Cat person
I bought a lovely new cat bed. Guess who is sleeping in the box it came in?
BatCat host
The box has clearly passed a very thorough inspection.
Cat person
The bed is now holding all his toys. At least someone is using it.
BatCat host
A surprisingly efficient storage solution. What has your cat claimed lately?

Life with cats

The morning meeting

When your cat appoints themselves head of breakfast.

Read conversation

Cat person
Every morning there is a paw on my shoulder just before the alarm.
BatCat host
Your breakfast supervisor is extremely punctual.
Cat person
He disappears again the moment I get out of bed.
BatCat host
Delegation. A key leadership skill. Does your cat have a daily ritual?

The lounge

What are we watching this weekend?

A sofa, a good film and a cat in the best seat.

Read conversation

Cat person
I need a cosy film for the weekend. Nothing too loud: the sofa already has a sleeping resident.
BatCat host
A gentle comedy, a nature programme or an old favourite?
Cat person
An old favourite. Then it will not matter when a tail covers the subtitles.
BatCat host
An excellent viewing policy. What would you put on?

The lounge

A little win worth sharing

There is room here for the good bits of an ordinary week.

Read conversation

Cat person
My small win: I finally found the missing television remote.
BatCat host
Please tell me it was somewhere wonderfully obvious.
Cat person
Under the cat blanket. Along with a toy mouse and one sock.
BatCat host
A complete household inventory. What was your little win this week?

Care & behaviour

The favourite quiet corner

Every cat seems to have a place that is entirely theirs.

Read conversation

Cat person
The quiet chair by the bookcase has become the official afternoon spot.
BatCat host
A good view of the room, with very little interruption.
Cat person
I now read in the other chair. Apparently that was the arrangement all along.
BatCat host
It sounds like the seating plan is settled. Where does your cat choose to unwind?

Care & behaviour

Watcher, pouncer or toy collector?

A conversation about the different ways cats enjoy play.

Read conversation

Cat person
One cat chases the toy. The other watches with the expression of a very strict referee.
BatCat host
The referee may be taking notes for a later performance.
Cat person
He carries the toy away after everyone else has finished.
BatCat host
A collector, then. Which description best fits your cat?

BatCat tips

The calendar habit that sticks

Little reminders are easier to find when they live together.

Read conversation

Cat person
I am trying to keep the cat's dates out of the family shopping list.
BatCat host
The Calendar is a useful place to put a reminder where you can find it again.
Cat person
That would beat my current system of a note that says 'remember the other note'.
BatCat host
A memorable system, if not an especially searchable one. Which reminders would you keep together?

BatCat tips

One little note, a better handover

Remembering the ordinary details when someone else is helping.

Read conversation

Cat person
When someone else is looking after the cat, I always forget to mention the little routines.
BatCat host
A short care note can keep the important details in one place.
Cat person
First note: the favourite toy is behind the chair, not lost.
BatCat host
And the chair belongs to the cat. What would be first on your handover list?

Member conversations

Read the latest contributions here, or sign in to start your own conversation.

Make & create.

Ten practical starter guides. Clear steps, simple materials and comfort first.

Illustrated guides · No special kit needed

Hide & relax

10 min setup · Easy

The cardboard hideout

Turn a spare box into a quiet retreat your cat can explore by choice.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Clean, roomy cardboard box
Familiar washable blanket
Scissors for an adult

Give it a go

Remove staples, tape, labels and loose packaging.
Lay the box on its side with a wide, unobstructed entrance.
Add a flat blanket and place the den in a quiet floor-level corner.
Let your cat discover it; leave the entrance clear.

Keep it comfortable

An adult handles cutting. Remove the box if chewed, damp or damaged.
Never put your cat inside or disturb them when they retreat.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Why cats love boxes ↗

Reuse a box and blanket

Build & explore

15 min setup · Easy

Two-box exploration tunnel

A short, open-ended cardboard route for curious explorers.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Two large clean cardboard boxes
Scissors for an adult

Give it a go

Remove all fasteners, tape and packing material.
Open both ends of each box fully; fold flaps outside the route.
Place the boxes end to end on a non-slip floor, without stacking.
Offer the route with both exits clear and watch your cat choose.

