Updated July 2026

Going away does not mean filling the house with new toys and hoping your cat keeps themselves entertained.

Most cats value familiarity.

They know their feeding places, favourite sleeping spots, scratching areas, hiding places and the times when the household normally becomes quiet.

When you go away, enrichment should support that familiar routine rather than completely change it.

A puzzle feeder can make part of a meal more interesting.

A stable scratching post can give your cat somewhere appropriate to stretch and scratch.

A cardboard box may provide a hiding place.

And a cat sitter can add supervised play, rotate familiar toys and notice whether your cat is behaving normally.

But enrichment does not replace care.

No toy can refresh spilt water, clean a litter tray, notice that your cat has stopped eating or arrange veterinary help.

I have worked with pets professionally since 2011. When I care for cats in their own homes, I keep activities calm, familiar, and tailored to the individual cat.

Some cats rush to greet me and immediately want to play.

Others watch from the stairs.

Some remain in their hiding place while I deal with food, water and litter.

All of those responses can be normal.

This guide explains how to provide safe indoor enrichment for your cat while you are away, which activities may be left available and which toys should only be used during a supervised visit.

Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change. Test every product while you are still at home, and leave out only equipment your cat already uses safely.

Cats need more than food left down

Cats are often described as independent.

They may not need the same type of interaction as a dog, but they still need appropriate care, observation, and opportunities to engage in normal feline behaviour.

An indoor environment should allow your cat to:

eat and drink safely
use clean litter trays
scratch
climb
hide
observe
rest without disturbance
investigate
hunt or search through play
interact when they choose
move away when they have had enough

Cats Protection explains that feeding puzzles can be particularly helpful for indoor cats because they allow them to use behaviours that would normally form part of finding food outdoors.

PDSA also recommends climbing areas, hiding places, tunnels, cardboard boxes and puzzle feeders as ways to provide physical and mental activity.

You can read the full guidance from Cats Protection on food puzzles for cats and PDSA on exercising and enriching your cat.

But enrichment is only useful when it suits the individual cat.

One cat may spend ages working out a food puzzle.

Another may sniff it once and walk away.

One may climb to the highest shelf in the house.

Another may prefer a covered bed close to the floor.

Watch your cat before deciding what they need.

Enrichment does not replace a cat sitter

An automatic feeder, water fountain and collection of toys may make the home more interesting.

They cannot provide proper care on their own.

Equipment can:

jam
lose power
run out
tip over
become blocked
break
trap food
become damaged
be ignored by the cat

A reliable person still needs to check:

whether your cat has eaten
whether they are drinking
whether the feeder worked
whether water has been spilled
whether the litter tray is being used normally
whether there is vomit or diarrhoea
whether your cat appears injured or unwell
whether the home remains secure
whether a toy has become damaged
whether the room is too hot or cold

The right visit frequency depends on your cat’s age, health, routine, temperament and the length of time you are away.

Read How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit? before deciding on your arrangements.

My guide to leaving cats alone overnight also explains why food and technology cannot replace welfare checks.

The most important rule: nothing new on departure day

Do not introduce a new puzzle feeder, water fountain, cat tree or automatic toy on the morning you leave.

Your cat may:

refuse to use it
find it frightening
damage it
knock it over
become frustrated
eat too much or too little
be unable to reach the food
chew or swallow part of it

Set everything up well before your holiday.

A useful rule is:

Nothing new on departure day.

Test each product while you are present.

Watch how your cat approaches it.

Check whether they can use it easily.

Make sure they do not chew, dismantle or guard it.

You also need to know whether your cat will continue using the equipment once the novelty has worn off.

A fountain that your cat drinks from once is not necessarily a reliable holiday water source.

A puzzle feeder your cat has never completed should not contain their entire meal while you are away.

Tell your sitter how every item normally works and what to do if something fails.

What natural behaviours should enrichment support?

Good cat enrichment does not need to look complicated.

It should support behaviours cats are naturally motivated to perform.

These may include:

Hunting and searching

Cats often enjoy watching, stalking, chasing, pouncing and finding food.

Scratching

Scratching helps cats stretch, maintain their claws and leave scent and visual marks.

