The Cat's Meow

You see it move, slightly, out of the corner of your eye.

Your attention is caught.

It moves again. You are vigilant, watching it closely to see what it will do next.

Your entire body is taut, ready to move.

It moves again, and you pounce.

You are a cat who just caught a toy your person has bought for you. You don’t care that you are entertainment for them; you just love the thrill of the hunt. And you know they are happy you aren’t taking this time to knock stuff onto the floor or attack them as they innocently wander past your lair.

Cats have a need to hunt, but with their indoor lifestyle, amid the cozy blankets and soft places, they often don’t get as much of an opportunity as they would like to be able to exercise those instincts they have.

The good news is that there are a number of toys—both for sale and that you can find at home—for cats that will keep them occupied and interested, such as a wand with feathers, a crumpled paper or foil ball, the red light of a laser pen (just make sure to not shine it in the cat’s eyes). Even an empty paper bag after you’ve brought home the groceries is fun for cats.

Remember that there are certain items that are not good for your cat to play with: paper clips, rubber bands, plastic bags, string, anything chewable.

Another great reason to stimulate your cat with play is that it is a bonding experience for both of you—and maybe even reduces your boredom as well.

If you need help keeping your kitty entertained, bring them to us to lodge. We have kitty chaser games, teaser sessions, a kitty playroom, kitty TV and more prey activities which is the “cat’s meow”! 

Kitty on the Prowl Video

Puzzles for Pups: Benefits of Interactive Toys for your Pet

Interactive toys are a great way for your pet to stay busy and have fun, while also improving their mental and physical skills. Consider this modern method of playtime to avoid having your dog be bored or mischievous. There are many benefits to interactive toys, and introducing them into your dog's routine can give you a happier and smarter pet!

 Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog as physical stimulation. Encourage your dog to self-entertain with interactive toys in order to provide a simple and fun way to get mental exercise.  

Problem-Solving Skills

Dogs are intelligent creatures and have some thinking skills that are similar to human thinking skills. They are able to learn facial expressions, hand gestures and can learn by imitation. Give your pooch a chance to sharpen his skills with a puzzle toy that requires problem-solving skills. This can improve your dog's confidence and decrease their anxiety. 

Weight Management

As with physical exercise, mental exercise is necessary to keep your pet active and happy. Fun purpose-driven toys are a great way to improve your dog's fitness. If you have a high-energy dog, interactive toys will tire them out. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog! Support a healthy and active lifestyle for your pet by giving them challenging and fulfilling ways to play. 

Don't Forget the Kitties

Cats can absolutely benefit from interactive play as well. These toys can help keep your cat active and prevent obesity. Activities like Morris Animal Inn's Crazy Cat Electronic Tablet Game provide exercise and excitement for cats. It allows them to explore and stalk, which are natural cat instincts. Provide opportunities for your cat to stay curious with interactive toys, so that their playtime can be fun and educational. 

Source: PetAge.com, EmbracePetInsurance.com, DogingtonPost.com

An Active Cat is a Healthy Cat

Many people do not realize the benefit of exercise for cats.  Although they do have the evolutionary advantage of a high metabolism, cats still require consistent exercise to help maintain a healthy body condition and overall health. Felines have a long history of hunting and prowling, and keeping those natural instincts alive in your cat is important. Encourage your feline family member to be more active, and you will have a happier and healthier pet.

Cats are natural hunters

Originally, cats lived mostly outdoors. Keeping a cat as a household pet has become common only in recent years. In the past, cats survived by doing what they knew best – catching things (like mice and rodents). They kept entertained and fit by spending hours searching, stalking, and catching their meals. Now, most cats live indoors, and “the chase” is no longer a part of their lives. However, it is important to your cat’s health to allow them to use those hunting and prowling instincts they are so used to.

Keep your cat’s activity creative

Your cat probably enjoys lounging around (Adult cats sleep more than 16 hours a day!), but every cat needs to engage in some physical activity each day.

Activities that cats enjoy include: 

Cat trees and scratching posts: Cat trees are ideal because they entice cats to climb, which keeps their muscles working, and scratching provides both exercise and fun for your cat.

Mice and feather toys: These toys allow cats to mimic the act stalking their prey, an activity they are naturally inclined to do. 

Laser pointers: A beam of light acts as a bug that your cat can chase. Be sure to avoid pointing the beam of light directly into their eyes.