Keep it comfortable

Supervise; remove unstable or chewed cardboard. An adult handles scissors.
Use generous openings; do not squeeze your cat through or block an exit.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

PDSA: Homemade toys for cats ↗

Reuse two boxes

Food puzzles

15 min setup · Easy

The little foraging rack

Make a simple, low cardboard rack for pawing out a few biscuits.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Clean cardboard tubes
Shallow cardboard box
Food from the daily allowance

Give it a go

Lay several tubes flat inside the shallow box so they cannot roll away.
Leave the tube ends open and place a biscuit just inside one.
Show your cat where it is, then let them investigate.
Start near the opening and make it easier if they lose interest.

Keep it comfortable

Use the normal food allowance, not extra meals. Stay nearby and remove if chewed.
No staples, exposed tape or head-sized loops; keep this at floor level.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Make enrichment toys ↗

Reuse clean cardboard

Food puzzles

5 min setup · Easy

Egg-carton foraging tray

An easy first food puzzle with the rewards visible.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Clean, dry cardboard egg carton
Dry food from the daily allowance

Give it a go

Remove the lid and any labels or loose pieces.
Set the base flat and put one biscuit in a few open cups.
Let your cat watch you place the food.
Leave every reward easy to reach; lift it out if your cat struggles.

Keep it comfortable

Discard any carton contaminated by raw egg, dampness or dirt.
Supervise and remove if chewed; count the food within the normal allowance.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Make eating time fun ↗

Reuse a clean carton

Food puzzles

5 min setup · Easy

The easy-open food parcel

A loose paper fold makes a small foraging challenge.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Large sheet of plain uncoated paper
Dry food from the daily allowance

Give it a go

Lay a biscuit in the centre of the paper.
Fold the sides loosely, keeping the food visible through a gap.
Show your cat the opening and let them nose or paw at it.
Open the parcel further if the reward is hard to reach.

Keep it comfortable

No staples, tape, string or plastic. Supervise and remove paper if chewed.
Use ordinary food allowance; never seal the reward inside.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Make eating time fun ↗

Use plain paper

Toys & play

5 min setup · Easy

The big paper dribbler

Make a lightweight ball for a gentle floor game.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Large sheet of plain uncoated paper
Clear, non-slip floor

Give it a go

Scrunch the whole sheet into one loose ball larger than your cat could swallow.
Keep it free of tape, string and small decorations.
Roll it gently across a short, clear stretch of floor.
Let your cat catch it, or leave it still for a cautious first sniff.

Keep it comfortable

Stay with the game; discard the ball if shredded, wet or small enough to swallow.
Stop if your cat walks away; hands and feet are not toys.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Blue Cross: How to play with your cat ↗

Use plain paper

Food puzzles

10 min setup · Easy

Cardboard treat tumble

Build an open cardboard ball with an easy food reward.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Wide clean cardboard tube
Scissors for an adult
Dry food from the daily allowance

Give it a go

An adult cuts four broad rings from the tube and checks for rough edges.
Nest the rings across one another into an open ball.
Place a biscuit inside with a generous gap for it to fall out.
Demonstrate a gentle roll, then let your cat investigate.

Keep it comfortable

Supervise throughout; remove loose rings or chewed cardboard immediately.
Choose a finished size too large to swallow and use food from the daily allowance.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Blue Cross: Make your own enrichment toys ↗

Reuse a cardboard tube

Toys & play

10 min setup · Easy

The soft sock kicker

Give an odd sock a second life as a supervised cuddle-and-kick toy.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Large clean sock without loose threads
Clean fabric offcuts

Give it a go

Inspect the sock and choose soft filling without buttons, elastic pieces or zips.
Pack it lightly with fabric and tie the open end securely.
Offer it on the floor and let your cat sniff before playing.
Inspect the knot and fabric after each game.

Keep it comfortable

Supervise; remove at once if fabric frays, the knot loosens or filling appears.
Do not attach string, bells or beads. Let your cat choose whether to engage.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Homemade enrichment ideas ↗

Reuse clean fabric

Hide & relax

10 min setup · Easy

A quiet corner, made theirs

Arrange a calm floor-level resting spot using things you already own.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Familiar washable blanket
Quiet, dry floor space

Give it a go

Choose a spot away from busy walkways and noisy appliances.
Lay the blanket flat with an easy approach and exit.
Keep food, water and litter resources separate rather than clustering them here.
Watch from a distance and let your cat decide when to settle.

