Skip to main content

4 fun things to do with your cat this fall

Fall is such a wonderful season, full of cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and fun activities like pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating. While your cat might not be able to accompany you on those outdoor activities, there are still plenty of fun things to do with your cat this fall.

Both you and your cat can enjoy these activities safely, and they can all be done entirely inside, perfect for those indoor-only cats. If you’re getting into the fall spirit and want to spend some special time with your cat, too, consider adding these feline-friendly activities to your to-do list this autumn.

Related Videos
Woman feeding a longhaired cat a treat

Have a fall-themed photoshoot

Plan to get some fall-themed photos of your cat and you together. You can hire a professional pet photographer to come to your home, and many photographers will bring fall-themed props if you plan for the shoot. A pet photographer will have the equipment and skill needed to capture great photos of your cat, even indoors.

If you can’t afford a professional, you can still have a fun photoshoot with the help of a family member or friend. Gather some props, like pumpkins and fall leaves, and then set up a photoshoot area in your home. Pay attention to your background — look for a spot that’s clean and minimally distracting. Set up so that the light is in front of your subject — don’t set up right in front of a window — and consider adding lights behind the photographer to help you get the perfect shot. Give your cat some treats or toys, and then start taking plenty of photos.

Watch a scary movie

Fall, particularly as we creep up on Halloween, is the perfect time to watch scary movies. Your cat can join you, too. Round up some of your favorite scary movies, grab a cozy blanket, and head to the couch. Chances are, your cat will snooze on your lap through most of the movie, so just try not to jump too badly!

Not a horror movie fan? Then wait for a rainy fall day when it’s too chilly to go outside and watch a more relaxing flick with your cat.

Jack o lanterns with a face and cat carving

Carve a pumpkin

Pumpkin carving is another fall tradition you and your cat can enjoy. Sure, your cat might not help with the carving, but he’ll probably be pleased to inspect what you’re doing and check out the pumpkin innards.

Consider using your cat as inspiration for your pumpkin. You could carve a cat face into the pumpkin, or if you’re feeling ambitious, try to carve out an entire cat body. A stencil kit will help.

Enjoy a taste of fall

One of the best parts of fall is all the fabulous flavors and foods that come into season. Now is the perfect time to enjoy some of those great tastes with your cat.

If you make a food that’s pumpkin flavored, like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin muffins, you’ll probably be working with canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is a delicious food for cats, and it’s healthy for them, too. Canned pumpkin is loaded with fiber, which can help relieve digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea. It’s also highly nutritious for cats.

You and your cat can enjoy pumpkin flavor together. Just be sure to give your cat only a bit of canned pumpkin, and never pumpkin pie filling, which has additional spices and ingredients. If you do introduce pumpkin to your cat, give him just a little bit each day. Give him only the pumpkin out of the can, never something that you’ve added butter, sugar, or spices, too, since this could upset his stomach.

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy some quality time with your cat. You’ll need to do a little planning for each of these activities, but they’re all affordable options that can keep you and your cat entertained for a few hours. You don’t even have to go outside, so they’re an  ideal choice for cats who are indoor only. Spending special time with your cat is a great way to bond with him even more, and you’ll make some valuable memories, too. Who knows — maybe you’ll find your new favorite fall tradition in one of these fun activities!

Editors' Recommendations

Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more
Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more