Keeping Cats Entertained When You’re Out: Tips from The Cat Clinic
Summer is a wonderful time for cats and their owners across Edinburgh - but longer days and busier schedules can also mean more time spent home alone. The right enrichment can make a real difference to how they cope when you're out, helping to reduce boredom, support positive behaviour, and keep their minds active. Not every enrichment toy is safe to leave with a cat unsupervised though, so it's worth knowing which options suit your cat when you're out, and which are best kept for playtime together.
At our vet clinic on Blackford Avenue, our team are always happy to chat through enrichment ideas for your cat - or if you have concerns about their behaviour, book an appointment.
Why enrichment matters
Cats who are under stimulated can develop boredom-related behaviours like excessive vocalisation or over-grooming. There's also evidence that keeping your cats using their brains helps to reduce cognitive decline in their senior years. Our veterinary team at The Cat Clinic explain that these aren't signs of a naughty cat; they're signs of a cat who needs more mental and physical engagement. The good news is that small changes can have a big impact, and enrichment doesn't need to be expensive or complicated.
Ideas for your cat
- Rotating toys: Cats tend to lose interest in the same toy quickly, so rotating what's available helps maintain novelty and engagement. For solo play, we advise using sturdy, well-made toys without small parts that could be chewed off.
- Food puzzles and cardboard boxes: Simple DIY enrichment - the team at The Cat Clinic suggest hiding treats in a cardboard box or toilet roll tube, as long as any tape or staples are removed first. There are mant suggestions for DIY feline enrichment food puzzles online.
- Window perches: A comfortable spot near a window gives cats a front-row seat to the summer activity outside - birds, butterflies, and passers-by all make for excellent solo entertainment - always ensure your cat cannot fall out of the window or become tangled in blinds/cords.
- Food puzzle toys, and anything with small or removable pieces, are better used as a supervised activity rather than left with your cat while you're away.
Tips for making enrichment work
The Cat Clinic's team suggest a few things worth bearing in mind when introducing enrichment:
- Match the activity to your cat's personality and energy level - a high-energy kitten needs different stimulation to a laid-back senior cat
- Introduce new toys and activities gradually, particularly for anxious cats, to avoid overwhelming them
- Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest - what feels fresh and exciting is far more engaging than something familiar
- Always supervise new enrichment activities initially to make sure they are safe for your individual cat
- Save puzzle feeders, squeaky toys, and anything with small or breakable parts for times when you're home to supervise, rather than leaving them with your cat unsupervised
If you're finding that boredom-related behaviours persist despite enrichment changes, it may be worth speaking to our team at The Cat Clinic for tailored advice.
Our friendly cat-only veterinary team are always happy to help Edinburgh cat owners find solutions that work for their individual pet. Book an appointment today.