People play different games and solve cross-verses hoping to keep their minds sharp. And for good reason! Every time we learn something new, we create new neural pathways in our brain that can improve cognition and even repair damage.
So why not with our kitties? Cats are clever animals. It takes intelligence to stalk and hunt prey and street smarts to hide and escape from predators. Cats are even artful at bluffing to scare off a bigger animal. But just as we get rusty when we don't practice enough or bored when we practice too much, so do our cats.
Why is cat mental stimulation important?
A bored cat can be a destructive cat. If you're not challenging your cat to use their brain, chances are good that your feline companion is going to start making their own fun, and that might not be a good thing. Your cat needs mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
According to the PDSA, it's estimated that over a third of cats in the UK are overweight, due to lack of exercise or maybe because of those extra treats many owners sneak to their cats in between meals. Indoor cats can easily put on the pounds and a home environment lacks all the exciting activities the outdoors provides, so your cat will soon show signs of boredom and frustration, as well as a heavier silhouette.
Try keeping your kitty's mind and body active with some of favourite brain games for cats.