Your cat is scratching up the furniture and bouncing off the walls. You know he's bored, but you can't play with him right now. How can distract him so you can get some work done? You might have a fascinating new cat toy right there at your desk! There are several free or nearly-free video games specially designed to entice a cat and hold their attention, that you can download to an iPad or a phone.
Lifehacker has a roundup of several downloadable games for cats with descriptions of each. These games will allow him to virtually hunt mice, catch fish, play with feathers, or just go crazy for a virtual laser light, among other activities. Cats can see flatscreens well, although you may have to turn the room light down to get his attention. Just be sure you have a screen protector on your device. Limiting screen time for a cat is not a big deal, since they don't have to get up early in the morning to catch the school bus.
(Image credit: Julian Eduardo Albornoz Torres)