Some cats chase toys like their life depends on it; others stare at a feather like it just offended their ancestors.
Whether your cat is full-on zoomies or full-time napper, keeping playtime fresh can help with boredom, behaviour, and those random 3 a.m. sprints across your chest. A little creativity goes a long way, and your cat doesn’t even need to know it’s enrichment. It’s just fun. Here’s how to keep them engaged and stimulated for both your sakes.
1. Rotate their toys like they’re seasonal decor.
Leave all their toys out 24/7 and watch your cat slowly lose interest. But stash a few away and bring them back a week later? Suddenly, it’s the most exciting thing in the world. To them, it’s like finding treasure. To you, it’s a free upgrade to playtime.
Try rotating different textures, sounds, and shapes every few days. One day it’s felt mice, the next it’s crinkly tunnels or springy wire toys. They’ll think they’re being spoiled, but really, you’re just smart about supply and demand.
2. Hide treats inside their toys.
Let’s be honest, your cat is much more motivated when snacks are involved. Puzzle toys or treat balls turn playtime into a game they’re actually invested in. It satisfies their hunting instincts and gives their brain something to chew on (alongside the treats).
No puzzle toy? No problem. Use an empty toilet paper roll, a shoebox with holes, or even a folded-up towel. Hide some treats or kibble and let them figure it out. It’s cheap, easy, and honestly kind of fun to watch.
3. Use cardboard boxes like an architect.
Nothing beats the humble cardboard box. Seriously. Give your cat one, and they’ll treat it like a personal fortress. However, give them a few, and you’ve got the makings of an adventure playground. Cut doors, connect them with tunnels, and toss in a toy or two for good measure.
They’ll crawl, pounce, peek, and nap — all in one place. Bonus: it looks like a homemade cat castle, which is adorable and makes you feel like the kind of person who’s really got their life together (even if it’s just recycled Amazon boxes).
4. Go vertical with shelves and cat trees.
Cats love climbing. They’re basically tiny parkour athletes in fur. Adding vertical space like shelves, wall-mounted steps, or a tall cat tree gives them somewhere to leap, spy, and nap like the royalty they believe they are.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a cleared bookshelf or a sturdy windowsill with a blanket can become their new favourite hangout. Just make sure it’s safe and stable. If it’s tall, and they can sit on it, they’ll probably claim it in under 30 seconds.
5. Play chase with a string (but make it dramatic).
Dangling a string or ribbon might feel basic, but it’s all about how you do it. Drag it slowly, make it dart around corners, hide it behind a cushion, then whip it out like it’s got a mind of its own. Channel your inner theatre kid, and your cat will eat it up.
Remember to let them “catch” it every now and then. There’s nothing worse than a toy that always escapes. Let them win and they’ll keep coming back for more. And yes, string should always be supervised—nobody wants a surprise vet bill.
6. Turn birdwatching into an event.
If your cat loves staring out the window like they’re watching an emotional film, give them a seat with a view. Move a cat tree or shelf near the window, pop a comfy blanket down, and maybe even hang a bird feeder outside for extra entertainment.
It’s the feline version of Netflix. Birds, squirrels, leaves blowing around—it all counts. It’s calm, enriching, and keeps them engaged without needing to chase anything. Ideal for indoor cats who still like a bit of nature-based drama.
7. Play “follow the leader” with toys.
Cats love movement, especially unpredictable movement. Try tying a small toy to a stick or wand and dragging it around the house like you’re leading a parade. Up stairs, under chairs, over cushions… it’s a full-body experience (for you, too).
They’ll stalk, chase, leap, and maybe even throw in a dramatic flop. You’re not just playing; you’re creating their own mini jungle safari. A few minutes of this a day burns energy and gives them that satisfying “hunt and pounce” feeling.
8. Use sound to mix things up.
Try rustling paper, crinkling foil, or tapping objects to grab their attention. Some cats respond to the jingle of bells or the squeak of a toy like it’s calling them from another room. Others love random household sounds like typing or keys jingling.
You don’t need a whole soundboard—just experiment to see what they react to. Play isn’t just about movement. Sometimes, all it takes is a curious noise, and suddenly, your couch potato is wide-eyed and ready to pounce.
9. Introduce short bursts of laser tag (with an actual ending).
Laser pointers are a classic for a reason. They get cats moving like nothing else. But here’s the trick: always finish with a toy or treat they can physically catch. Otherwise, it’s just endless chasing and zero payoff, which can get frustrating for them.
A few minutes of laser fun, then switch to a toy they can wrestle or chew. It makes the game more satisfying, and your cat won’t feel like they’re chasing a ghost. A win for their mood, and your furniture.
10. Let them lead the play session sometimes.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let your cat decide the pace. Instead of trying to tire them out with nonstop games, sit down with a toy and see how they respond. They might want to stalk, bat, cuddle, or simply stare for a bit before pouncing.
Cats aren’t always predictable, and that’s part of the fun. Giving them space to lead keeps things interesting and stops playtime from feeling like a one-person show. You’re their co-star, not their coach, and they definitely like being the director.
