Summer Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats

When the sun is out in Surrey, many of us spend more time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather. For indoor cats, however, this can mean longer periods at home alone. Many owners ask our veterinary team at Ambleside how to recognise boredom in cats and what they can do to provide the right enrichment.

In the article below, our vets in Walton-On-Thames, shares simple, fun enrichment ideas to keep your cat happy and stimulated all summer long. Have a health query? Book your cat's check-up today.

Is my cat bored?

Our veterinary team at Ambleside explain that while cats are often seen as independent pets, they still need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When left alone for long periods, especially during the summer when routines change, boredom can set in.

Some subtle signs can include:

• Sleeping more than usual or seeming withdrawn
• Overgrooming or excessive licking
• Destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture
• Increased vocalisation or attention-seeking
• Weight gain due to inactivity
• Becoming less engaged with their surroundings or losing interest in toys they once enjoyed.

If you notice these signs, it may be time to introduce more cat enrichment ideas into their daily routine.

'Cattifying' your home

Our veterinary team in Walton-On-Thames explains that the first step to keeping your cats happy is to ‘cattify' your space. This means designing it in a way that supports your cat's natural behaviours, such as climbing, scratching and playing. Cats value autonomy, so giving them access to different heights, spaces and private areas can make a real difference to their wellbeing. This is especially important in multi-cat households, where providing enough territory can help reduce tension.

Here is our cattification checklist at Ambleside:

• Vertical space - Provide shelves, cat trees or perches for climbing and resting
• Scratching areas - Provide posts or mats to support natural scratching.
• Hiding spots - Create quiet spaces like boxes, tunnels or covered beds.
• Multiple resources - Provide enough food bowls, litter trays and beds, especially in multi-cat homes.
• Window views - Position resting areas near windows for visual stimulation, ensuring windows are safely closed or on the latch.
• Safe outdoor access - If possible, consider a secure catio - an enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to enjoy fresh air and outdoor sights safely.

Cat enrichment ideas

Cat enrichment doesn't need to involve elaborate or expensive gadgets. Many owners relate to buying a new cat toy, only for their cat to enjoy the box more than the toy itself! The team at Ambleside suggest these easy cat enrichment ideas:

• DIY treat box - Poke holes in a cardboard box and hide treats inside for your cat to discover.
• Paper sock toy - Stuff a sock with scrunched paper for a lightweight toy your cat can bat or ‘bunny kick.'
• Ribbon play - Tie ribbons or fabric strips to safe, fixed areas.
• Toy rotation - Swap toys in and out every few days to keep them feeling new and interesting.
• Puzzle feeders - Use or make simple food puzzles to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
• Cardboard hideouts - Repurpose boxes into tunnels or hiding spots for exploration and comfort.
• Interactive play - Use wand toys or string toys to mimic prey and encourage active play sessions.

Our team at Ambleside highlight that when we welcome a cat into our home, supporting their natural behaviours and biological needs is key to their wellbeing. If you want tailored advice on your cat's behaviours, get in touch with our friendly team.