When I first brought home Milo, my ginger kitten, I felt like a guilty parent every time I left for work. He’d watch me from the window, those big green eyes following me all the way down the driveway. I worried he’d feel lonely or bored — and that’s when boredom turns into stress (or shredded curtains).
After some trial and error, I found three things that made all the difference. First was a simple puzzle feeder. It kept his brain busy, and he’d bat at it for ages trying to get the treats out. Second, a little plush mouse that crinkled — for some reason, he treated it like his “baby,” carrying it from room to room. And third, a battery-operated flutter toy that looked like a bird’s feather. That thing was his afternoon entertainment while I was gone.
When I came home, instead of a restless, needy kitten, I’d find Milo sprawled on the couch, sleepy and happy. It taught me that the right toys don’t just keep them busy — they give them comfort, a way to feel secure even when you’re not there.