your cat seems down and is grazing out the window, it’s a good idea to rotate their toys or introduce new ones. Cats easily get bored with the same toys, so switching them out or hiding them for a few weeks can keep things fresh and exciting. If you’d rather not buy more toys, any newspaper or cardboard boxes you have lying around can make great cat enrichment items. Cats love playing and hiding in boxes before you recycle them, and they’re also intrigued by the unique, crinkly texture of newspapers. Climbing wall shelves are fantastic for cats, giving them the opportunity to play and climb as if they were outdoors scaling trees. This encourages movement, offers a high observation spot, and encourages the cat's natural instinct to climb and explore vertical spaces.
Cats sleep a lot, usually around 12 and 16 hours a day, and to get quality rest, they need a quiet, cosy, and secure environment. With heating costs on the rise, keeping it on constantly for your cats may not be practical. To help your cat stay warm, try setting up cosy blanket areas or adding a bed to your radiator to create warmer spots for them to retreat to. This is especially beneficial if you have an older cat with arthritis, as the extra warmth can ease their joints. Placing a blanket in a sunny spot by a window creates an additional cosy space for your cat. The sun naturally warms the blanket, and your cat can enjoy looking out the window for some mental stimulation.
While your cat spends more time indoors it’s important to monitor your cat’s health. This includes their water intake and weight, as they may be less active due to staying inside more. In winter, cats often tend to drink less, but wet food can help keep them hydrated. However, since wet food isn't always appealing to every cat, adding a little water to their dry food is another effective way to prevent dehydration, especially with the drier indoor air.
Make sure you keep your cat happy and healthy this winter. We have plenty of fun cat nip toys, enrichment treats, beds and more on our website and instore!
