Keeping your cat entertained is so important, especially if they live in an apartment.
Without regular stimulation, cats can get bored or restless, which can lead to some unwanted behaviors.
The good news is, there are plenty of simple and fun ways to keep your cat engaged and active, even in smaller spaces!
From interactive toys to setting up a cozy window perch, enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated.
Your cat will love the variety, and you’ll enjoy seeing them thrive.
Here are some amazing ideas to get you started:
Apartment Cat Enrichment Ideas
Cats love variety, and giving them different ways to stay active is key to keeping them happy in a small space.
You can switch things up by rotating toys, setting up spots for them to climb, or adding interactive activities that challenge their minds.
Even something as simple as a cozy spot by the window can keep them entertained for hours.
1. Window Perch Setup
A window perch gives your cat a perfect spot to watch the world outside.
This setup allows them to stay entertained by observing birds, people, and cars, which helps reduce boredom.
You can buy a sturdy window perch or use a piece of furniture to create a cozy spot.
With a good view, your cat will enjoy hours of mental stimulation without needing much effort from you.
2. Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders turn mealtime into a fun mental challenge for your cat.
These feeders make your pet work to get their food, slowing down fast eaters and keeping them engaged.
They come in various designs, from simple puzzles to more complex mazes.
Your cat will love the reward of working for their meal, and it’s a great way to prevent boredom!
3. Cat Tunnel
A cat tunnel provides a fun space for your cat to explore, hide in, or jump out of.
It’s perfect for encouraging both solo and interactive play, keeping your cat physically active while having a blast.
Many cat tunnels also come with built-in toys, like hanging balls, that add an extra layer of excitement.
You can fold them away when not in use, making them a practical option for smaller apartments.
4. Climbing Shelves
Installing climbing shelves gives your feline friend a chance to explore vertical spaces.
Cats naturally love to climb and be up high, so these additions to your apartment can provide new opportunities for exercise and exploration.
By giving them places to climb, you help enrich their indoor environment.
5. Window Bird Feeder
A window bird feeder placed outside your apartment window gives your cat a front-row seat to the action.
They’ll love watching birds come and go, which can provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.
You can easily attach these feeders with suction cups to a window that your cat has access to.
Just make sure the feeder is in a safe place, and enjoy watching your cat’s excitement as the birds visit.
6. Box Forts
Cats love boxes, and building a box fort for them can create an exciting new playground.
Stack a few cardboard boxes in different arrangements, cutting out holes for your cat to peek through or jump in and out of.
You can also hide toys or treats inside to keep them curious and active.
7. Treat Dispenser Balls
Treat dispenser balls are a great way to combine playtime with snack time.
Fill the ball with your cat’s favorite treats or kibble, and let them roll it around to get the food out.
It keeps them physically active while offering a rewarding challenge.
Plus, it’s a great way to prevent overeating by making them work for their treats!
8. Interactive Ball
An interactive ball is a fantastic way to keep your cat entertained and active, especially if they enjoy batting things around.
These balls often have lights or sounds that activate when touched, encouraging your cat to chase and pounce.
Whether your cat prefers to play solo or you want to join in, this toy is a great way to satisfy their hunting instincts and provide some physical activity in a small space!
9. Interactive Ball Track
A ball track toy offers endless entertainment as your cat bats the ball around the track.
These toys are especially good for solo play, allowing your cat to stay engaged while you’re busy.
The ball stays within the track, so it won’t roll under furniture and out of reach.
Your cat will love chasing the ball around, and it’s great for keeping them mentally sharp.
10. Hanging Wall Toys
Hanging wall toys are perfect for cats who enjoy batting at things.
You can attach toys to doorknobs or hooks on the wall, keeping them at your cat’s level.
These toys bounce or swing when hit, making them a fun target.
They’re easy to set and up and DIY that offers continuous entertainment throughout the day.
11. Catnip Toys
Catnip toys are a must for many cats who enjoy the stimulating effects of catnip.
These toys can range from stuffed animals to balls, all infused with catnip to get your cat excited.
You can also buy refillable toys and add fresh catnip as needed.
Catnip is a safe way to give your cat a fun and energizing play session.
12. Moving Laser Toy
This combo toy is genius! You can play laser tag with your cat without moving a muscle.
It’s a fun way to keep them engaged and active throughout the day.
The combination of mental and physical stimulation makes this a hit with many cats.
13. Scratching Posts and Boards
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so having multiple scratching posts and boards around is essential.