Climbing

Height can give cats a safe place to observe their surroundings.

Hiding

A hiding place allows a cat to withdraw from noise, visitors or unwanted interaction.

Exploring

Boxes, tunnels, and familiar rooms can provide opportunities for investigation.

Play

Short play sessions can imitate parts of hunting behaviour.

Resting

Cats sleep for much of the day.

Safe, uninterrupted rest is as important as activity.

Your cat does not need to demonstrate every behaviour during every visit.

The environment should provide suitable choices.

Safe food-based enrichment

Food-based enrichment can encourage your cat to search, sniff and work gently for part of their meal.

Options include:

a tested puzzle feeder
a treat-dispensing ball
small portions of dry food placed in familiar locations
food inside an egg box
dry food placed inside open cardboard tubes
a shallow slow feeder
food spread between several small feeding points
a timed feeder for an established feeding routine

Use part of your cat’s normal daily food allowance.

Do not add large quantities of treats to their usual meals.

PDSA recommends reserving part of a cat’s normal food for puzzle feeding or training rather than automatically adding extra calories.

Read PDSA’s guide to feeding cats for further guidance.

Keep the first version easy

Let your cat see and smell the food.

Leave some pieces openly available.

Do not place the whole meal inside a difficult puzzle.

Your cat should receive regular success.

A cat repeatedly batting, biting or walking away from a puzzle may be frustrated rather than mentally fulfilled.

Use dry food carefully

Dry food may be easier to place in a puzzle, but it still needs measuring.

Do not leave food scattered where it may:

become damp
attract insects
roll under appliances
be eaten by another pet
mix with household dirt
be forgotten by the sitter

Ask the sitter to collect anything that remains.

Medical and prescription diets

Speak to your vet before changing feeding methods if your cat:

has diabetes
has kidney disease
has digestive problems
needs weight management
has food allergies
eats a prescription diet
takes medication with food
has dental problems
has recently been unwell

Enrichment should not interfere with reliable feeding or medication.

Choosing a cat puzzle feeder

A puzzle feeder can be useful for a cat who already enjoys searching and working for food.

Look for one that is:

appropriate for your cat’s size
stable
washable
easy to refill
free from small detachable pieces
simple enough for a beginner
suitable for the type of food you use

Begin with the easiest setting.

Leave sections open.

Place some food where your cat can reach it immediately.

Do not assume your cat will enjoy a more difficult level simply because they completed the basic version.

A puzzle feeder may suit a cat who:

eats dry food
eats too quickly
enjoys batting objects
regularly searches for treats
has used food toys before
remains calm around food

It may not suit a cat who:

becomes frustrated easily
guards food from another cat
has difficulty bending or reaching
needs to eat a precise meal quickly
refuses unfamiliar feeding equipment
chews plastic
loses weight easily
has a medical condition affecting feeding

The cat puzzle feeder I currently recommend on Amazon is one option to compare.

Test it while you are at home and check the current product size and design before ordering.

Scratching opportunities

Scratching is not bad behaviour.

It is a normal feline activity.

Cats may scratch to:

stretch
maintain their claws
leave scent
leave a visual mark
release tension
communicate that an area is part of their territory

RSPCA guidance recommends providing sturdy scratching posts tall enough for a cat to use while fully stretched.

Read RSPCA advice on scratching and indoor-cat behaviour.

Offer more than one type where possible

Some cats prefer:

a tall vertical post
a horizontal cardboard scratcher
a sloped scratcher
sisal
carpet
corrugated cardboard

Look at what your cat already scratches.

A cat who scratches the carpet may prefer a horizontal surface.

A cat who stretches up the side of the sofa may prefer a tall post.

Check stability

A wobbling or falling scratching post may frighten your cat.

The base should remain stable when the cat stretches against it.

Check posts before leaving and ask your sitter to report any damage.

The cat scratching tower I currently recommend on Amazon combines scratching, resting and climbing areas.

Check its measurements carefully.

A tall structure is only useful when it fits the available space and remains completely stable.

Climbing and elevated resting places

Many cats feel safer when they can observe from above.

Suitable elevated areas may include:

an established cat tree
a sturdy shelf designed for cats
a secure window platform
the top of stable furniture the cat already uses
a bed on a low cabinet
a familiar staircase landing

Do not create a new climbing arrangement immediately before travelling.

