You cannot spend every waking hour with your cat, no matter how much you would like to. Ultimately, to pay for the cat snacks, someone must work!
But it doesn't mean cats have to feel lonely and bored just because you're not around. In order to keep your cat happy when they are alone at home and you're away, there are several ways to keep them occupied and content.
No matter what amount of time you invest with them, you may have the friendliest cat in the neighbourhood by implementing the suggestions on this list.
Things to Do When Your Cat is Alone at Home
1. Setting up a camera that interacts
Perhaps you already have a webcam set up to watch your cat while you're away and the cat is alone, but do you also have one that allows you to communicate with them?
You may play with your cat with a laser pointer and even dispense treats for them with interactive webcams. These are excellent because they provide owners with a sense of relationship, even if it's a distant one, and keep the cat happy when they are alone at home and when they have to be gone for extended periods.
2. Get a Puzzle Toy for Them
It is crucial to keep your pet's mind engaged, but it can be challenging to do so when you are not around. A puzzle game is a good idea since it makes them work for their treats, which makes them more cooperative. Not only can these toys replicate your cat's innate hunting instincts, but they will also keep the cat happy when they are alone at home.
But eventually, your cat will become used to the toys, so it's a good idea to purchase many and change them over every day. A brand-new toy or a puzzle game will keep kids far more interested than identical old items, even if it's an old one they haven't experienced in a few days.
3. Install a Must-Watch Television
Though cats could enjoy a different type of binge-watching, your cat probably won't appreciate you keeping the television on for them. Your cat can pass hours observing their feathered companions if you place a bird bath or feeder close to a window that they can reach. A fish tank is an additional alternative, but it will take more work on your side.
Even while there's no guarantee you'll see any birds, even just building a nesting spot for the birds near the window would help. You could always build a cat cage on your patio if you intend to take this concept too far.
4. Let Them Find Treasure
Before you leave, you might take inexpensive little cat toys, such as balls and bells, and bury them in your home. Your cat will have anything to hunt while you're away, and the cat is alone, thanks to this. To offer them something to play with for a short while, you could also wish to drop a ball into the bathtub. Alternatively, you might conceal goodies, but exercise caution not to overdo it—you don't want your pet to get obese.
Before hiding the toys, give each a quick brush down with some catnip to make sure they can discover everything you buried. They'll be pleased just as much by the treasure hunt as by the subsequent high and keep the cat happy when they are alone at home.
5. Offer Enough Vertical Room for Exploration
Cats enjoy both climbing and perching high to have an even better view of their domain. Provide them lots of chances to do both by letting them climb dressers and other furniture and by putting in tall cat trees.This will function best if the furniture is next to a window; it will function even better if there is a birdbath or feeder outside the window.
6. Make a Timed Feeder Purchase
Giving your cat two large meals a day may not be something they would like because they graze by nature. Alternatively, think about purchasing an automatic feeder and programming it to dispense tiny amounts of food all day long when the cat is alone. They will become alert and awake upon listening to the feeder go off, which may lead them to look for additional amusement.
7. Give Them Some Time Before Leaving
Cats can play for 30 to 60 minutes at a time and then lounge about for the remaining day without needing a lot of exercise. They will be happy to lounge about while you're gone if you wake up early and interact with them just before you go.
Even though waking up early sometimes feels like a nuisance, this is probably the most enjoyable tip on the list. Perhaps your cat could whack a clump of hair into your shoes to assist in getting you out of bed?
Conclusion:
A Healthy Cat Is An Entertained Cat. Ensuring your cat is engaged during your absence will significantly contribute to their overall well-being. Plentiful stimulation improves sleep quality, reduces behavioural disorders, and lowers the risk of health complications in later life in cats.