It keeps their claws healthy and prevents them from scratching your furniture.
You can place them in areas where your cat tends to scratch the most or next to their favorite nap spots.
Scratching posts also give them a good stretch, contributing to their overall well-being.
14. Slow Feeder
A slow feeder is a great way to make mealtime more interesting for your cat.
It slows down their eating by making them work to get the food, which can prevent overeating and digestive issues.
This type of bowl or dish keeps them engaged and mentally stimulated, giving them a rewarding challenge.
It’s perfect for cats who tend to gobble down their meals too quickly.
15. Treat Puzzle Games
Treat puzzle games come in a variety of styles and require your cat to figure out how to get their treats from different compartments.
These puzzles are a fantastic way to engage your cat’s problem-solving skills while offering a tasty reward.
They’re ideal for keeping your cat entertained when you’re busy or away.
16. Crinkle Toys
Crinkle toys are an easy and affordable way to entertain your cat.
The sound of the crinkling material is fascinating to most cats, and they’ll enjoy batting and pouncing on these toys.
Many crinkle toys also come with catnip for an added bonus.
Leave a few around the apartment, and your cat will find them irresistible!
17. Suction Cup Toys
Suction cup toys attach to windows or other smooth surfaces, offering a bouncy, unpredictable play experience.
These toys move and wobble when your cat swats at them, keeping them intrigued for hours.
They’re perfect for sticking on glass doors or windows.
They also help cats stay active without needing a lot of space.
18. Motion-Activated Toys
Motion-activated toys come alive when your cat approaches, offering hours of entertainment without you needing to be involved.
These toys are great for independent play, keeping your cat occupied with movement that mimics the unpredictability of prey.
Options range from motorized mice to spinning feather toys.
It’s a fantastic way to keep your cat engaged, especially when you’re busy.
More Cat Enrichment Ideas!
- Fish Tank Viewing: A small fish tank set up in your apartment can become a new source of fascination for your cat.
- Cat TV on YouTube: YouTube is full of “Cat TV” videos that feature birds, squirrels, or fish moving around on the screen.
- Interactive Laser Toy: Laser toys are great for engaging your cat’s hunting instincts.
- Feather Wand Playtime: Feather wands are excellent for interactive play, giving your cat the thrill of hunting down their “prey.”
- Rotating Toy Schedule: Keeping the same toys around all the time can get boring for your cat, but a rotating toy schedule keeps things fresh.
- Rotating Toy Schedule: Keeping the same toys around all the time can get boring for your cat, but a rotating toy schedule keeps things fresh.
DIY Enrichment Ideas for an Apartment Cat
Creating your own enrichment for your cat doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
You can make puzzle feeders out of household items or create new spaces for them to explore by rearranging furniture.
Sometimes the most exciting thing for a cat is discovering something new in their everyday surroundings!
25. Cardboard Scratching Post
If you’ve got some old cardboard boxes lying around, you can create a DIY scratching post for your cat.
Cut the cardboard into strips and roll them together tightly, then glue or tape them into a solid block.
Cats love the texture of cardboard, and it’s an affordable alternative to store-bought scratchers.
Place it near your cat’s favorite lounging area, and they’ll have a great place to keep their claws sharp.
26. DIY Puzzle Box
Make a puzzle box from an old shoebox by cutting several small paw-sized holes in the top and sides.
Toss in your cat’s favorite toys or treats, and let them figure out how to fish them out with their paws.
This DIY puzzle is a fun and affordable way to keep your cat mentally engaged.
You can change the items inside to keep it fresh and exciting for them.
27. Catnip Sock Toy
This is one of the easiest DIY toys you can make!
Fill an old sock with catnip, tie it off, and you’ve got an instant toy that your cat will love.
The catnip will grab their attention, while the sock’s texture makes it fun to bat and toss around.
You can refresh the catnip whenever needed to keep your cat coming back for more.
28. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
Empty toilet paper rolls can be turned into a fun DIY puzzle for your cat.
Shove a few toilet paper rolls into a small box and place small treats inside each one.
Your cat will have to bat the rolls or stick their paws in to get the treats.
29. DIY Cat Tent
Create a cozy tent for your cat using a t-shirt and a couple of wire hangers.
Bend the hangers into a tent frame, drape the t-shirt over them, and voila—you’ve made a little hideaway for your cat.
This DIY project is perfect for cats who love small, enclosed spaces to nap or play.
It’s also easy to make and can be done with items you already have at home.
