Keeping your cat entertained while you’re out for the day can feel like a challenge, especially if you have an indoor cat. Luckily, there are plenty of simple, effective ways to prevent cat boredom while you’re at work — and most don’t require much effort.
Below, you’ll find practical enrichment ideas, UK-friendly product suggestions, and tips that help keep your cat calm, stimulated, and happy.
Why Cat Enrichment Matters
Cats may seem independent, but they still need mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. Without it, your cat can develop boredom-related behaviours such as scratching furniture, excessive meowing, or overeating. Regular stimulation helps:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Prevent destructive behaviours
- Improve overall wellbeing
- Encourage exercise, especially for indoor cats
1. Provide Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are one of the best ways to entertain your cat when you’re not home. They encourage natural hunting behaviours and give your cat something to “work on” throughout the day.
Great options include:
- Automatic laser toys
- Motion-activated toys
- Feather wands (for supervised use)
- Crinkle balls
- Battery-powered prey toys
Tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep your cat interested.
2. Use Treat Puzzle Toys
Treat dispensers and puzzle toys stimulate your cat’s brain and reward problem solving. They also slow down fast eaters.
Popular puzzle types include:
- Rolling treat balls
- Maze feeders
- Hidden-treat puzzles
- Slow feeders
These can keep a cat occupied for long stretches, making them ideal for workdays.
3. Set Up a Window Perch
Most cats love watching the outside world. A suction-cup window perch or a hammock near a window offers hours of entertainment.
Your cat can:
- Watch birds
- Observe people passing
- Track shadows and moving leaves
Bonus tip: Consider installing a bird feeder outside the window to create your own “cat TV.”
4. Leave the TV or Radio On
Soft background noise can help reduce stress, especially for cats who dislike quiet, empty houses. You can use:
- Cat-specific YouTube videos
- Calming music
- Soft radio stations
Avoid loud or chaotic content.
5. Create Vertical Climbing Opportunities
Cats feel happiest when they have safe places to climb, explore, and observe their environment.
Consider providing:
- Cat trees
- Wall-mounted shelves
- Multi-level scratching posts
Vertical space helps your cat expend energy and stay mentally stimulated.
6. Offer Multiple Scratching Posts
Scratching is a natural behaviour that helps cats stretch, sharpen claws, and relieve stress. To prevent boredom and furniture damage, place scratchers around your home.
Include a variety of:
- Cardboard scratchers
- Sisal posts
- Flat and vertical options
7. Use Automatic Timed Toys
Timed-release toys or feeders activate at intervals throughout the day. Your cat will be excited for the surprises.
Examples include:
- Timed treat droppers
- Scheduled automatic toys
- Motion-triggered toys
Stagger activation times for maximum engagement.
8. Provide Cosy Sleeping Spots
A cat who feels relaxed and safe is more likely to sleep through part of your workday. Create inviting nap areas:
- Heated beds
- Soft blankets
- High, tucked-away shelves
- Window hammocks
Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, so cosy spaces help prevent boredom simply by encouraging restful downtime.
9. Hide Snacks Around the House
Make the environment more enriching by hiding small treats in safe, accessible spots. This turns your home into a mini treasure hunt.
Great hiding places:
- Cat trees
- Puzzle toys
- Around scratching posts
- Near their window perch
Tip: Keep treats small and healthy.
10. Adopt a Second Cat (Long-Term Option)
If you have the space, time, and budget, having two cats can significantly reduce loneliness and boredom. This is only suitable for cats who enjoy company, and proper introductions are essential.
Final Tips for UK Cat Owners
- Check toys are UK-certified for safety
- Use Amazon.co.uk for fast delivery if your cat destroys toys quickly
- Make enrichment a routine instead of a one-off activity
Conclusion
With the right combination of stimulation, comfort, and enrichment, you can easily prevent cat boredom while you’re at work. A little preparation goes a long way towards keeping your cat content and entertained throughout the day.