How to keep my cat busy when I'm busy and toys aren't working?

Boxer is a cute name for a cat! Some kitties could play with a crumpled piece of paper for hours while others need more interaction or a more complicated toy to be entertained. You might try using the toys to interact with her by throwing them downstairs or into an area where she has to hunt for them to increase her interest in them. Catnip can also be sprinkled on her toys to give her added enrichment.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you are looking for ways to enrich your cat, you can purchase things like a cat tree for it to climb on, or toys for it to play with. Cats tend to enjoy Temptations cat treats, though they are high calorie and should only be given in moderation. I hope this is helpful!

It sounds like this is not an easy situation. Some cats will not like being kept inside while others adjust easily. You won't know until you try. There are some things you can do which can benefit any cat (a bored cat and a cat adjusting to a new life style). Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play (really get him moving) and switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Try feeding him out of a food puzzle. Hide food for him to find. Provide a stand or resting place by a window so he can look outside. You may also try clicker training him for positive behavior. Here is a link about training cats: https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-i-train-my-cat/ Most cats response best to combination therapy. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It sounds like she’s a pretty normal, happy playful young cat. You can get her some self propelled or automatic toys to keep her interested and engaged such as https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07F391BX2/ref=psdcmw_2975306011_t2_B07D9J137D Orhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072WCZQ4V/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1543707973&sr=8-10-spons&keywords=cat+activated+toy&psc=1 It may also be helpful to rotate the toys in and out of use. Hide some toys away, bring in a couple new ones, then in a week or 2, bring out the old ones and put away the new ones. Getting a second cat MAY be helpful, but it also may rock the boat a little too much. If she seems overall content, I don’t think you should feel like you NEED to get a playmate, but it’s something to consider. If you DO decide to get another kitty, here’s an article about introducing them. Good luck!! https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-steps-to-introducing-your-cat-to-a-new-feline/

If you are finding that Toorko is bored or laying around a lot, I would encourage more toy play and more interactive toys. Cats are predators and enjoy hunting things. Toys that encourage this behavior can be good for stimulation. Interactive devices such as the PetCube can help with this. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Some cats are happy with companionship and aren't interested in play. I’ve had luck with using a laser pointer to see if he’ll chase it. You can also try putting treats on a cat tree to get him to climb up and be active. You can also train cats to come when called, beg, sit, shake etc just like a dog. This is done with treats and praise as rewards and takes lots of time. The training should be fun for you both and is good bonding and quality time together. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cat.

It is possible that another cat could help to entertain Biber if she is social, but conversely, another cat could create a lot of new stress for her. This all depends upon her personality and if she prefers socializing or being independent. Before acquiring a new cat, consider using toys in your apartment, such as a laser pointer that she can chase around the room or interactive foraging toys. Some examples include: The Catch by Northgate, The Green by Northgate, The Peek-a-Prize or Peek-and-Play Box by SmartCat (sold by Pioneer Pet), The Dog Tornado by Nina Ottoson of Sweden, The Fishbowl by PetSafe. If toys and indoor activity does not seem to satisfy Biber, bringing a friend home is possible, but be sure to introduce new pets slowly and assure that both cats are healthy with no communicable diseases before they meet. A kitten may be easier to introduce than another young adult or older cat.