More New Zealand cats are living indoors, or spending most of their time inside. It keeps them safe from traffic, fights and disease, and it protects our native birds and lizards. But an indoor cat still has the instincts of a hunter, and without an outlet for them, boredom can lead to stress, weight gain and behaviour problems. This guide covers the signs of a bored cat and simple ways to keep an indoor cat busy, fit and happy.
Signs your indoor cat may be bored
- overgrooming, or bald patches
- racing around the house at night
- attacking ankles and hands
- scratching furniture
- overeating, begging and weight gain
- sleeping even more than usual, or seeming flat
- constant meowing for attention
Some of these can also be signs of illness, so see your vet if your cat's behaviour changes suddenly.
1. Play like a hunter, every day
A cat's natural rhythm is hunt, catch, eat, groom, sleep. Two or three short play sessions a day, around 10 to 15 minutes each, satisfy that instinct.
- Move toys like prey: darting, hiding, pausing, then running away. Toys that sit still are boring.
- Let your cat "catch" the toy at the end, so the game feels successful.
- Play before meals, then feed. It follows the natural hunt-then-eat pattern and helps cats settle.
- Rotate toys. Put some away for a week and bring them back out, and they'll feel new again.
2. Make them work for their food
Wild cats spend hours hunting for food. Indoor cats get it handed to them in a bowl in seconds. Feeding some or all of your cat's daily food from puzzles and treat toys gives them something to do, slows down fast eaters, and helps prevent weight gain. Our guide Why does my cat eat so fast? has more ideas.
3. Think vertically
Cats feel safest up high, where they can watch what's going on. Cat trees, shelves and cleared-off windowsills all add space without taking up floor room. They're especially helpful in homes with more than one cat.
4. Give them places to scratch
Scratching keeps claws healthy, stretches muscles and leaves scent marks. Offer both upright and flat scratchers, near where your cat sleeps and beside furniture they like to scratch.
5. A room with a view
A comfy perch by a window becomes "cat TV". A bird feeder outside, placed safely out of reach of other cats, adds to the show. If you can, a secure outdoor enclosure, or catio, gives indoor cats fresh air and sunshine safely.
6. Hiding spots and quiet time
Cats need places to retreat, like a covered bed, a cardboard box or a space under the bed. Respect these as their safe zones.
7. Something to chew
Many cats like to chew. Cat grass grown in a pot, and safe chew toys, give them an outlet that's better than your house plants or cables.
Cat toys and puzzles we stock
Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle & Play. Your cat bats pegs and swivels raindrops to find treats or kibble in 14 hidden compartments. Adjustable difficulty keeps clever cats challenged. The Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play is a 16-compartment alternative.
Petstages Hunt 'N Swat Treat Tumbler. A wobbling, rolling treat dispenser with feathers that cats chase and bat to earn their reward. Great for cats who need to move more.
Petstages Spin & Scratch. Corrugated scratch discs with jingling balls, for batting, chasing and scratching in one. Lightweight enough to get lazy cats moving.
Petstages Tons of Tails. A floppy bundle of rope, ribbon and cotton tails around a catnip core, made for carrying, chasing and chewing. For chewers, try the Dental Kitty Chew Wheel or the Fresh Breath Mint Stick. For batting, Straw-Babies are a favourite.
Keep an eye on their weight
Indoor cats burn fewer calories than outdoor cats, and many gain weight. Measure their food, count treats, and consider a food made for indoor cats, with fewer calories and extra fibre for hairballs.
ACANA Indoor Entrée. Balanced calories plus L-carnitine help maintain a healthy weight in less active indoor cats, and natural fibre helps with hairballs. We also stock Hill's Adult Indoor and Royal Canin Indoor 27.
Help them feel secure. If your indoor cat seems anxious or is marking or scratching in the house, a Feliway Classic Diffuser in the room they use most can help them feel more settled.
Don't forget water and grooming. Indoor cats often don't drink enough, so read our guide Is your cat drinking enough water? Indoor cats also tend to shed all year round, so regular brushing helps keep hairballs down.
Most of these products are ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Not sure what suits your cat? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Find toys and food for your indoor cat
Browse our full range of cat food and cat treats, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your cat. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat is unwell, see your vet.