To keep an indoor cat active in winter, plan two or three short play sessions a day that copy a hunt: let your cat stalk, chase and catch a toy, then end with a small meal or treat. Rotate toys so they stay new, add places to climb and watch outside, and use food puzzles to keep your cat busy when you are away.
Canadian winters are long, and many cats spend months without going outside. Less activity can lead to boredom, weight gain and behaviour problems such as night-time zoomies or scratching furniture. A few minutes of the right kind of play each day makes a real difference.
How much play does an indoor cat need?
Most adult cats do well with two or three play sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes a day. Kittens and young cats often want more, while senior cats may prefer shorter, gentler sessions. Watch your cat: if it stops chasing, lies down or walks away, the session is done.
What is the best way to play with a cat?
Cats are hunters, so the best play follows the same steps as a hunt:
- Stalk: move the toy slowly away from your cat, behind a chair or under a blanket.
- Chase: make short, fast movements, then pauses.
- Catch: let your cat catch the toy several times. A cat that never wins gets frustrated.
- Eat: end with a treat or a meal. This tells your cat the hunt is over and helps it settle down.
Evening sessions before bedtime can help cats who are active at night.
Which toys work best for indoor cats?
- Toys that react: a chirping bird cat toy makes a sound when touched, which triggers the hunting instinct.
- Moving toys: a self-rolling interactive cat ball or an automatic rolling ball changes direction on its own and keeps your cat chasing.
- Small prey toys: a walking bug cat toy moves like an insect, which many cats find hard to ignore.
- Food puzzles and lick mats: a silicone lick mat with a little wet food keeps your cat busy and calm.
Battery and electric toys are best used while you are home. Put them away after play and check them for damage.
How do you keep toys interesting?
Cats lose interest in toys that are always on the floor. Keep only two or three toys out, store the rest in a closed box, and swap them every few days. A toy that disappears for a week often feels new again.
What else helps a bored indoor cat?
- Window time: a perch or shelf near a window gives your cat something to watch.
- Climbing: cat trees and shelves add vertical space, which is important in small apartments.
- Scratching: offer a scratching post near the places your cat already scratches.
- Hiding spots: a covered bed such as a cat cave bed gives a quiet place to rest after play.
Signs that your cat is bored
Common signs include running around at night, knocking things over, scratching furniture, overeating, sleeping more than usual or following you and meowing for attention. If your cat suddenly changes its behaviour, eating or litter habits, check with your vet to rule out a health problem.
Find more ideas in our interactive cat and dog toys collection. For mealtime, read why your pet eats too fast and how slow feeders help. Every order ships free across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cat play alone with electric toys?
Short periods are fine, but it is safest to supervise and put the toy away afterwards. Cats also need play with you, which builds trust.
Is laser play good for cats?
Many cats enjoy it, but they can never catch the dot. If you use a laser, end the session on a real toy or a treat so your cat gets a "catch".
My cat ignores toys. What can I do?
Try different types: fast, slow, noisy, quiet, on the floor or in the air. Play at dawn or dusk, when cats are naturally most active, and keep sessions short.
Written by Hicham, Zootly. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.