Tips/toys for keeping cats entertained / maintaining an enriching indoor environment:
1 - If you have non-carpeted floors, try to find automated toys (that move like sentient creatures—not just straight, or in circles).
I highly recommend the HEXBUG nano Robotic Interactive Automated cat toy (which Amazon sells for like $7-$10 USD): https://a.co/80YfOzl
2 - This one is loud but you can technically remove the ball if you’re trying to sleep, on a phone call, or trying to concentrate: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Morovilla-Turbo-Interactive-Scratcher-Cat-Toy/19856412
It includes both a toy AND a scratching pad (which you can replace after flipping it over to get the best out of both sides).
3 - Rechargeable flopping fish (also noisy but has on/off switch). I think it’s like $15 or less on Amazon in the USA. It holds still until touched: https://a.co/9S2M37G
They also apparently make a bird I’ve yet to try.
4 - Interactive/puzzle feeders can make cats take longer to eat (which helps control their weight) while also fulfilling their natural instinct to hunt their prey (which makes it more rewarding/enjoyable for the cat).
Here’s the one my cats use:
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Petstages-Melon-Madness-Puzzle-Play-Cat-Game-Pink-One-Size/677545097
Amazon: https://a.co/gklGRXZ
A smaller option for non-carpeted floors: https://smile.amazon.com/PORTOWN-Dispenser-Tumbler-Interactive-Training/dp/B08R55R993
5 - Open YouTube on a secure TV (that can’t fall or be damaged if cat bats at screen) & search for “videos for cats” to find 8+ hour videos of mice, fish, birds, squirrels, etc. that keep cats entertained for hours:
Daytime Favorites https://youtu.be/6pbreU5ChmA https://youtu.be/S-DC2PfMiSg https://youtu.be/2AgVMA02lTw https://youtu.be/xbs7FT7dXYc
Nighttime Favorites (So cats won’t stare at bright vids in dark room): https://youtu.be/kPIdexXzWEM https://youtu.be/ZIK6XCJ4tgA https://youtu.be/VDmX50GKtys
Snowy Weather https://youtu.be/8fpfdAKcBfU
6 - Another “tube” cats LOVE (to play/hide in): https://a.co/7czvALs
Tip: DIY your own by cutting out the bottom of a Mainstays Pop-up Spiral Polyester Laundry Hamper:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/123868415
Warning: Cut off any straps to prevent accidental strangulation & don’t touch outside of tube with your bare hands while a frisky cat is inside.
7 - Fountain. Not a toy but most cats don’t drink enough. Invest in a quality water fountain now to avoid expensive health issues later (especially for cats who only eat dry kibble, which isn't recommended).
Inexpensive fountains are usually made of plastic (which can cause cat acne & other issues) so I strongly recommend paying $50+ USD for a ceramic or solid steel fountain that’s quiet and easy to refill, clean, & maintain.
I have 2 of this quiet, easy to clean, & gorgeous “cupcake” fountain: https://a.co/byvz5H6
Below is a $70 wireless option I’m saving up to buy (haven’t tried but it can conserve energy/run on low until it senses a cat): https://petlibro.com/collections/dockstream/products/dockstream-battery-operated-water-fountain
8 - Cat scratchers / trees. Most expensive but IMO, most important.
If you have only 1 cat, just find an affordable tree that’s safe & sturdy. For multiple cats (or a single, energetic cat), whose playtime entails running, jumping, etc., invest more $ for higher quality tree.
Tip: Watch for pet store sales / promotions (last year, I bought 3 high quality cat trees at 50% off during a Black Friday sale).
Hopefully at least some of these tips/toys will help enhance your cat's playtime! ♡