Activities and Hobbies You Can Do With Your Cat (That Aren’t Just Watching Them Sleep)

Cats are famously independent, but what about including them in your daily hobbies and activities? Whether you’re looking for creative indoor projects or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to share your time with your cat beyond just watching them nap (as cute as that is). Here’s a list of activities you and your favorite feline can take on together.

Bird Watching

Set up a window bird feeder so you and your cat can bond while watching nature. You could even get matching seats, one for each of you.

Photography

Many cat owners have an incredible number of cat pictures on their phone, myself included. If you’ve been wanting to get into more advanced photography, what better subject than your pet?

Cat Yoga

Learn new yoga poses right from your living room, with your cat supervising, of course. Set out a separate yoga mat so your cat can stretch right along with you.

Painting

Have your cat do their own artwork while you work on yours. All you need to do for their setup is put a mini canvas with some acrylic paint blobs in a securely sealed Ziploc bag. Sprinkle a little catnip on top of the bag, and watch them go to work.

Backpack Walks

Low-key kitties can stay in a cat bubble backpack while you walk around together in your neighborhood or other charming local spots. You get some exercise, and they get to enjoy new sights and smells.

Bike Rides

A cat bubble backpack can also be useful for taking your cat on a bike ride, as long as they’re chill and don’t mind the noise. Cycle around the neighborhood and say hi to the neighbors along the way.

Knitting or Crocheting

This calming activity can be made even better with your cat by your side. Create a little yarn ball that they can play with while you work on your project. Just keep an eye on them so that they don’t swallow any yarn.

Aquarium Care

If you’ve been thinking of starting an aquarium, set one up that you and your cat could watch. You’ll have to take extra precautions for safety, such as securing the lid, filter, and other components.

Crafting Cat Toys

There are plenty of ways to make safe cat toys, including using old socks. When they’re secure and well-made, homemade cat toys made with love can be a fun alternative to store-bought ones.

Building Cat Seats

If you want a hands-on, creative project, construct seats, such as small chairs or loungers, that your cat can use. Should you want to use fabric, consider using secure fasteners that make it easier to remove and wash the cloth when it gets dirty.

Cats often do things on their own terms, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share activities while you learn new hobbies or engage in favorite ones. Spending time together can make even simple tasks more enjoyable.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.