Intro

I’ve always loved animals, but the idea of having one scared me—because I care too much. My biggest fear was, "What if I can’t make them feel happy, comfortable, and not lonely?"

Despite my fears, my girlfriend and I decided to get a Bengal kitten. We instantly fell in love. Everything was great, except for one thing: I couldn’t stop worrying about him being lonely when we weren’t home. It wasn’t about him misbehaving; he’s well-mannered. My anxiety came from constantly thinking, "Is he feeling sad or lonely?"

To ease both his loneliness and my anxiety, we tried different solutions. We experimented with toys, rearranged his space, and tested various tricks to keep him engaged. Some things worked, others didn’t (turns out, King wasn’t impressed by high-tech gadgets). But through trial and error, we discovered simple, effective ways to keep him entertained—like a bird feeder (more on that later).

This list keeps evolving as we learn more. If you’ve ever felt that "cat parent guilt" or worried about your cat being bored, you’re not alone.

Here’s what we do every time we need to leave King alone for a longer period of time:

7. Unusual Things at Home

A simple yet effective way to entertain your cat is by rearranging familiar objects. Moving a chair, table, or plant to a new spot can make your cat feel like they’re exploring uncharted territory. Their natural curiosity drives them to circle, sniff, and even pounce on the newly placed objects, treating them like intriguing mysteries.

I also hide King’s favorite toys in high places to encourage him to climb and problem-solve. At first, I just placed them on shelves, but to make it more challenging, I started taping them to the wall. Watching him analyze, jump, and swipe at the toys is not only mentally stimulating for him but also highly entertaining for me. Depending on his mood, this can keep him occupied for up to an hour.

This trick is great because it costs nothing and plays into a cat’s natural hunting instincts. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can switch up the objects or toy placements to keep things interesting. Sometimes, I even do this when I’m home because watching him figure it out is more fun than TV!

6. Hanging Toys

Hanging toys are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your cat entertained for hours. By attaching small plush toys or balls to a string and securing them high up, like on a door frame, you can easily trigger your cat’s natural hunting instincts. The unpredictable movement keeps the toy exciting, prompting your cat to bat, jump, and “catch” it with both paws.

These toys are especially great because they keep your cat engaged even when you’re not home. King loves to randomly walk by, notice the toy swinging slightly, and instantly go into hunting mode. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep him mentally stimulated throughout the day.

The best part? No fancy gadgets needed, just a little creativity. Plus, watching him strategize his next move is highly entertaining!

P.S. Sorry for the bad quality, we were racing to record him

5. Cat Springs

Cat springs are lightweight, bouncy, and move unpredictably—everything a cat loves. Initially, I thought they were just another overhyped trend, but they quickly became King’s favorite toys. He loves to pounce, swat, and chase them around the house, even carrying them in his mouth like a trophy.

Unlike regular balls, these springs don’t roll in a straight line. They bounce, spin, and fly in all directions, keeping King fully engaged. There are always at least ten scattered around the house, ensuring playtime is always just a paw-swipe away.

The only downside? They easily disappear under furniture. But seeing King’s excitement and endless energy makes hunting for lost springs totally worth it.

4. Surveillance Areas

Cats love to observe the world, and King is no exception. He spends hours watching people, birds, and even the sunset from his favorite high spots near the windows. To cater to his curiosity, we set up window-mounted shelves that offer the perfect vantage point.

These shelves were a game-changer. King immediately claimed them, using them to sunbathe, relax, and silently judge every passerby. Not only do they keep him entertained, but they also satisfy his need for security and territory.

3. Food Puzzles

Food puzzles are a fantastic way to keep cats mentally stimulated. You don’t need to buy expensive ones; they can be easily made at home using everyday items like boxes or toilet paper rolls. Simply hide treats inside, and it turns into a fun scavenger hunt that keeps cats engaged for longer periods.

I also use a knotted towel as a DIY puzzle. It’s a fun challenge for King and keeps him busy as he figures out how to untie the knots to get to the treats.

For a more durable option, I invested in store-bought food puzzles with adjustable difficulty levels. Watching King develop his own strategies to solve these puzzles is incredibly rewarding. The goal isn’t just to find the treats but to stimulate his mind and hunting instincts while I’m away.

2. Bird Feeder

A bird feeder outside the window provides endless entertainment for cats. At first, I didn’t expect much, but once we installed it and filled it with seeds, birds started showing up daily. King was hooked from the very first day. He watches them intently, twitching his tail and even making those adorable “chirping” sounds cats do when watching prey.

This setup lets him safely experience his hunting instincts without ever leaving the house. It’s his favorite “cat TV.” Just remember to keep the feeder stocked to maintain his interest.

1. A Cat Friend

Adding a second cat was the best decision we ever made. While King was happy alone, no amount of toys or activities could replace the companionship of another cat. Introducing Chanel wasn’t easy—there were some dramatic moments—but now they’re inseparable. They chase, play, nap together, and truly understand each other in ways humans never could.

Knowing King always has company, even when we’re not home, gives me peace of mind. It’s a decision that changed everything for the better.

FINAL REMARKS

Every cat is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. We’d love to hear from you! How do you keep your cat entertained while you’re away? Share your tips and experiences in the comments to help other cat owners.

Looking for more ideas? Let us know what you want to see next! Whether it’s cat behavior, care tips, or product recommendations, we’re excited to explore topics that make life better for cats and their humans. 🐾