Check that:

the structure cannot tip
shelves are secure
access is not slippery
there are no blind cords nearby
the cat has a safe route down
senior cats do not need to make a difficult jump
nothing breakable can be knocked off

Cats should also have choices at lower levels.

Height is helpful for many cats, but not every cat wants or can manage a tall tower.

Hiding places and quiet areas

A hiding cat is not necessarily an unhappy cat.

Hiding can help cats feel safe.

Useful hiding places include:

a cardboard box placed on its side
a covered bed
space beneath familiar furniture
an open carrier the cat already uses voluntarily
a quiet spare room
a familiar tunnel
a bed on a shelf
space behind a chair

Do not block your cat’s established hiding places before you leave.

Tell your sitter where your cat normally hides so they do not assume the cat is missing.

The sitter should still be able to confirm the cat’s welfare without having to pull them out.

A nervous cat may choose to remain hidden while food, water, and litter are handled.

That choice should be respected.

Read 5 Essential Cat Care Tips Every Owner Should Know for more advice about hiding and resting spaces.

Window watching

A secure window view can provide visual interest.

Your cat may watch:

birds
people
leaves
traffic
neighbouring cats
changing light

But window watching is not relaxing for every cat.

Some become frustrated or agitated when they see unfamiliar cats outside.

Watch for:

tail lashing
growling
repeated vocalising
pacing
scratching at the glass
redirected aggression towards another pet
spraying or marking near the window

Close the curtain or limit access when the view creates stress.

Never leave a window open unless it is securely designed and approved for safe cat access.

Tilted windows can also create serious trapping hazards.

Your sitter needs clear instructions about which windows may be opened and which must remain closed.

Safe toys your cat may use alone

A toy is only suitable for unsupervised use after you have watched your cat use it safely.

Possible options include:

a solid ball too large to swallow
a ping-pong ball
a robust toy mouse without loose parts
a familiar kicker toy
a sturdy tunnel
a securely fixed activity toy
an established puzzle feeder
cardboard boxes without staples or tape
a stable scratching post
a catnip toy your cat has not tried to tear apart

Cats Protection suggests familiar solo toys such as ping-pong balls and catnip toys while warning against leaving string available.

Check every toy for:

loose stitching
exposed stuffing
detachable eyes
damaged bells
loose feathers
split plastic
frayed fabric
sharp edges

Remove damaged items rather than hoping they will last until you return.

Toys that need supervision

Some of the best cat toys require a person at the other end.

These include:

wand toys
fishing-rod toys
ribbons
toys containing long string
feather teasers
toys with small attachments
toys dragged along the floor
anything the cat is likely to shred

Blue Cross advises putting fishing-rod toys away after play because cats may become tangled in the string or swallow pieces of fabric.

Read Blue Cross advice on playing safely with your cat.

During a visit, a sitter may use a familiar wand toy for a short play session.

The toy should then be placed securely out of reach.

Allow your cat to catch the toy during play.

Constantly preventing the catch may create frustration.

Keep the session brief and stop when the cat loses interest.

What not to leave unattended

Put these items securely away:

wool
yarn
ribbon
string
elastic bands
hair ties
tinsel
fishing-rod toys
wand toys
toys with loose feathers
plastic bags
damaged fabric toys
small bells
loose batteries
thin cords
unstable climbing structures
toys your cat tries to dismantle

Also check the home for non-toy hazards, including:

blind cords
charging cables
medication
cleaning products
lilies and other toxic plants
open washing machines or tumble dryers
breakable decorations
unsecured windows
food packaging
sewing materials

Do not rely on the sitter discovering a hazard after you have left.

Prepare the home before departure.

Rotate familiar toys rather than buying too many

Cats may lose interest when every toy remains available all the time.

You can create variety without changing the whole environment.

Before travelling:

Choose a small selection of safe, familiar solo toys.
Put the remaining toys away.
Leave written instructions showing which toys may be rotated.
Keep supervised toys in a separate, clearly labelled place.
Ask the sitter to put every supervised toy away after use.

Rotation may make familiar objects feel more interesting.

