The holidays are a whirlwind of activity for everyone—including your feline friend! Cats often find endless entertainment in holiday decorations, from dangling ornaments to twinkling lights and crinkly wrapping paper. But once the decorations are packed away, your cat might experience a post-holiday lull, leading to boredom. The good news? You can keep your cat’s mind and body active with some simple enrichment activities.

Why Cat Enrichment Matters

Cats are naturally curious creatures with a strong instinct to hunt, play, and explore. Without proper stimulation, boredom can set in, leading to destructive behaviors, anxiety, or even depression. By incorporating enrichment into your cat’s daily routine, you can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Prevent behavioral problems.
• Encourage physical activity and mental stimulation.

Transitioning from Holiday Fun to Everyday Enrichment

Here are some creative ways to keep your cat entertained and happy long after the holiday lights come down:

1. Toys

Replace the shiny ornaments your cat loved with engaging interactive toys. Wand toys, laser pointers, and cat nip toys can provide hours of fun and mimic the thrill of the hunt. Zoomies for days.

If you are like me and have a basket filled with toys, make sure you are rotating these toys every few weeks to make old toys feel new and exciting again. Cats can start to lose interest in toys that they’ve had for a while, but storing them away for a few weeks, and bringing them back will make them feel brand new!

2. Window Perches and Bird Watching

Set up a cozy window perch so your cat can observe the world outside. Consider adding a bird feeder nearby to attract feathered friends for your cat to watch. This “cat TV” is both stimulating and calming.

Speaking of “cat TV”, my cats LOVE to watch Birder King videos on YouTube. As soon as they hear the intro jingle to the video, they come running! Birder King has tons of videos, filled with birds, squirrels and other cat entertainment that I’m sure your kitty will love just as much as mine do!

3. Treat Hunts

Hide treats around the house for your cat to find. This engages their natural hunting instincts and keeps them mentally sharp. You can also use treat-dispensing balls or puzzle feeders to make snack time more interactive. You can find a puzzle feeder anywhere OR if you are feeling crafty, you could make a DIY treat puzzle.

All you will need is:

- Their favorite treats –I love putting Dentalife treats in because not only are my cats obsessed with the taste, they are great for keeping their teeth clean!

- A kitchen towel

Sprinkle some treats on the open towel and gently roll up the treats like I did in the photo below. I like to slightly twist and knot the towel after they are rolled up to make it a little bit more tricky for them to get to the treats.

I will say, my cat, Lucy, is way more determined to find the treats than our other cat, Paul. He usually gives up, and Lucy will go back and forth between her towel and his towel – Haha!

4. Quality Time Together

Don’t underestimate the power of your attention. Spend time playing, cuddling, or grooming your cat to strengthen your bond and provide comfort during the quieter post-holiday season.

Signs Your Cat is Happy and Stimulated

How do you know if your efforts are working? A happy and enriched cat will:

• Engage enthusiastically with toys and activities.
• Show fewer signs of destructive behavior (e.g., scratching furniture or knocking things over).
• Appear relaxed and content, with regular grooming and healthy sleeping patterns.

Final Thoughts

The holidays might be over, but the fun doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity and effort, you can keep your cat entertained, healthy, and happy year-round. Whether it’s through interactive toys, DIY projects, or simply spending quality time together, enrichment is the gift that keeps on giving for your feline companion.

Ready to keep the fun going for your furry friend? Visit the Military Cat Club for more tips, tricks, and community support to help you and your cat thrive all year long!