| Cats that live free in the wild or anywhere spend | | | | locations. Another interesting option is to use an |
| much of every day "hunting" for food. Indoor cats | | | | egg carton. This way the cat will have to scoop bit |
| have life easier......or do they? We probably need to | | | | by bit out of the wells. |
| find more creative ways to provide cats with some | | | | |
| of the same kind of stimulation free living cats | | | | Mental stimulation using tricks: |
| enjoy. It is very much a cat's instinct to hunt for | | | | |
| food; however, our indoor cats usually have their | | | | Tricks are not just for kids! Tricks are not just for |
| food put literally at their paw-tips. | | | | dogs! You can teach your cat tricks much in the |
| | | | | same way dogs are trained. Many cats can be |
| What can a cat owner do to provide the indoor cat | | | | trained to fetch or perform other simple tricks using |
| with more food hunting stimulation? | | | | conventional training methods or clicker training. |
| | | | | There are many books and videos to help you learn |
| - Buy food puzzles or cat toys that allow the | | | | how to train your cat. Trick training will help your |
| insertion of bits of food or treats | | | | cat avoid boredom and also provide another way for |
| - Special fountains make drinking water more | | | | owner and pet to interact and bond. |
| interesting | | | | |
| - Timed feeders allow you to vary the times at | | | | Socializing is another worthwhile way to spend time |
| which they will dispense food for your cat | | | | with your pet. What you can do: |
| | | | | |
| Make your own food puzzle: | | | | - Spend some time every day just sitting and petting |
| | | | | your cat |
| - Start with a clean yogurt container with a lid | | | | - Everyday, brush your cat's coat |
| - Cut a small hole in the side | | | | |
| - Make sure the edges of the hole are smooth | | | | Even though cats have the strong reputation of |
| - Put some dry cat food in the container and roll it | | | | being solitary hunters, they are also social creatures |
| along the floor | | | | that do indeed enjoy human company. They need |
| - The cat will learn it has to continually roll the | | | | attention from their owners. Studies show |
| container so the food will spill out, piece by piece | | | | interaction between humans and pets helps make |
| | | | | people healthier and calmer. Enjoy the experience. |
| You can also hide your cat's food in several locations | | | | The time spent with your pet is just as therapeutic |
| around the house instead of putting it in one spot. | | | | for you as for the pet. |
| It is much more entertaining for your cat if he or she | | | | |
| has to hunt for its food every day. This helps to | | | | Disclaimer: The information in this article is not |
| satisfy the cat's basic instincts of hunting for food. | | | | meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health |
| Don't allow your cat to see where you have hidden | | | | problem in your cat. You should always consult with |
| the food. Start with hiding small amounts of dry | | | | a trusted veterinarian for all health problems. |
| food under a paper cup or a plate in various | | | | |