by Kristen M. Anderson

Created on: January 27, 2009   Last Updated: October 16, 2009

My cats think I'm the most entertaining person on the planet. All I have to do is get down on my hands and knees and shake my invisible tail, and they're fixated.

Unlike dogs, which enjoy two walks a day and chasing saliva-coated tennis balls, cats are simply entertained by our daily activities. While cats primarily entertain themselves, there are a few inexpensive things their owners can do to increase their cat's daily entertainment value.

1. Play with your cat. Playtime activities range from hide-and-seek to peek-a-boo (blankets make excellent peek-a-boo playthings) to literally chasing them around the house. Let your cat be the hunter he/she was born to be. Hide their food or catnip in fun locations for them to discover. A word about kitty toys: you don't have to invest in the latest furry gadget to show your cats a good time. Many cats prefer batting around a plastic bottle cap or a wad of paper (make sure it's not small enough for them to swallow). Boxes are another bonanza for cats. Be sure to move the boxes around for variety, and introduce new shapes and sizes throughout the week. Like humans, cats get bored with the same old playtime routine, so try out new things if your cat seems disinterested in their games/toys.

2. Create a window sanctuary. One of the single most entertaining activities for indoor cats is to observe the great outdoors. Make a cozy spot for your cat near a sliding glass door or on a window sill, preferably overlooking a location where birds, bugs, pets, cars, and people are center stage.

3. Play music and dance with your cats. My cats respond to different types of music. When I play rock and roll, my dominant male cat leaps onto the female cat with abandon (I don't play much rock and roll!) It could be my imagination, but when I play classical music, they look contemplative. If your cat likes to be held, try waltzing around the room in a kitty/human dance. This is good exercise for you and fun for your pet.

4. Talk to your cats. Sure, your spouse or roommate may think you're crazy, but your cats will appreciate your soft words and gentle admonitions.

5. Invite people over. While some cats head straight for the hills when strangers come over, other cats perceive guests as a source of huge source of entertainment. Not only do guests give cats lots of pats and potential table scraps, they provide cats variety with their different scents, voices, and hand gestures. Variety is the spice of a cat's life.

The best tip for keeping your cat entertained is to live an active life. From daily activities such as flossing your teeth to special events like putting up the Christmas tree, your cat will always be fascinated by his most favorite subject, which is you.

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