Exercise wheels: This is a great exercise for cats who need to lose weight. 

Indoor aquarium: An aquarium acts as constant entertainment for your cat.

Walks: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, going on walks in a stroller can be very stimulating. 

Why it’s important for cats to exercise

It’s important that your cat doesn’t become lazy. Lying around all day without any exercise can lead to obesity in cats, which causes issues like diabetes, joint pain, and liver problems. Cats should not eat more calories than they are expending. So, short activities (at least 10-15 minutes) throughout the day are essential to your cat's overall health.

Play time also allows cats to build trust with people. Creating that strong bond makes your feline friends happier and healthier.

Physical activity keeps your cat from getting bored. A bored cat becomes very curious, and may resort to scratching and chewing on furniture. Cats are less likely to become destructive if they get their energy out through daily exercise.

There are both physical and mental benefits to helping your cat stay active. Keeping your cat connected to its natural instincts is important to their overall well-being. Here at Morris Animal Inn, we understand that healthier cats are happier cats. 

Source: www.Petmd.com, www.lovethatpet.com, www.catchfred.com

8 Exercise Games for Indoor Cats

According to a recent survey conducted by Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of cats are overweight or obese.  While treats are to blame, so is inactivity. Beyond weight management, exercise can  help reduce and even eliminate aggressive or destructive behavior in cats as well, according to the ASPCA.

Of course, we know each cat has a unique personality, so you might have to be creative with your exercise efforts! Keep in mind, games that tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts will provide them more satisfaction and success.

1. Fishing Pole Game

You can make your own fishing pole game pretty easily. Tie your cat's favorite toy to the end of a string and throw it down the hall or across the room. Slowly pull in your catch as they hunt their toy. You may also try tying the string to the end of the stick, and dangle it in front of your cat, allowing them to jump and swat at it.

2. Use a Cat Game App

Apps just for cats?  You bet. Download an app on your iPad for your cat and watch them play. You may want to use a screen protector just in case to prevent scratches on your electronics. This is both mentally stimulating and gives your feline friend a little bit of exercise too!

3. Play Fetch

Fetch is for dogs, right?  Most of the time yes, but this game will make your cat work for their food while they burn calories and get exercise. Throw a piece of your cat's food or a treat down the hall or across the room and see if they will chase after it. Repeat the process until one of you is too tired to continue.

4. Make a Box Fort

If your cat has a soft spot for boxes, she is not alone. There is something about boxes that cats love. If you have some extra boxes around, make a fort for your cat. If you're worried that your cat will just go in and take a nap instead of play, try lacing the fort with catnip, treats, or toys.

5. Go Outside

If you have an indoor only cat, try taking them outdoors. Of course, using a leash and harness is recommended! Especially if your cat has never been outdoors. If your cat is older and scared of the outdoors, don't force them to do something they don't want to. Outside can be a scary place for some cats! But, for other cats it can be a fun place to explore and take a walk. Many cats do enjoy going outside on a leash and harness.

6. Climbing Tree

Provide your cat with something to climb on, like a multi-level cat tree or tower. This will allow your cat to stretch, claw and work climbing muscles.  Exploring the vertical space allows your cat to use different muscles and feel on top of the world at the same time.

7. Hockey

Enclose a small area in your house that has hard surfaces and give your cat a ping pong ball.  Let the ball bounce around and make your cat swat at it.  The unpredictability of the ping pong ball or a similar object will allow your cat to improve agility techniques and work their muscles.

8. Laser Pointer

A laser pointer is cheap, easy, and fun. Many cats love playing with laser pointers. Turn it on, point it on your walls and floors for your cat, and watch them try to catch the ever elusive red dot. This is a very fun game for cats and they should get a good amount of exercise! *Please be cautious when using laser pointers.  Do not shine them in your kitty's eyes!*

When are you away, it is especially important that your cat keeps up with daily exercise routines.  Morris Animal Inn provides cats who lodge with us the chance to get some exercise with our teaser sessions which include games like mouse laser lights, peacock feathers, teaser toys, and more by our team of Cat Pamperers.  Cats may also enjoy our beautifully designed kitty playroom which gives your cat free roam with climbing and scratching posts, skylight for outside view, toys, catnip, and furniture.

If your cat doesn't take to any of these games at first, don't give up! Your continued efforts will allow you to continue to bond with your furry friend, creating potential for more play times!

Source: Pawsitively Pets & Healthy Pets