Indoor cats can get bored without proper stimulation, which may lead to stress or unwanted behaviors. In this article, I share 10 creative cat enrichment ideas – from DIY toys to custom furniture – based on what my own cats love. These tips will keep your feline happy, healthy, and active, every single day.
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As someone who shares her home with a trio of indoor cats – Tito, Myratz, and Pierre – I’ve learned one universal truth: cats can get bored just like we do. And when they’re bored, they might nap endlessly, overgroom, or invent their own creative entertainment (like batting pens off my desk at 3 a.m.).
Cats are natural hunters and explorers, but when they live indoors, it’s our job to provide them with enough mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Playing with your cat for at least 30 minutes a day is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to prevent boredom. It’s good for their mind, body, and your bond.
Today, I’m sharing 10 cat enrichment ideas – many of which are DIY-friendly – that have been tested and approved by my own feline crew.
1. Custom Scratching Posts
Scratching is part exercise, part manicure, and part stress relief for cats. My cats adore their custom-made scratching posts, crafted by a friend who knew exactly what they liked. I’ve experimented with different coverings over the years – first sisal rope, which was durable but incredibly messy, then natural jute rope, which was even messier and wore out faster. After testing, I’ve settled on carpet offcuts as my top choice. It’s cleaner, less likely to shed all over the floor, and my cats still get the satisfying scratch they crave. You can see more about these posts in Essential Scratching Posts for Indoor Cats. If you’re not the handy type, you can find great options on Amazon – but making one yourself is a fun weekend project.
2. Radiator Beds for the Purr-fect Nap
Few things make my cats happier than curling up in their custom radiator beds on a chilly day. I’ve had these beds for over a decade, and they’re still one of the most-used spots in my home – proof that some cat enrichment ideas are truly timeless. You can read the full story in The Purr-fect Nap: A Decade with Our One-of-a-Kind Cat Radiator Bed. Unfortunately, this exact model is no longer for sale, but you can find similar styles online or even attempt a DIY version with some basic materials.
The magic of radiator beds is in their warmth and height. Cats love feeling toasty while having a perch that gives them a clear view of their surroundings. The elevated position provides both comfort and security, and for multi-cat households like mine, it can even help prevent turf wars – everyone gets their own prime napping spot. In winter, I often find Tito, Myratz, and Pierre lined up in their radiator beds like royalty surveying their kingdom.
3. Wall Shelves for Climbing Adventures
Cats aren’t just horizontal creatures – they think vertically, and giving them safe climbing options is one of the best cat enrichment ideas you can offer. My cats have a set of custom wall shelves that turn one side of our living room into a feline jungle gym. Tito loves to race up to the highest shelf and look down like he’s guarding the entire apartment, while Myratz prefers to stretch out on the middle tier, half-asleep but still keeping an eye on the action.
These shelves aren’t just about fun; they provide exercise, a sense of territory, and a safe retreat when a cat wants to be alone but still watch what’s going on. Mine were custom-built to fit our space, but you can easily make a DIY version with sturdy brackets and carpet offcuts for grip. If DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ready-made cat wall shelves available online.
For more inspiration, including space-saving designs perfect for small apartments, check out Cat Furniture Ideas for Small Spaces.
4. Custom and DIY Cat Beds
A comfy bed might seem simple, but in my home it’s a cornerstone of daily cat happiness – and one of my most successful cat enrichment ideas. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different designs. I once made a sleek wooden bed using a CNC machine at home, and my cats took to it instantly, curling up on it as if it had always been part of their territory.
One of our friends also crafted a hammock-style bed for us, which quickly became the “weekend nap” spot. The gentle sway and soft fabric seem to soothe Pierre, who will lounge there for hours. Beds aren’t just about sleeping – they give cats a safe, warm place to retreat, which helps reduce stress and keeps them feeling secure.
The beauty of custom and DIY beds is that you can adapt them to your space, your cat’s habits, and your own style. Whether you use leftover carpet offcuts, reclaimed wood, or store-bought cushions, the result is something both practical and personal. If you’d like some inspiration, take a look at Luxury Cat Beds – Because Your Cat Deserves the Best. And if you’re short on time, there are plenty of ready-made options on Amazon – but trust me, building your own is half the fun.
5. Puzzle Feeders and Treat Toys
One of my favorite cat enrichment ideas is using puzzle feeders. They turn mealtime into a game, engaging your cat’s brain while also slowing down those fast eaters (Pierre, I’m looking at you). Watching Tito carefully bat a kibble through a maze or Myratz paw treats out of a homemade puzzle never gets old.
I even made one myself – a simple, effective DIY puzzle feeder using materials I had at home. It’s easy to replicate, watch the video below to see exactly how it works and try it out with your own cats.
You can also buy puzzle feeders ready-made, but crafting your own from cardboard tubes, ice cube trays, or muffin tins can be a fun weekend project with friends or family. These feeders mimic the “hunt” instinct, rewarding curiosity and problem-solving skills in a safe, indoor way.
