Indoor cats are safer, but they're still hunters at heart. Without an outlet for that instinct, many cats get bored, and a bored cat will find their own entertainment. Usually at 3 a.m. Usually involving your feet.
Signs your cat needs more play
- Nighttime zoomies and yowling
- Pouncing on ankles or hands
- Knocking things off shelves
- Overgrooming or seeming restless
- Weight gain from low activity
If you notice sudden behavior changes, check with your vet to rule out health issues.
Why wand toys work best
Cats hunt by stalking, chasing, and pouncing. A wand toy lets you imitate prey, darting, hiding, and fluttering, in a way a ball on the floor can't. Plus, it keeps your hands safely away from claws.
The 10-minute hunt routine
- Stalk: move the toy slowly along the floor and around furniture.
- Chase: speed up with quick zigzags.
- Catch: let your cat pounce and "win" a few times.
- Eat: end with a treat or meal, which completes the hunting cycle and helps them settle.
Doing this before bedtime can help reduce nighttime activity.
Meet the PouncePom Cat Teaser Wand
The PouncePom Cat Teaser Wand brings out your cat's inner hunter. It features a fluffy pom-pom and jingling bell on a 16-inch wand that keeps hands away from claws. Comes in five colors.
Safety tip
Store wand toys out of reach after play, since strings and small parts shouldn't be chewed unsupervised.
Unleash the tiny tiger. Shop the PouncePom Cat Teaser Wand.