Living room balance beam for cats: how to play

An indoor obstacle course built from household items. You lure your cat over, under and through the obstacles with a highly desirable toy or treat.

Time: 10 min
Energy: Low
Space: A room

You'll need

household items for obstacles
a highly desirable toy or treat

Set up

Choose a handful of household items and set them out in your home as an obstacle course. Keep the toy or treat your cat wants most in your hand before you start.

How to play

Set out your household items in a line or loop so there is something for your cat to go over, under and through.
Take the toy or treat your cat wants most and hold it just ahead of your cat's nose.
Move the lure slowly so your cat follows it over, under and through the obstacles, one item at a time.
Run the route again if your cat is still following the lure. When your cat stops following, put the lure away and end the session.

House rules

The lure leads: a highly desirable toy or treat, moved just ahead of your cat.
Never push, lift or hurry your cat over, under or through an item.
Some cats will not take to a course at all. If yours walks off, leave it and try another activity.

Make it easier: Use the toy or treat your cat wants most and set out fewer items, so the route is short.
Make it harder: Set out more household items, so the route is longer and your cat has more obstacles to go over, under and through.

Signs it's having fun

Your cat follows the lure over, under and through the items and comes back for another round. If your cat shows no interest, this activity may not suit them.

Stop if you see

Your cat walks away, refuses an item or stops following the lure. Not all cats enjoy this activity; end the game and try a different idea.

Safety

Kitty-proof the room first: secure unstable furniture such as bookcases before your cat starts moving around the course.
Cats can be injured in falls, so keep the route on the floor rather than sending your cat up onto furniture or shelves.
Stop if your cat backs away or refuses an item. The lure is an invitation, not a push.

Sources

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

Games for cats →

Game · 5 min

Cardboard box steps for cats: how to play

Turn a few cardboard boxes into levels for your cat to explore, climb and hunt treats in, rewarding each small step on the way.

Game · 8 min

Cat tower sprint for cats: how to play

An active climbing game on a tall, sturdy sisal tower: warm your cat up with a wand toy around the base, then let them power up the post to scratch at full stretch and stretch out at the top.