How To Keep a Cat Occupied and Entertained During Crate Rest

Melina Grin / Cats.com

In an ideal world, no human or pet would get injured or need surgery. However, your cat may need strict rest at some point, which can happen through no fault of your own. Whether your cat has been hit by a car, sustained injuries from a fall, diagnosed with a serious illness, or was born with a congenital abnormality that requires surgery, ensuring their stillness during recovery is essential.

Keeping your cat occupied and entertained during weeks of crate rest can be challenging. Cats are independent and curious animals and are not accustomed to being confined for long periods, which can lead to frustration. However, with the right approach, bed rest can also be an excellent opportunity to get creative and strengthen your bond with your cat.

We have developed enjoyable training and fun activities to keep your cat entertained and help maintain your sanity, while ensuring your cat feels loved and cared for during their full recovery.

How to Get Your Cat Ready for Crate Training and Rehabilitation Procedures

Floki is stretching his legs while on a harness and leash post TPLO surgery. Melina Grin / Cats.com

If time permits, prepare your home and train your cat before the required procedure or surgery.

Get Your Cat Accustomed to Being in a Cage and Accepting Physio Treatments

Cooperative cat care training involves teaching your cat to be comfortable with husbandry care and physiotherapy procedures by encouraging them to participate in these activities willingly. Engaging in fear-free crate training and preparing for rehabilitation treatments—such as massage, laser therapy, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy—before any injuries occur can significantly reduce stress for you both.

Train Your Cat to Wear a Harness and Lead

After your cat is released from the veterinary clinic, it is crucial to move him safely to prevent pain or further injury. Allowing your cat to walk or run freely—especially up and down stairs, on slippery floors, or jumping onto furniture—can cause additional discomfort and delay the healing process.

To assist with home care and rehabilitation exercises, purchase a harness for comfortable movement and a long, lightweight leash to help guide your cat. Training your cat to wear the harness and leash weeks before any injury or surgery is preferable.

How To Set Up Your Environment for a Cat Needing Crate Rest

Floki the Maine coon relaxing inside the Playpen post surgery. Melina Grin / Cats.com

Acquire an Appropriate Crate or Playpen

Buying or borrowing a large dog crate or playpen is essential to accommodate your cat’s size and requirements. The crate should be spacious enough for your cat to sit, stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. It should also have enough room for a cozy blanket, a litter box, a scratcher (if space allows), food and water bowls. Additionally, the roof must always be secure to prevent escape and reduce the risk of injury.

Choose a Healing Location Where Your Cat Can Rest and Recover Peacefully

When selecting the appropriate healing spot for your cat, consider their temperament. If your cat is shy, place the crate or playpen in a quiet, low-traffic spot like the bedroom. For social and outgoing cats, choose an area where they can observe everyone, such as the living room.

To ensure your cat stays comfortable, keep the room temperature between 77°F and 86°F, as they cannot escape extreme temperatures. Additionally, ensure the crate is positioned away from direct sunlight and drafts.

Place a temporary rug or runner on the floor until your cat fully recovers to prevent slipping if it escapes from the cage. If your vet permits, a harness and leash can be beneficial for allowing your cat to stretch its legs for a short time.

Reduce Stressors During the Healing Phase

Plug in a Feliway diffuser a few days before your cat’s hospitalization to create a calming environment. To reduce your cat’s stress, make sure someone is available to check on them while you’re at work. Leave a scented t-shirt within the playpen to provide comfort and a familiar scent to associate with you.

Additionally, minimize noise levels and limit the number of people entering your home until your cat has fully healed. Keep children and other pets away from the recovery area. Once your cat starts to feel better, gradually reintroduce the rest of the family, ensuring you supervise all interactions.

10 Ways to Keep a Cat Occupied and Entertained During Crate Rest

Floki is watching the birds outside while supervised in his metal crate. Melina Grin / Cats.com

The typical recovery period for a cat after surgery or injury is seven to ten days for minor procedures. In contrast, orthopedic surgeries may require six to eight weeks of strict confinement.

Here are some practical and fun ways to create a stimulating environment in your cat’s crate while keeping them occupied mentally and physically:

1. Feeding Games and Puzzle Feeders

Use puzzle feeders that challenge your cat to figure out how to access food or treats. Instead of placing food directly in their bowl, try scattering some dry food inside a crate or playpen or using a food-dispensing ball to encourage them to work for their meals.