Keep it comfortable

Do not enclose the cat or use heaters, hanging fabric or scented oils.
Keep the spot accessible; adapt the location if your cat avoids it.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: A cat-friendly home ↗

Reuse a familiar blanket

Toys & play

10 min setup · Easy

The toy rotation basket

Create a simple way to keep familiar toys interesting.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Covered storage box kept out of reach
Several intact cat toys
Paper for a rotation list

Give it a go

Sort toys and discard anything damaged or missing pieces.
Group the remaining toys by type: rolling, kicking and interactive.
Offer a small selection and store the rest out of reach.
Swap the selection later and note which toys your cat chooses.

Keep it comfortable

String and wand toys stay stored between supervised games.
Check every toy before offering; rotate at your cat’s pace rather than forcing play.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

PDSA: How to exercise your cat ↗

Reuse a storage box

Games & training.

Ten ways to explore, learn and play together. Let your cat set the pace.

Times shown are preparation times

Chase & pounce

5 min setup · Easy

The ground-level hunt

Let a wand toy behave like something worth stalking.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Intact cat wand toy
Clear non-slip floor

Give it a go

Move the toy slowly along the floor, away from your cat.
Pause so your cat can watch and stalk.
Let them catch and hold the toy regularly.
Finish while they are comfortable and put the wand away.

Keep it comfortable

Supervise continuously; never leave strings accessible afterwards.
Avoid high leaps, forced chase and hands-as-prey. Stop when your cat disengages.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Blue Cross: How to play with your cat ↗

Use an existing cat wand

Chase & pounce

5 min setup · Easy

Peekaboo mouse

A toy that briefly disappears can make a gentle ambush game.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Large intact soft cat toy
Low cardboard screen

Give it a go

Set the screen on the floor with plenty of space around it.
Slide the toy past its edge, keeping your fingers away from the pouncing area.
Let the toy pause and reappear slowly.
Allow a catch; finish if your cat prefers to watch.

Keep it comfortable

No fingers, feet, loose cords or small detachable parts as targets.
Supervise and remove damaged toy or cardboard; keep movement gentle and optional.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Cats and play ↗

Use a suitable existing toy

Search & discover

5 min setup · Easy

Find the favourite toy

An easy search game that uses a familiar toy instead of food.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Familiar intact cat toy
Accessible floor-level hiding spot

Give it a go

Let your cat see and sniff the toy.
Place it partly in view beside a box or chair leg.
Give them space to investigate without pushing them toward it.
Offer another easy hiding place only if they are still interested.

Keep it comfortable

Keep hiding places at floor level, away from doors and electrical cables.
Supervise; no tight gaps, forced searching or toys small enough to swallow.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

PDSA: Indoor cats ↗

Use a favourite toy

Food games

5 min setup · Easy

The biscuit discovery trail

A few easy finds turn part of a meal into a search.

Read the guide

You’ll need

A few pieces of the usual dry food
Clean, quiet floor area

Give it a go

Set aside part of your cat’s normal food allowance.
Place pieces in plain sight a short distance apart.
Let your cat see the first piece and choose whether to follow.
Collect any leftovers and keep the next trail easy.

Keep it comfortable

Use only food appropriate to your cat’s diet; do not withhold meals to encourage play.
Supervise and separate cats if needed to avoid competition.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Behaviour guide — enrichment ↗

Use food from the normal allowance

Gentle training

5 min setup · Easy

The name game

Practise a calm, positive response to your cat’s name.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Quiet indoor space
Tiny rewards within the daily allowance

Give it a go

Start nearby while your cat is relaxed and interested.
Say their name once in a friendly voice.
Reward a glance toward you immediately.
Pause; try again later rather than repeating the name continually.

Keep it comfortable

Do not wake, startle or restrain your cat for practice.
Keep rewards within the daily allowance; stop if they turn away or become tense.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Responding to a name ↗

Use a small food reward

Gentle training

5 min setup · Gentle progression

Come here, one step at a time

Build on the name game with a tiny indoor recall distance.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Quiet secure room
Tiny rewards within the daily allowance

Give it a go

Begin only when your cat responds comfortably to their name.
From one step away, call once and reward an approach.
Keep the distance easy and finish after a comfortable response.
Increase distance slowly over later sessions, letting your cat choose.