Do not leave a mountain of toys across every room.

The aim is choice, not clutter.

Simple homemade enrichment

You do not need to buy everything.

Safe homemade ideas may include:

an empty cardboard box
dry food placed in an open egg box
several pieces of food in separate sections of a muffin tin
a paper bag with the handles removed
loosely scrunched paper balls
cardboard tubes containing a small amount of dry food
several boxes arranged as hiding places

Remove:

staples
tape
plastic
string
handles
sharp edges
small pieces your cat may swallow

Test every homemade activity while you are at home.

Some cats shred cardboard without eating it.

Others swallow pieces.

Homemade does not automatically mean safe for unsupervised use.

Enrichment for nervous and rescue cats

A nervous cat may find new objects more worrying than enriching.

Keep things familiar.

Use:

existing beds
existing scratching areas
familiar toys
known food
normal feeding places
established hiding spots
a predictable visit routine
quiet interaction

Avoid:

rearranging furniture
filling the room with new toys
moving food and litter unnecessarily
blocking hiding places
repeatedly approaching the cat
pulling the cat out
forcing play
asking visitors to search for the cat

Your sitter can sit quietly nearby and allow the cat to choose whether to approach.

Treats may be placed at a comfortable distance when the owner has approved them.

Do not use food to lure a frightened cat into unwanted handling.

Enrichment for senior cats

Older cats can still enjoy playing, searching and observing.

They may need activities adapted around:

arthritis
reduced eyesight
hearing changes
dental problems
cognitive changes
reduced stamina
medication
difficulty jumping

Helpful adaptations include:

low platforms
steps towards a favourite resting place
shallow puzzle feeders
food within easy reach
horizontal scratching boards
warm beds
several nearby water points
shorter play sessions
non-slip surfaces
stable climbing equipment

Do not place food high up simply to encourage an older cat to exercise.

Your cat should not need to make a painful jump to access food, water or a comfortable bed.

A sudden change in play, movement, appetite or behaviour needs veterinary advice.

Enrichment for kittens

Kittens are active, curious and more likely to investigate unsafe objects.

They may also:

climb curtains
chew cords
swallow small items
become tangled
dismantle toys
enter cupboards and appliances
squeeze through small gaps

Kittens generally need more supervision and more frequent care than a settled adult cat.

Use:

sturdy balls
cardboard boxes
stable scratching posts
short supervised wand play
simple food searches
toys specifically sized for kittens
several safe sleeping places

Do not leave string, ribbon or toys with small detachable parts available.

My kitten feeding and sitting service provides home visits based around feeding, litter, play, routine and welfare checks.

Enrichment in multi-cat homes

Not all cats automatically want to share.

Provide separate resources where possible.

That includes:

feeding stations
water points
puzzle feeders
scratching areas
litter trays
beds
hiding places
elevated resting areas
play with the sitter

One cat may control access without an obvious fight.

Watch for:

staring
blocking doorways
guarding a feeder
chasing another cat away
one cat eating all the food
a cat waiting until the room is empty
reduced litter-tray use
hiding
overgrooming
spraying

Feed cats separately when necessary.

Do not place one puzzle feeder in the middle of the room and expect several cats to share it.

Your sitter needs clear instructions about which cat eats what and where.

A separate cat feeding station may help organise the feeding area, although physical separation may still be necessary in some homes.

What a cat sitter can add?

A cat sitter can do far more than refill a bowl.

Depending on the cat and the agreed visit, enrichment may include:

refreshing a puzzle feeder
supervised wand play
placing several pieces of food for a short search
rotating familiar toys
checking the scratching post and cat tree
opening access to an agreed room
quiet company
grooming when the cat enjoys it
sitting nearby while the cat observes
putting supervised toys away
checking for damaged equipment
noticing changes in behaviour

The sitter should not insist on playing with every cat.

Some cats benefit more from a calm person who respects their space.

I base my cat-sitting visits in Finchley on routine, patience, low-pressure interaction and the instructions agreed before you leave.

Recommended cat-enrichment products

You do not need every item on this list.

Choose products that suit your cat and home.

