Best Indoor Fun Games to Play with Cats [for Bonding]

Searching for ways to spend some alone time with your tabby?

Out of ideas and energy to come up with new ones?

These game ideas are crafted to test the IQ, EQ and everything else to keep your pet all stimulated, active and energetic.

The games listed below are hassle-free and don’t require much preparation.

So you can relax and spend your weekend with your feline in peace!!

Best Indoor Fun Games to Play with Cats

1. ๐Ÿพ Interactive Games for Mental Stimulation

(These games will challenge your catโ€™s brain and keep them sharp!)

  • Puzzle Feeders: Hide treats inside a puzzle toy for your cat to figure out and earn rewards! ๐Ÿงฉ๐Ÿ–
  • Laser Pointer Fun: Watch your cat chase the elusive red dot, perfect for mental and physical exercise! ๐Ÿ”ด๐Ÿพ
  • Treat Scavenger Hunt: Hide treats around the house and let your cat sniff them out like a pro! ๐Ÿฆด๐Ÿ‘ƒ
  • Interactive Laser Toys: Automated lasers that move in unpredictable patterns, giving your cat a good chase! ๐ŸŽฏ๐Ÿฑ
  • Catnip Puzzles: Fill a puzzle toy with catnip and watch your cat try to extract the good stuff! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ˜ป
  • Hide and Seek: Hide behind furniture and call your cat to come find you for some playful bonding! ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿฑ
  • Memory Game: Place treats under cups and shuffle them around for your cat to guess the right one! ๐ŸŽฉ๐Ÿฌ
  • Find the Toy: Hide a toy under a blanket or cushion and let your cat figure out where it is! ๐Ÿงธ๐Ÿ‘€
  • Interactive Wand Toys: Play with your cat using feathered wands or strings to stimulate their hunting instincts! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿฑ
  • Clicker Training: Train your cat to perform simple tricks using a clicker and treats! ๐Ÿพ๐ŸŽ‰

2. ๐Ÿˆ Active Play for High-Energy Cats

(Great for cats who need to burn off some energy indoors!)

  • Cat Tunnel Chase: Set up a cat tunnel and watch your cat dash in and out, racing to get to the other side! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐ŸŒŸ
  • Bouncy Ball Fun: Toss a small bouncy ball for your cat to bat around and chase! ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ˜ธ
  • String Play: Dangle a string from a high place and let your cat leap to catch it! ๐Ÿงถ๐Ÿฑ
  • Feather Wand Chase: Use a feathered wand to entice your cat into jumping, pouncing, and running! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿ’จ
  • Balloon Bounce: Float a balloon in the air and let your cat try to pop it with their paws! ๐ŸŽˆ๐Ÿพ
  • Roller Ball Track: A track with rolling balls that your cat can bat at with their paws! โšฝ๐Ÿฑ
  • Paper Bag Hideout: Leave a paper bag open and watch your cat dive in and out for playful surprises! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ๐Ÿ˜ป
  • Flying Disc Toss: Use a small, soft disc to toss in the air for your cat to chase and pounce on! ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿพ
  • Treat Toss: Toss your catโ€™s favorite treats for them to run after and catch mid-air! ๐Ÿช๐Ÿฑ
  • Turbo Scratcher: A fast-moving toy on a scratcher that will get your cat active and engaged! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’จ

3. ๐Ÿฑ Bonding Time Games

(Strengthen the bond with your cat through fun and meaningful playtime!)

  • Cuddle and Play Sessions: Spend time cuddling with your cat while engaging them with small toys! ๐Ÿงธ๐Ÿ’–
  • Belly Rubs: Many cats love a good belly rub, so make it a bonding game by petting them while they play! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜ป
  • Hide and Seek with Treats: Hide behind a door or under furniture and let your cat find you for a treat! ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฑ
  • Toy Tug-of-War: Play gentle tug-of-war with your cat using a string or soft toy! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿช€
  • Chase Me Around: Run around the house and encourage your cat to chase you for fun and exercise! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฑ
  • The โ€œFollow Meโ€ Game: Walk around and encourage your cat to follow you to earn treats! ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ–
  • Snuggle Time with Toys: Play with your cat while they rest on your lap for cozy bonding time! ๐Ÿ˜ป๐Ÿ’ž
  • Grooming and Play: Combine light grooming with play to relax your cat while bonding! ๐Ÿงผ๐Ÿฑ
  • Gentle Tag: Gently tap your cat and run, encouraging them to โ€œtagโ€ you for fun! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ’ฅ
  • Interactive Petting: Let your cat explore and pet them with the occasional toy to balance physical affection and fun! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’“

4. ๐Ÿงฉ Problem-Solving Games

(Help your cat develop critical thinking skills through these creative games!)