If you’d like more inspiration, I’ve shared extra tips in Feeding Cats: Tips, Tricks and Fun Ideas to Keep Your Cats Healthy and Entertained.
6. Window Perches and Birdwatching Stations
One of my all-time favorite cat enrichment ideas is giving cats a front-row seat to the outside world. I set up sturdy window perches in sunny spots, and they’ve become prime real estate in my house. Tito will happily spend an hour birdwatching, tail twitching every time a sparrow dares to land on the feeder outside. Pierre prefers to watch people passing by – I sometimes joke he’s the neighborhood security guard.
The combination of sunshine, fresh air (through a safe screen), and visual stimulation is unbeatable for indoor cats. You can buy ready-made perches that attach to windows with suction cups, or create your own with a secure shelf and soft blanket. Add a bird feeder outside and you’ve just created cat TV – a channel they’ll never get bored of.
7. DIY Wand and Feather Toys
Sometimes the simplest cat enrichment ideas are the ones that bring the most joy. My cats go absolutely wild for feather wands I make from leftover fabric, ribbon, and the occasional jingling bell. Tito turns into an Olympic-level jumper, Pierre prefers slow, calculated pounces, and Myratz… well, he usually tries to steal the wand and run away with it like a trophy.
The beauty of DIY wand and feather toys is that you can create endless variations using whatever safe materials you have on hand – felt scraps, sturdy string, bits of faux fur. Not only are they fun for your cat, but they’re also a great bonding activity for you. Just remember to supervise playtime so no small parts get swallowed, and store the toys away when not in use to keep them exciting and safe.
I often make a few at once and rotate them, so the cats never get bored of the same toy. It’s such an easy, inexpensive way to keep indoor cats active, curious, and happily tired out by the end of the day.
8. Catnip and Silvervine Playtime
Some cat enrichment ideas don’t require building or buying anything fancy – just a sprinkle of nature’s magic. Catnip has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s pure comedy gold watching Tito roll around in bliss or Pierre bat a catnip-stuffed toy like it owes him money. Myratz, however, is one of those rare cats who couldn’t care less about catnip… until I introduced her to silvervine. That was the day she became a believer.
Both catnip and silvervine can spark bursts of playful energy, encourage exercise, and add variety to your cat’s routine. I like to rotate between them so the effect stays fresh and exciting. You can buy dried catnip, silvervine sticks, or toys infused with either – or even grow your own catnip at home if you’ve got a sunny windowsill.
One of my favorite tricks is sprinkling a little catnip on a scratching post or in a cardboard box “fort.” It transforms ordinary objects into instant playgrounds. Just be sure to monitor your cat’s reaction, as some can get a bit overexcited – though in my experience, the joy (and subsequent catnap) is well worth it.
9. Cardboard Castles and Hideouts
One of the most imaginative cat enrichment ideas I love is creating cardboard castles and hideouts. A while back, I picked up a cute prefab cardboard castle on Amazon, and it quickly became a feline paradise – my cats treated it like their secret kingdom. I even wrote about it in The Cardboard Cat Castle: How a Simple Amazon Purchase Became a Feline Paradise.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need to buy anything fancy. Making your own DIY cardboard castle is incredibly easy and fun. Just grab a few sturdy boxes, some scissors or a box-cutter, and unleash your creativity – stack them, cut windows, connect tunnels – with friends or family. Watching your cats explore their new “cardboard kingdom” is endlessly entertaining. Myratz spends hours darting in and out of tunnels; Tito prefers lounging on top like a king surveying his realm. It’s reusable, eco-friendly, and a perfect project for a lazy Sunday (and probably hilarious content for social media!).
10. Training and Trick Time
When people think of cat enrichment ideas, training isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind – but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your cat. Yes, cats can be trained! It just takes patience, the right motivation (usually treats), and a sense of humor.
Training isn’t about turning your cat into a circus performer (unless you want to teach them to jump through hoops – totally possible). It’s about mental stimulation, building trust, and giving your cat a way to engage their brain in a positive way. Plus, it’s fun for you too. Try five-minute sessions once or twice a day, and keep it playful.
You can start with basic tricks and gradually move on to more adventurous challenges, like walking on a leash, spinning in a circle, or even “fetch.” Training turns playtime into a shared activity that strengthens your relationship – and gives you plenty of proud “Look what my cat can do!” moments.
Why Enrichment Matters
Cats that don’t get enough stimulation may develop unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture or excessive meowing. By providing daily play and variety, you keep them physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally content. For more guidance, check out Indoor Cat Care, The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Cat, Cat Behavior Guide, Funny Cat Behaviors Explained, and Understanding Feline Behavior Myths.
For a deeper look at the science of play, the International Cat Care article on play and predatory behaviour is a great read.
