Is your cat keeping you up at night?..
- Jen McManus
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Why Your Cat Needs More Than Just Food, Water, and Love
We all know our cats love a cozy nap in a sunny spot, but here’s the thing—cats need more than just food, water, and cuddles to live their best lives. Even though they may seem independent (and sometimes a little lazy), cats are natural hunters at heart. Without ways to exercise both their bodies and their minds, they can get bored, stressed, and even a little mischievous. Some breeds more so than others. My Siamese cats I'm talking to you...
Why Stimulation Is So Important
Keeps boredom at bay – A bored cat is more likely to scratch the couch, overgroom, or find “creative” ways to entertain themselves.
Supports good health – Just like us, cats need exercise to stay fit and avoid health issues like obesity or diabetes.
Eases stress and anxiety – A cat that gets to play and explore feels safer and more relaxed at home.
Lets them be who they are – Stalking, chasing, pouncing—these are all natural hunting instincts. Play gives them an outlet to express that.
Strengthens your bond – When you play with your cat, you’re not just entertaining them—you’re building trust and connection.
Easy Ways to Add Enrichment at Home
The good news? Keeping your cat’s life fun and engaging doesn’t have to be complicated.
Playtime is everything – Wand toys, feather teasers, or even a simple crinkle ball can keep your cat engaged and moving.
Puzzle feeders and treat toys – Turn mealtime into a game that challenges their brain and slows down fast eaters.
Climb and conquer – Cat trees, window perches, or shelves give your cat places to jump, climb, and watch the world go by.
Scratching posts galore – Offer different textures (sisal rope, cardboard, carpet) so they can stretch and scratch without going after your furniture.
Switch it up – Rotate toys regularly to keep things exciting—yesterday’s feather toy might be today’s “meh,” but tomorrow it’s brand-new again.
Window entertainment – Set up a perch where your cat can watch birds, squirrels, or just the neighborhood activity.
Try some training – Yes, cats can learn tricks! Clicker training or teaching “sit” is a great way to exercise their brain.
The Bottom Line
Your cat might spend most of their day snoozing, but they still need chances to play, climb, scratch, and think. Enrichment isn’t just a luxury—it’s a key part of keeping your cat healthy, happy, and living their nine lives to the fullest.
So, next time your cat zooms through the house at 2 a.m.? Take it as a reminder: their little body and big brain are begging for more action during the day.
Here are some examples of great enrichment products for your kitties and the links to go grab them! A lot of these i utilize for my own cats at home as well so they are well tested!
Cat wheel! Best suited for the following breeds: Abyssinian, Balinese, Bengal, Bombay, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Siamese, Siberian, Sphynx, and Turkish Angora.
Party tunnel! For any cat!
Window bird feeder! So outside cat populations reek havoc on our feathery friends and their numbers. This is why you should keep your kitty inside. They hunt for sport so they do end up damaging our bird population immensely. As an avid birder and cat lover. I can appreciate the excitement of seeing your cat get excited over seeing squirrels and birds. But we need to keep our bird friends safe as well! Having a window bird feeder is a great way to do just that.
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