  • Treat Dispensing Toys: Use treat-dispensing toys that require your cat to solve puzzles for rewards! ๐Ÿช๐Ÿงฉ
  • Puzzle Boards: Put treats under sliding or removable covers and watch your cat work to uncover them! ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿฑ
  • Shape Sorters: Let your cat try to fit pieces into the right spots for rewards! ๐Ÿ”ฒ๐Ÿพ
  • Interactive Cat Bowls: Use slow feeder bowls with hidden compartments to encourage problem-solving during mealtime! ๐Ÿด๐Ÿฑ
  • Hide Treats in Socks: Place treats inside a sock, then tie it up and watch your cat figure out how to open it! ๐Ÿงฆ๐Ÿช
  • Snuffle Mats: Use a snuffle mat to hide treats and let your catโ€™s nose do the work! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿฌ
  • Cup and Treat Game: Hide treats under a cup, shuffle them around, and let your cat figure out where they are! ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฑ
  • Maze Toy: Set up a toy maze that your cat has to navigate to get to the treat! ๐Ÿ๐Ÿพ
  • Food Puzzle Boxes: Put kibble in a puzzle box that requires effort to release the food! ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿงฉ
  • Interactive Rotating Toys: Use rotating toys that your cat has to figure out to earn a treat! ๐Ÿ”„๐Ÿฑ

5. ๐Ÿพ DIY Cat Games

(Creative and inexpensive DIY games to make at home with common household items!)

  • Cardboard Box Maze: Create a maze with cardboard boxes and watch your cat explore every nook and cranny! ๐Ÿ“ฆ๐Ÿฑ
  • Sock Tug-of-War: Tie a sock to a string or rope and play tug-of-war with your cat! ๐Ÿงฆ๐Ÿชถ
  • Feather Stick Chase: Use a feather tied to a string or stick to create your own feather wand toy! ๐Ÿชถ๐ŸŽฏ
  • Paper Ball Toss: Crumple a piece of paper into a ball and throw it for your cat to chase! ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿพ
  • DIY Treat Dispenser: Make a DIY treat dispenser by cutting holes in a plastic bottle and letting your cat roll it around! ๐Ÿช๐Ÿงด
  • Toilet Paper Roll Fun: Use toilet paper rolls as toys for your cat to bat at or play with! ๐Ÿงป๐Ÿฑ
  • Homemade Cat Tunnel: Use old scarves or fabric to create an indoor tunnel for your cat to hide in and explore! ๐Ÿงฃ๐ŸŒŸ
  • Ping Pong Ball Play: A simple ping pong ball can provide hours of entertainment as it bounces and rolls! ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿพ
  • Box Forts: Stack boxes to create a fun fort for your cat to explore and hide in! ๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿฑ
  • Ball-in-Bowl Challenge: Place a ball in a shallow bowl and let your cat bat it around! โšฝ๐Ÿฅฃ

6. ๐Ÿงถ Chasing & Pouncing Games

(Let your cat unleash their inner hunter with these exciting games!)

  • Feather Dangler: Hold a feather dangler just out of reach and watch your cat pounce to grab it! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿฑ
  • Toy Mouse Hunt: Toss a toy mouse on the floor and let your cat chase after it with their hunting skills! ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿพ
  • Laser Chase: Move a laser pointer in quick, unpredictable patterns to entice your cat to chase! ๐Ÿ”ด๐Ÿ’จ
  • Bouncing Toy Balls: Toss bouncy toy balls and watch your cat spring into action to catch them! ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฑ
  • Ribbon Chase: Toss a ribbon on the floor and let your cat chase and bat it around! ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿพ
  • Toss and Pounce: Toss toys into the air for your cat to leap and grab mid-flight! ๐Ÿงธ๐Ÿ’จ
  • String Chase: Dangle a string across the floor and watch your cat chase it across the room! ๐Ÿงถ๐Ÿพ
  • Pounce & Catch: Throw lightweight toys and encourage your cat to pounce and catch them in the air! ๐Ÿพ๐ŸŽฏ
  • Paper Towel Roll Batting: Place a paper towel roll on the ground and let your cat bat it around! ๐Ÿงป๐Ÿฑ
  • Tennis Ball Toss: Toss a tennis ball across the floor and encourage your cat to chase and catch it! ๐ŸŽพ๐Ÿพ

7. ๐Ÿฑ Relaxing & Calming Games

(Perfect for those moments when your cat needs some relaxation and calmness!)