Cat puzzle feeder

Useful for:

cats who enjoy searching for food
slowing some dry-food meals
encouraging gentle problem-solving
adding variety to familiar feeding

Check the recommended cat puzzle feeder on Amazon

Start with an easy setup and never rely on an unfamiliar puzzle for your cat’s full meal.

Stable scratching tower

Useful for:

scratching
stretching
climbing
observation
resting

Check the cat scratching tower on Amazon

Measure the available space and check stability before allowing your cat to use it.

Cat water fountain

Some cats appear to prefer moving water.

A fountain can be useful, but it must be tested in advance.

Check the cat water fountain on Amazon

Never make a fountain the only water source while you are away.

Leave ordinary water bowls as backups because pumps, filters and power supplies can fail.

Cat feeding station

A feeding station may help organise bowls and contain some spills.

Check the cat feeding station on Amazon

Food and water do not always need to be placed together. Many cats prefer their water away from their food, and litter trays should be kept separate from both.

You can browse my wider cat-sitting kit and recommended pet products for feeding, water, litter and home-care equipment.

Preparing the home before you leave

Complete this check at least several days before departure.

Food

Measure enough food.
Label portions where helpful.
Test puzzle and automatic feeders.
Write clear feeding instructions.
Explain which treats are allowed.
Leave extra food for delays.

Water

Provide more than one water point.
Clean bowls and fountains.
Test pumps and filters.
Leave ordinary bowls as backups.
Tell the sitter where spare filters are kept.

Litter

Clean the trays.
Leave enough litter.
Provide a scoop and waste bags.
Keep tray locations unchanged.
Add extra trays where your cats already use them.

Enrichment

Remove unsafe toys.
Check scratching posts and towers.
Leave only tested solo toys available.
Put supervised toys in a labelled place.
Explain how puzzle feeders work.
Tell the sitter which activities your cat enjoys.

Safety

Secure windows.
remove toxic plants.
put medication away.
secure blind cords.
close appliances.
remove string, ribbon and elastic bands.
check doors and cat flaps.
leave the carrier accessible.

Care information

Write down the normal routine.
include veterinary details.
provide an emergency contact.
identify hiding places.
list medication.
explain normal appetite and litter habits.
say how often you want updates.

My guide to what to leave for your cat sitter provides a complete preparation list.

During warmer weather, also use my summer cat-sitting checklist.

Signs your cat may not be coping

A change in behaviour may be easy to miss when a cat spends much of the visit hiding.

Ask your sitter to monitor:

appetite
water intake
litter-tray use
vomiting
diarrhoea
movement
breathing
vocalisation
hiding
grooming
interaction
use of normal resting places

Possible signs of stress or illness include:

refusing food
eating much less
hiding more than usual
overgrooming
toileting outside the tray
repeated vocalising
aggression
pacing
vomiting
diarrhoea
seeming weak
difficulty moving
changes in breathing

Do not assume a behavioural change is simply caused by missing you.

Cats often hide illness.

Your sitter should have clear instructions about when to contact you, your emergency contact or your veterinary practice.

When to contact your vet

Contact a vet promptly when your cat:

stops eating
repeatedly vomits
has persistent diarrhoea
struggles to urinate
repeatedly enters the litter tray without producing urine
has difficulty breathing
collapses
appears weak
seems painful
becomes suddenly confused
swallows string, ribbon or part of a toy
suffers an injury
behaves very differently from normal

Difficulty urinating can be an emergency, particularly in male cats.

Do not wait until the owner returns.

Leave your sitter:

the veterinary practice details
insurance information
an emergency contact
written permission covering emergency treatment where appropriate
the cat carrier in an accessible place

Frequently asked questions

How can I keep my cat entertained while I am away?

Provide familiar scratching, climbing, hiding, resting and observation opportunities.

You can also use a tested puzzle feeder and leave several safe solo toys available.

Arrange regular visits so a sitter can supervise play, rotate toys and check your cat’s welfare.

Can I leave my cat alone with toys?

Only leave toys your cat has already used safely.

Avoid string, ribbon, wand toys, loose feathers, small attachments and damaged toys.

Check every item before departure.

Are puzzle feeders good for cats?

They can be useful for cats who enjoy searching and working for food.