Cats spend much of their day hunting, scavenging, and foraging for food in the wild. A snuffle mat stimulates their natural searching instincts, helps engage their minds, and is especially helpful during recovery.

Stuffed Kongs can be filled with food or delicacies to keep your feline entertained for hours, while their meals can be spread on Licky mats to promote mental stimulation and teach your cat problem-solving skills.

2. Gentle Playtime

Keep things interesting by offering your cat paper balls, soft plush toys, crushed paper bags, and chew toys for low-impact activities. Rotate the cat’s toys regularly to reduce boredom with the same items.

3. Visual Stimulation

Place the crate near a window so your cat can watch birds or people passing by. The view can help stimulate and keep your cat engaged for hours. Make sure it’s not too sunny or hot.

4. Clicker and Target Training

Dedicate time each day to teaching your cat new tricks. Reward them with treats to keep training enjoyable. Consider cues like Sit, Stay, Shake, and how to ring a bell.

To train your cat to target, use a clicker and treats to reward them for sniffing or touching a target stick or your finger.

5. New Scents

Introduce new smells each week to keep your cat captivated. Appealing aromas include valerian root, fresh safe herbs, silvervine sticks, and outdoor leaves. Supervise interactions to ensure your cat doesn’t get overstimulated or ingest any of them.

6. Audio Stimulation

The best way to provide audio stimulation for your cat is to leave your computer on with “Cat TV” or turn on the television to enjoy while at work.

To help keep your cat calm, try sitting with them by their crate and listening to iCalmCat or Pet Acoustics – Pet Tunes. This can ease any tension you both may have, but be cautious; you might find yourself getting addicted to the calming sounds or even entering a trance.

7. Top Brain Games for Cats on Crate Rest

Keeping your cat’s mind sharp during cage rest is as important as keeping them entertained. Try the following games:

• Which hand – Take a treat and hide it in one of your hands. Make a fist. Place two closed fists before your cat and ask which hand to choose. When he chooses the correct hand, praise him and open your hand to give him the treat.
• Small/Large – Similar to “which hand,” take four small treats, hide one in your hand, make a fist, and put the other four in your other hand. Place two closed fists before your cat and ask him to choose Small or Large. When he chooses the correct (smallest) treat, praise and open your hand to give him the treat.
• Which Cup – Place a treat under a cup and have your cat sniff the correct one. Please keep it simple first, and reward him when he chooses the correct one. Once your cat can pick the correct cup, add extra cups and shuffle them so he can rely on his nose.
• Name the Object – Teaching your cat the names of objects can provide a great mental workout and be helpful in the future. Begin with your cat’s favorite toys. While playing with it, take one toy and consistently use its name so that your cat learns to associate the name with the toy. Afterwards, place that toy alongside others on the playpen floor and encourage your cat to point to the specific toy by name.

8. Supervised Outdoor Time in a Secure Cage

Another enjoyable activity is taking your cat onto the balcony or outside. Begin by placing your cat in a carrier, then move it to a metal crate where it can safely observe the outdoors. Always supervise your cat to minimize overstimulation or annoyance.

9. Bonding Time

Displaying affection, chatting with your feline companion, and showering them with lots of love by cuddling and stroking them within the playpen, if they enjoy it, will strengthen your incredible bond. Remember, quality time is more important than quantity!

10. Light Massage

Many cats enjoy massage! Massage is an excellent way to stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles, and alleviate stiffness. It also helps in shifting blocked energy. However, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian to determine which areas of your cat’s body are safe to massage and which should be avoided after an operation.

As a general rule, apply only half the pressure you think your cat would enjoy. Focus on the muscle tissue, steering clear of bony areas. Some cats may not be at ease when being massaged while lying on their sides, so you might want to begin while sitting or standing. Regardless of the cat’s position, aim to elicit a relaxed state in their eyes and help your cat unwind.

Lumee wearing the cone of shame post tail surgery. Melina Grin / Cats.com

Lastly, Establish a Support System if Your Cat Needs Extended Confinement.

When cats need to be confined in a crate for extended periods, especially after complicated surgery, having an alternative caregiver can be immensely helpful. Consider occasionally contacting a trusted family member, friend, or cat sitter to take over caregiving responsibilities. This can provide much-needed relief and introduce variety and new experiences for your cat companion.

To Wrap Up

We hope the fun activities mentioned above bring you comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your cherished pet. We wish your cat a swift and smooth recovery filled with love and healing from the Cats.com team!