How to keep your cat entertained in winter

If you’re wondering how to feel your cat entertained in winter, you’re not alone. Cat naps are a given under normal circumstances, but especially when the temperatures plummet and the sunlight is in short supply. This makes it even more important to fill your cat’s waking hours with engaging activities to help keep them fit and active. Here are some ideas to help your cats keep their minds sharp and their bodies moving. 

Cool cat characteristics 

When winter sets in, you may notice your cats making themselves scarce. You aren’t imagining this — in fact, your feline will be seeking out cozy cat napping spots throughout your house for extended periods of time. Like us, your cat is drawn to warm sleeping spots as the temperatures drop and the daylight dwindles. 

But just because they become more dormant doesn’t mean you shouldn’t encourage your cat to move. Keeping your cats active during the winter is just as important as any other time of the year. So how do you keep your cat’s interest piqued when they seem to only have slumber on their mind? 

Appealing to your cats’ natural instincts and behaviours is one of the best ways to keep them entertained during the winter months. Getting them engaged in favourite activities like scathing, climbing, and even snoozing on a respectable schedule, will help keep their minds and bodies active. 

Feline flexibility 

Cats have flexible bodies and curious minds by design, which is why creative exercise and stretching opportunities are critical to their overall wellbeing. An Indoor Cat Tree is one of the best ways to appeal to all of your cat’s behaviours. With places to stretch, scratch, snack, and snooze, it checks all of your feline’s favourite boxes. Create custom levels of exciting exploration for your cats, and incorporate hammock beds or padded platforms for convenient catnapping. 

Scratch it out 

Most cat owners know that a scratching post is a staple in a feline-friendly household. But not all cat scratchers are created equally. In fact, many cat scratchers aren’t tall or stable enough for cats to reach their full scratching and stretching potential. Omlet’s Switch Cat Scratching Post is 50% taller than the average cat, with a topple-proof design to keep up with even the most enthusiastic scratchers. And, with 1,200 light modes and an integrated Bluetooth speaker, it’ll get you and your cat off the couch and warmed up during your own private disco. 

Get your cat cozy 

Napping is essential to cats by nature. On average, cats spend 12-16 a day sleeping. But all of this snooze-time doesn’t mean they’re lazy. In fact, cats sleep this much because they exert so much energy hunting, exploring, and playing during their waking hours. 

The lower temperatures of winter prompt more sleep from your cats because of the stillness in the world around them — earlier human bedtimes, less wildlife activity to observe, and fewer daylight hours all signal your cats to nap more. But quality sleep is just as important as quantity. Give your cat a luxurious cat bed to sink into for restful, rejuvenating sleep. With refreshing naps, your cats will be ready for other indoor activities. 

Don’t forget to play 

Incorporating playtime into your cat’s daily routine will help them shake off their sleepiness. Refresh your cat’s toy stash with new offerings, and stock up on healthy treats to reward their efforts. Hide catnip infused toys for a fun scavenger hunt, or use toys with motion or enticing attachments to activate your cat’s hunting mode. Spending 15-20 minutes a day playing with your cat will warm their muscles and your heart — a true win-win. 

What if my cat gets bored? 

Cats are curious animals, and boredom does not become them. Bored cats may display less-than-desirable behaviors, and may even become depressed. Winter is prime time for cats to become bored — especially those that are spending more time indoors than they’re accustomed to. Signs that your cat is bored in their environment include: 

• Inappropriate urination or scratching 
• Hiding for extending periods of time 
• Excessive meowing 
• Changes in grooming habits, such as over grooming 
• Weight gain 

These can also be signs of medical conditions, so it’s always best to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if you notice any changes in their behaviour or appearance. If your cat has a clean bill of health, they’re likely exhibiting the effects of boredom. 

Omlet and your cats 

With supportive elements in your home that cater to your cat’s nature, you can turn your attention to choosing your next movie marathon with your favourite feline couch companion. Our indoor cat trees, cat scratching posts, and cat beds are perfect for creating an environment your cat will crave. So stock up on indoor fun this season, and keep your cat entertained all year long.   

 

This entry was posted in Cats

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