Did you know there was an International Cat Day? Well, there is… and even though it may not be as popular as say, Christmas, cat owners take this holiday very seriously. So seriously in fact, that this year, Chris Poole did what any devoted cat owner should do.
He created the mother of all mazes for his two cats, Marmalade and Cole.
Constructed out of 50 cardboard boxes, the maze also includes some treats hidden along the way and because some of the boxes are also open across the top, Marmalade and Cole can jump around the maze as they please, should they tire of going through the cut-out holes.
See? I told you this was the mother of all mazes!
Watching this video, it’s not too hard to see why his cats love him; some of his YouTube viewers even ask Chris if he’d be willing to adopt them… assuming they reincarnate as cats, of course!
There’s also quite a few comments acknowledging Chris as the “best cat owner” EH-VA! And we have to agree… I mean, the cats DO look like they’re having a good time and let’s be honest… anytime you can keep a cat’s attention for that long, you know you’re doing something right!
Now, in case you think that Chris went a little overboard, experts say this kind of play is actually very healthy for your feline friends.
Cats are naturally playful and inquisitive – even into adulthood – so it’s essential that they have plenty of activities to choose from. “Cats like having something to do,” says ASPCA animal trainer, Kristen Collins, CPDT, and giving them activities can keep them from finding other ways to entertain themselves, such as sharpening their claws on your favorite chair.
Stimulating activities can also help prevent cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a form of cat-dementia that can be as debilitating for your pet as it is for humans.
And as “stimulating” cat-entertainment goes, Chris’ cardboard maze definitely fits the bill!
Cats love to explore and this maze gives them the perfect opportunity to discover something “new,” even if it is in the middle of the living room. They’re also extremely good hunters and while your cat may enjoy the ease with which you feed them, allowing them to hunt for food – as Chris did with his hidden treats – is a great way to stimulate the mind.
So, not only is Chris’ maze a fantastic token of his affection for Marmalade and Cole, it’s actually helping them live a longer, happier life!
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