How to Make a Play Area for Cats

To keep your cats safe and to prevent them from contracting diseases or harming native wildlife, they should be kept inside your home, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Providing indoor cats with a play area designed to engage their interest keeps them from getting bored and gives them appropriate outlets for their natural instincts. Depending on your needs, taste and resources, you can build a simple or elaborate play area for your cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Outdoor bird feeder
  • Cat tree(s)
  • Scratching post
  • Treat ball
  • Dry cat food or treats
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Blankets or towels
  • Pillow
  • Velcro
  • Craft knife or scissors
  • Cat toys
  • String
  • Paper bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick a space in your home for the cat play area. Cats love to watch wildlife such as birds and insects through a window, so select a spot next to a window. Place a bird feeder outside the window or hang it from a tree outside the window to provide entertainment for your cat.

    • 2

      Put a large cat climbing tree next to a window to allow the cat to watch the outdoor scene while climbing and playing on the cat tree. For multiple cats, get a multilevel cat climbing tree that has cubby holes and perches for each cat to sit on. In larger areas, use cat trees of different sizes for multiple cats to climb on.

    • 3

      Give your cats a large scratching post as tall as your cat is long so it can stretch out fully while scratching down the post. Depending on your cat's preference, get a post made with sisal rope, cardboard or wood.

    • 4

      Place a treat ball in your cat's play area. Treat balls --- filled with dry food or cat treats --- give cats something to play with while getting a food reward.

    • 5

      Line a cardboard box with a soft blanket or towel and remove the top flaps. This will give your cat a fun hiding spot or place to nap when it gets tired of playing. Place a pillow inside for extra comfort and softness.

    • 6

      Make a cat tunnel by cutting holes in the sides of several cardboard boxes. The holes should be big enough for your cat to walk through. Using a craft knife or scissors, cut the holes and remove the top flaps from each box. Attach the boxes to each other --- matching up the holes in the sides --- with adhesive Velcro stuck to the sides of each box.

    • 7

      Provide your cat with toys stuffed with catnip or valerian, as both of these herbs attract cats. To get your cat's attention, hang some of these toys around the cat trees by tying them with string.

    • 8

      Place paper shopping bags in the cat play area for your cats to hide in. To keep your cat safe, remove all handles from the paper shopping bags. Open the bags and place them on their sides for your cat to enter and exit easily.