30. DIY Scratcher Ramp
If you have an old piece of wood or sturdy cardboard, you can create a DIY scratcher ramp by covering it with carpet or sisal rope.
Lean it against a wall, and you’ve got a homemade scratching surface that also encourages your cat to climb.
It’s perfect for cats who love to scratch and explore vertical spaces.
This DIY project can also help save your furniture from being torn apart!
31. Catnip Bubbles
Blow catnip-infused bubbles for your cat to chase and pop.
Many pet stores sell cat-safe bubbles that are infused with catnip or you can make your own!
Your cat will enjoy watching and pouncing on the bubbles as they float around.
It’s an exciting way to add a new layer of enrichment to their playtime.
32. Fleece Tug Toy
Make a simple tug toy by braiding strips of fleece together.
You can play tug-of-war with your cat or let them bat at it on their own.
The soft fleece is gentle on their claws, and the braided texture is fun for them to grab and chew.
This DIY toy is quick to make and can be a go-to for interactive playtime.
33. Egg Carton Treat Puzzle
Repurpose an old egg carton into a treat puzzle by placing small treats or kibble in the individual sections.
Your cat will have to figure out how to fish the treats out, providing them with a fun and rewarding challenge.
This DIY puzzle is a great way to slow down fast eaters and keep them entertained.
Plus, it’s an eco-friendly use of materials you already have at home!
34. Upcycled Stool Toy
If you have an old stool laying around or find one while thrifting, you can make an amazing cat toy!
Wrap some rope around the legs, dangle toys from the side, and cover the top with fleece.
Your cat will have a blast playing and snoozing on this toy!
35. DIY Cat Fishing Rod
Create your own cat fishing rod by tying a small toy or feather to the end of a sturdy string, then attaching it to a long stick.
You can use this toy to mimic the movement of prey, encouraging your cat to jump and pounce.
This DIY project is perfect for interactive play and can be easily customized with different toys.
It’s a fun way to engage your cat and get them moving!
More DIY Cat Enrichment Ideas For Your Apartment
- Homemade Feather Toy: You can easily make your own feather wand toy using an old stick, string, and a feather.
- Paper Bag Playtime: Leave out a simple paper grocery bag, and you’ll see how much joy your cat gets from crawling inside and pouncing around.
- DIY Hanging Toy: Take a string and attach a small toy or feather to the end, then hang it from a doorknob or chair.
- Ice Cube Play: Freeze a few small treats inside an ice cube tray and let your cat bat the cubes around as they melt.
- Treat Scavenger Hunt: Hide small treats or pieces of kibble around your apartment and let your cat go on a mini scavenger hunt.
- Homemade Cat Tree: If you’re feeling crafty, you can build a homemade cat tree using old furniture pieces, wooden planks, and carpet scraps.
- Homemade Puzzle Feeder: Use a sturdy plastic container to create a homemade puzzle feeder by cutting a few holes in the sides.
- DIY Window Hammock: If you have a sunny window, you can create a DIY hammock for your cat using fabric and hooks or suction cups.
- DIY Hide-and-Seek Toy: Cut a few paw-sized holes in an old cereal box and place a small ball or toy inside.
- Paper Roll Batting Game: Hang an empty paper towel roll from a string, letting it dangle just within your cat’s reach.
- DIY Feather Wand with Bells: Create a feather wand toy with a twist by adding a small bell to the end of the string.
- DIY Cuddle Cave: Make a cozy cuddle cave for your cat by using old blankets or towels.
- Ping Pong Balls in a Bathtub: Place a few ping pong balls in the bathtub and let your cat chase them around.
- DIY Hanging Yarn Ball: Wrap a small ball in yarn and hang it from a hook or doorframe for your cat to bat around.
- Towel Hide-and-Seek: Hide your cat’s favorite toys or treats under a towel and let them paw through the folds to find them.
- Ribbon Maze: Create a ribbon maze by tying colorful ribbons to the legs of a chair or other furniture.
- Crinkle Paper Maze: Use crinkly packing paper to create an obstacle course or maze for your cat to explore.
Keep Your Apartment Cat Happy with These Easy Enrichment Ideas!
Enriching your cat’s life in an apartment doesn’t have to be complicated.
From interactive toys to fun DIY projects, there are so many creative ways to keep your furry friend entertained and active.
Whether you’re setting up a cozy window perch or crafting a puzzle feeder, these ideas will bring out the playful side of your cat.
Give a few of them a try and watch how much happier and more engaged your apartment kitty becomes!