  • Gentle Petting & Play: Slowly stroke your cat while giving them a soft toy to play with! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’†โ€โ™‚๏ธ
  • Catnip Playtime: Use catnip-filled toys for a calming play session with your cat! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ˜ป
  • Snuggle Time: Spend a relaxing afternoon snuggling with your cat while they play with toys near you! ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ๐Ÿ’–
  • Calming Massage: Give your cat a gentle massage during playtime to soothe them! ๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฑ
  • Soft Toy Play: Give your cat a soft plush toy for a gentle and soothing play session! ๐Ÿงธ๐Ÿ˜Œ
  • Quiet Play Corner: Create a quiet space for calm play with minimal distractions! ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ๐Ÿ’ญ
  • Watch Bird Videos: Play bird videos on the TV to entertain your cat while they rest! ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿ“บ
  • Interactive Soft Balls: Soft balls that roll gently to help your cat engage without overstimulating them! ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿฑ
  • Scented Toy Play: Scented plush toys to keep your cat entertained with a calming aroma! ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿพ
  • Slow Motion Chase: Encourage slow-paced chasing games for a calming and relaxing experience! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’ค

8. ๐ŸŽฎ Tech-Savvy Games for Cats

(Embrace technology for fun and interactive play with your cat!)

  • Cat TV Apps: Download cat-friendly apps with moving fish or birds to entertain your cat on your tablet! ๐ŸŸ๐Ÿ“ฑ
  • Robotic Laser Toys: Let a robotic laser toy move randomly and let your cat chase it on their own! ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿ”ด
  • Interactive Robot Toys: Give your cat a robot toy that moves unpredictably for them to chase! ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿฑ
  • Touchscreen Games: Let your cat swipe at moving objects on a tablet screen! ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿพ
  • Automated Laser Gadgets: Use gadgets that project laser lights for your cat to chase all around the room! ๐Ÿ”ด๐ŸŒ€
  • Smart Cat Feeders: Engage your cat with a smart feeder that dispenses treats with a tap! ๐Ÿช๐Ÿ“ฒ
  • Motion Activated Toys: Place motion-activated toys around the house that start moving when your cat is near! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’จ
  • Interactive Pet Cameras: Use pet cameras that you can control remotely to play with your cat from afar! ๐Ÿ“ท๐Ÿฑ
  • Robot Mouse: Watch your cat chase a robot mouse that moves like the real deal! ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿค–
  • Smart Toy Balls: Smart balls that roll and interact with your cat automatically! โšฝ๐Ÿ“ฒ

9. ๐Ÿพ Outdoor-Inspired Games Indoors

(Bring a little outdoors to your indoor playtime!)

  • Bird Watching Game: Set up a window perch and let your cat โ€œhuntโ€ birds outside! ๐Ÿฆ๐ŸชŸ
  • Mouse Hunt Game: Place toy mice along the floor and let your cat โ€œhuntโ€ them like a pro! ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿพ
  • Mini Obstacle Course: Create a mini agility course with boxes, tunnels, and toys for your cat to navigate! ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿฑ
  • Fish Tank Watching: If you have a fish tank, let your cat watch the fish swim around! ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿฑ
  • Nature Sounds Play: Play nature sounds like birds chirping and let your cat try to find the source! ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿพ
  • Outdoor Simulation Toys: Use outdoor-style toys like bouncing balls or tunnels indoors! ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿพ
  • Hunting Simulation Games: Hide treats around the room to mimic the experience of hunting prey! ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฑ
  • Rolling Balls in the Yard: Create a makeshift outdoor space with toys that roll for your cat! โšฝ๐Ÿฑ
  • Outdoor Cat Tunnels: Use indoor tunnels that simulate the feeling of an outdoor chase! ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒŸ
  • Nature-Inspired Feather Play: Use feathers or natural materials to mimic outdoor hunting adventures! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿฑ

10. ๐Ÿฑ Solo Play Games for Independent Cats

(Perfect for when your cat enjoys a little alone time with their toys!)

  • Toy Mice Hide & Seek: Hide toy mice around the house for your cat to discover and play with! ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿ 
  • Interactive Balls: Leave interactive balls around that your cat can bat around on their own! โšฝ๐Ÿฑ
  • Catnip Cushions: Fill soft cushions with catnip and leave them around for solo play sessions! ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ
  • Solo Feather Wands: Dangle a feather wand from a high place for your cat to bat at on their own! ๐Ÿชถ๐Ÿพ
  • Toys with Bells: Toys with bells inside will engage your cat without your help! ๐Ÿ””๐Ÿฑ
  • Rolling Toy Balls: Let your cat push toy balls around the house for endless entertainment! โšฝ๐Ÿพ
  • Solitary Puzzle Games: Use a puzzle toy that your cat can engage with independently! ๐Ÿงฉ๐Ÿฑ
  • Battery-Powered Toys: Let battery-powered toys move around to stimulate your catโ€™s curiosity! ๐Ÿ”‹๐Ÿพ
  • Interactive Crinkle Toys: Cats love the sound of crinkle toys, and they can enjoy them solo! โœจ๐Ÿฑ
  • Solo Play Spheres: Let your cat bat around lightweight plastic spheres for fun, solo playtime! โšช๐Ÿฑ

See Also


These game ideas will surely keep them all busy.

From difficult and tricky brainteasers and jigsaws to snuggle-some activities, we have a plethora of games for you to choose from.

Enjoy your me time and bond with your tabby!!!