Start with an easy version and use part of the normal food allowance.

Do not rely on a new or difficult feeder for your cat’s entire meal.

Should I buy new toys before going on holiday?

You can buy them in advance, but test them well before you leave.

Do not introduce several unfamiliar toys on departure day.

What toys should a cat sitter use?

A sitter may use familiar wand, chase or feather toys under supervision.

These toys should be put away securely after the play session.

Can I leave string toys out for my cat?

No.

Cats may become tangled or swallow string.

Fishing-rod toys, wool, yarn and ribbon should only be used under supervision and stored securely afterwards.

Can cats become bored when left at home?

Cats may have unmet behavioural needs when their environment provides few opportunities to play, scratch, climb, hide or explore.

Suitable enrichment can help, but it does not replace care and welfare checks.

Should I leave the television or radio on?

Some cats are accustomed to background sound.

Others prefer quiet.

Only leave it on if it is already part of your cat’s normal routine.

Do not introduce loud or unfamiliar programming for the holiday.

Is window watching good enrichment?

It can be interesting for some cats.

However, seeing unfamiliar cats outside may frustrate or stress others.

Monitor your cat’s response before deciding whether to leave access available.

How many toys should I leave out?

A small selection of familiar, safe toys is usually enough.

Ask the sitter to rotate them rather than covering the home with toys.

Is a cat tree worth buying?

A stable cat tree may provide climbing, scratching, hiding and resting opportunities.

Check the dimensions, stability and ease of access for your individual cat.

Should a senior cat use a puzzle feeder?

Possibly.

Choose a shallow, easy feeder and place it within comfortable reach.

Speak to your vet if your senior cat has mobility, dental, dietary or cognitive problems.

It is usually better to provide separate feeding and enrichment resources.

One cat may block another from accessing the food without an obvious fight.

Can a water fountain replace water bowls?

No.

A fountain may fail or lose power.

Leave several ordinary water bowls as backups.

Does enrichment replace a cat sitter?

No.

Toys cannot provide fresh food and water, clean litter, notice illness or arrange veterinary help.

How often should a sitter visit?

It depends on your cat’s age, health, routine, social needs and medication.

Read How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit? and discuss your cat’s individual needs before booking.

Is home cat sitting better than a cattery?

Many cats prefer to remain in familiar surroundings, particularly when they are nervous, older, or strongly attached to routine.

Other cats may suit a well-run cattery.

Read Is Cat Sitting Better Than a Cattery? for a balanced comparison.

Cat Care Advice in Finchley
Cat Sitting in Finchley
Leaving Cats Alone Overnight
How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit?
What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter
Cat Sitting Kit
Is Cat Sitting Better Than a Cattery?
5 Essential Cat Care Tips
How to keep indoor cats happy
Summer Cat-Sitting Checklist
Dog and Pet Products I Use and Recommend
Best cat products when you travel

Cat Sitting in Finchley

If you are going away, I provide calm, in-home cat-sitting visits across Finchley and nearby areas.

Visits can include:

feeding
fresh water
litter care
approved medication
supervised play
quiet company
simple enrichment
basic home checks
photographs and updates

I follow the routine your cat already knows.

I do not force interaction with nervous cats or expect every cat to play.

Find out more about cat sitting in Finchley or contact me to discuss your cat’s care.

Final thoughts

Keeping your cat safely occupied while you are away is not about buying the largest cat tree or leaving a toy in every room.

Start with what your cat already enjoys.

Keep familiar scratching, hiding, climbing and resting areas available.

Test puzzle feeders before travelling.

Remove string and damaged toys.

Leave several water sources.

And arrange reliable visits from somebody who will notice when something is not right.

The best enrichment is not necessarily the most complicated activity.

It may be a familiar cardboard box.

A short game with the sitter.

A small portion of food in an easy puzzle.

Or the freedom to stay in a favourite hiding place without being disturbed.

Keep things calm.

Keep them safe.

And keep the routine as familiar as possible.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general cat-care and product information. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Choose toys and feeding equipment according to your cat’s age, health, diet and behaviour. Contact your vet promptly if your cat stops eating, struggles to urinate, swallows part of a toy or shows any sudden change in health or behaviour.