Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Some clouds. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Summer is getting closer. We are getting more long warm days. I let my woodstove go out, which is the official end of Spring. You may notice that your indoor cats are getting a little bit wilder. They might not have any real change in daylight, and they might not be out hunting field mice, but our cats also feel the impending summer.

We often let our indoor cat needs go along the same way throughout the year, but the truth is that they also have change needs. The long dark days of winter have passed and while it still seems like they sleep a lot, our cats are needing some more exercise.

Enrichment is very important to our indoor cats. Our modern felines often miss out on hiding, hunting, chasing, scratching (if our couches are lucky), and snacking on new greens. There are many things we can do to help enrich them. They might be happy to sleep and snack most of the day, but the more we can do to provide enrichment the less prone to issues they are. These are behavioral or litter box related most commonly.

I love cat grass this time of year. You can buy commercial cat grass either grown or as seeds. Just one little garden can make them feel like they are exposed to the new summer growth. Moving this or placing a few different ones can also make them feel like they have a component of search and discovery, which will help them use their minds.

Different cats prefer different scratching substrates. Some like carpet, some like smooth fabric, some like sisal, and some love cardboard scratchers. I always recommend getting small amounts of different materials to test out what your cat likes. Once you figure it out, get them a couple of scratching posts made of that material. Place them strategically around the house.

Scratching helps them stretch as they reach their arms up or arch their backs. It helps them spread their scent, which makes them feel more secure in their space. Scratching is a very primal activity. Likely your cat will scratch no matter what. This is very healthy and I never like to discourage it. Therefore it will be better for your furniture and your cat if you can properly direct their scratching.

Hunting activities are very important for cats. Stocking our houses with mice or counting on them to successfully hunt for us are both futile activities. Some cats will present cupboard mice each morning, but I can tell you from experience that many cats will idly watch the mice run in front of them. Even these cats need some hunt activities, even when they don’t actually hunt when the opportunity presents itself.

Tossing kibble is a great way to interact with your cat and get their “hunting for food” in. Up and downstairs or down halls provide great exercise as well. They make very good toys to feed cats and also enrich them. These are toys that dispense kibbles or treats as your cat hits them. I love these because cats get exercise and hunting while they eat their regular meals.

This should be the easiest, but often gets neglected because it can be hard to fit into our day. Different cats like different things. My cat loves to play chase with me. Lots of cats love playing with catnip toys. Many love chasing a feather on a string. Whatever it is, increasing their interaction with you and their “fun” can make a big difference.

Remember, while all of these things help cats that have behavior issues, they also help cats ever develop any! The happier your cat is the healthier it will be.

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