Many of us keep our precious kitties indoors-only, for their own safety. However, unless we take specific measures to create a stimulating indoor environment, they're at risk for a different kind of threat: boredom.

Boredom is fast becoming a major cause of various behavior and health problems for cats. Some cats may display signs of stress and take up destructive behavior patterns; others may just become more sedentary, often gaining weight as a result.

You see, cats were meant to chase birds and mice, climb trees and generally enjoy the lifestyle of a small nocturnal mammal. Granted, this kind of lifestyle exposes felines to many dangers including cars, dogs, coyotes, nasty humans, diseases and parasites from ingested prey. I am by no way or means suggesting that you should let Kitty outside to save her from the woes of boredom, but here are some ideas that may help you create a more stimulating environment right in the safety of your home.

^{Disclaimer: The product illustrations in this article are curtsey of Amazon - please use the links in the bottom to get to the product page on their site.}

Create more space for your cat by providing an intricate combination of shelves, boxes and perches in various heights. Buy or build a cat gym of sorts to meet your Kitty's athletic desires, making sure it is solid and stable.There is a huge variety of ready-made cat gyms and cat trees, some fairly large, and many are modular (like the Feline Furniture castle shown in this image), so you can construct the right piece that fits into your living room.

A good selection of cat toys can be a source of entertainment and exercise for your cat. There is a variety of cat toys available, such as fur mice, colorful balls, fishing rod type toys, laser pointers and elaborate interactive games. You may have to test and see which toys your cat prefers. Here's a tip: Keep toys away from reach in a special toy box, bringing out 2-3 different toys each day, in rotation. This way toys retain their novelty and you get more playtime out of them.

Try to make time for a regular daily session of interactive playtime, where you and your cat play together. Initiate games using fishing rod types toys, or just use an attractive furry toy tied up to a string.

Your role in the game is to simulate the movement of prey with the toy. Let Kitty chase the pretend mouse or bird for a while, allowing for successful captures every now and again. Play for as long as your cat keeps up interest, which is usually up to ten minutes. Then reward Kitty with a yummy treat (and have one yourself, YOU did well!)

This herb has a very special effect on many cats. It literally gets them "high" and it's perfectly legal too. If your cat reacts to catnip, keep a stash at home, well hidden and out of reach, and every now and again, sprinkle some catnip on the floor. Watch your cat roll in it and having a good time. Just be careful when you hold the catnip jar! As soon as Kitty gets a whiff of the stuff, you may be surprised at how high they can jump to get it!

Even if you live in an apartment, unless it is way high up, you can probably provide Kitty with a great view from one of your windows. Your street may seem dull to you at times, but your cat is more than likely to take an interest in animals outside, people passing by or just the elements of nature. A window shelf perch is the perfect solution, as long as you make sure it is properly and securely screened. Check out the the picture here - it's the kind that lets your cat sit on the outside of the window, with a full view in to all side (product link available at the bottom of this page).