Cat enrichment is a solid way to ease any stress and boredom your feline friend may be experiencing. Similar to how puzzles challenge us, feline enrichment lets your cat work their brain while also having a blast.
As with enrichment for all animals, it can help with a wide variety of behavioral issues including inter-cat aggression, destruction, anxiety, arousal, overgrooming, retreating to isolation, hyperactivity and litter box issues, It can also assist with overeating, loss of appetite and depression. Enrichment and activities are also great for a cats' health both psychologically and physiologically.
There are different ways that you can encourage enrichment for your cat.
The Senses - helps in kickstarting all of your cat’s senses
- Sight: Create a cozy spot near a window for your cat. Add bird feeders and plants outside to invite birds, butterflies, and bumble bees. DVDs and online videos featuring birds, squirrels, fish, and small animals can offer entertainment.
- Sound: The use of DVD's and online videos will also cover this sense but you can just open the windows so your cat can hear nature sounds outside- particularly the birds. Some toys have sound chips that are activated during play.
- Smell: Introducing pet-friendly plants into the house, such as lemon grass or silver vine will allow your cat to experience natural smells. You can also us a drop or two of catnip spray on a toy or old towel for your cat to investigate,
- Taste: Food puzzles and licking mats aren't just for dogs and can be used just as effectively for cats. Lickimats can be used for feeding a main meal or smear some pastes on them to make a tasty treat. There are some that mimic the typical cat hunting process, capturing a moving "prey" and then enjoying their reward. Some are still but need problem-solving and coordination to access the food.
- Touch: Offer your cat different surfaces to scratch and rub on, varying in texture, size, and shape.
Play: Regular playtime is essential for your cat's well-being, helping to reduce stress and frustration. The average adult cat should enjoy about 30 minutes of playtime daily, broken up into short sessions. Make sure at least half this time is spent with interactive play with you.
Environmental: Ensure your cat has different spots to perch, hide, scratch, and climb at home. Offer a range of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures to keep them entertained and engaged.
Social: Even though they may seem more reserved than dogs, cats also enjoy spending time with their humans. Remember to make time each day for grooming and cuddling your feline friend, and maybe even teach them a new trick or two!