Keep it comfortable

This is indoor practice, not a guaranteed outdoor recall or safety system.
Never punish a slow response; count rewards within the daily allowance.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Responding to a name ↗

Use a small food reward

Everyday confidence

5 min setup · Gentle progression

The open-carrier invitation

Help a carrier become an ordinary part of the room.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Secure, correctly sized cat carrier
Familiar bedding
Optional food reward

Give it a go

Secure the door fully open so it cannot swing shut.
Place familiar bedding nearby; move it inside only as your cat becomes comfortable.
Offer a small reward at an easy distance without luring your cat beyond their comfort.
Leave the door open and let your cat leave freely.

Keep it comfortable

This first activity does not include shutting, lifting or transporting the carrier.
Do not push your cat inside; stop if worried. Food rewards come from the daily allowance.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Cats Protection: Cat carrier training ↗

Use your existing suitable carrier

Gentle training

5 min setup · Easy

Your first clicker game

Introduce the idea that a quiet click predicts a reward.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Quiet clicker
Tiny suitable food rewards
Calm indoor space

Give it a go

Check your cat is comfortable with a soft click at a distance.
Click once, away from their ears, then give a reward immediately.
Repeat only while your cat is relaxed and engaged.
End before they lose interest; every click still earns its reward.

Keep it comfortable

Do not use a clicker that startles your cat or click beside their ears.
Use the daily food allowance and allow your cat to leave at any time.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Blue Cross: Clicker training dogs and cats ↗

Use an existing quiet clicker

Gentle training

5 min setup · Gentle progression

A little high five

Reward a voluntary paw lift, keeping all four paws close to the floor.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Quiet comfortable space
Tiny rewards within the daily allowance

Give it a go

Offer a closed hand holding a reward low in front of a comfortable cat.
Reward even a small voluntary paw lift; never lift the paw yourself.
Once the action is familiar, add a gentle “high five” cue.
Progress to a low open palm only if your cat is comfortable.

Keep it comfortable

Stop if scratching, biting or frustration appears; do not hold the cat or their paw.
Keep food within the daily allowance. Watching or walking away is fine.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

Blue Cross: Teach your cat to high five ↗

Use a small food reward

Chase & pounce

5 min setup · Easy

Gentle floor bowling

Roll a favourite ball for a short, low chase or a single paw tap.

Read the guide

You’ll need

Intact cat-safe ball too large to swallow
Clear non-slip floor

Give it a go

Sit beside a short, unobstructed stretch of floor.
Roll the ball gently away from your cat, keeping it close by.
Wait for a look, paw tap or chase; all count as exploring.
Let your cat catch it and choose whether to continue.

Keep it comfortable

Stay nearby; avoid stairs, slippery floors and high-speed throws.
Adapt to mobility and interest; stop if uncomfortable and ask your vet about exercise concerns.

Original BatCat starter guide, informed by the welfare resources below. Not physically tested or endorsed by those organisations.

PDSA: How to exercise your cat ↗

Use an existing cat-safe ball

Photos & stories.

Small victories, funny habits and the cats behind them.

Every cat has a story.

This is Loui, the cat behind BatCat. Make this space your own with a photo and a few words about your cat.

BatCat introduction · Illustration, not a member upload

Only share pictures you have permission to use. Picture location metadata is removed before storage. New contributions appear after review.

Community

Made for curious cats. And their people.

A box. A blanket.A brand-new hideout.

Five minutes together.A whole lot of fun.

“Does anyone else’scat do this?”

Chat about life with cats

A little cat conversation.

The box is winning

The morning meeting

What are we watching this weekend?

A little win worth sharing

The favourite quiet corner

Watcher, pouncer or toy collector?

The calendar habit that sticks

One little note, a better handover

Member conversations

Make & create.

The cardboard hideout

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Two-box exploration tunnel

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The little foraging rack

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Egg-carton foraging tray

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The easy-open food parcel

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The big paper dribbler

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Cardboard treat tumble

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The soft sock kicker

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

A quiet corner, made theirs

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The toy rotation basket

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Games & training.

The ground-level hunt

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Peekaboo mouse

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Find the favourite toy

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The biscuit discovery trail

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

The name game

You’ll need

Give it a go

Keep it comfortable

Come here, one step at a time

You’ll need

A box. A blanket.
A brand-new hideout.

Five minutes together.
A whole lot of fun.

“Does anyone else’s
cat do this?”