Indoor cats are safer from traffic and other outdoor dangers, but they rely on us for exercise and excitement. A bored cat may scratch furniture, knock things over or wake you at 4 a.m. The good news: a few minutes of the right play each day goes a long way.
1. Play "hunt" with a wand toy
Cats are natural hunters. Move a feather wand like prey: let it hide behind furniture, skitter across the floor and flutter up into the air. Two or three short sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each is a great goal. Let your cat "catch" the toy at the end so the game feels finished.
2. Add a tunnel
Tunnels give cats a place to hide, ambush and zoom through. A foldable 3-way tunnel adds extra entrances for chase games, especially in multi-cat homes. Toss a toy inside to get started.
3. Create cozy hideaways
Cats like to feel safe while they rest. A semi-covered cat bed or cave gives them a private spot to retreat to, which can help nervous cats relax.
4. Make mealtime a game
Spread dry food across a slow feeder or hide a few treats around the room. Searching for food keeps cats active and mentally busy.
5. Give them a window seat
Bird-watching is cat TV. A bed or perch near a safe, closed window can keep a cat entertained for hours.
6. Rotate toys
Cats lose interest in toys that are always lying around. Keep a few out and put the rest away, then swap them every week so they feel new again.
7. Keep a routine
Cats love predictability. Play at the same times each day, ideally before meals, to match their natural hunt, eat, groom and sleep rhythm.
Safety tips
- Put wand toys and anything with strings away after play, because cats can swallow them.
- Check toys regularly and replace them when they get damaged.
- If your cat suddenly loses interest in play, eats less or hides more than usual, check in with your vet.
Shop cat favorites
Get started with our Cat Feather Teaser Wand, Y-Shaped Cat Tunnel and Semi-Covered Cat Bed Cave, or browse our Play collection.