Enrichment

Like most cat caregivers, you’ve done everything you can to give your cat the best life possible. You provide high-quality food, a clean litter box, veterinary care, and lots of love and affection. But, does your cat seem truly happy or kinda bored? Here’s what you need to know about feline enrichment and how it can make a real difference in your cat’s quality of life.

Much like all domesticated animals, indoor cats need more than just food, a place to sleep, and a clean litter box to have a happy life. Environmental enrichment is extremely important for all animals in captivity, and that includes our feline family members. However, when you think about it, our homes are made to suit our happiness and comfort; they’re not exactly an ideal environment for cats.

According to feline behavioral experts, when a cat’s environmental needs aren’t being met, they often become anxious, stressed, or just plain bored. Although some cats don’t show it outwardly, many develop health and behavioral issues due to boredom and stress, including:

• Excessive isolation or hiding
• Keeping their owners awake all night
• Destroying furniture
• Compulsive grooming 
• Eating too fast and vomiting 
• Overeating and obesity

For some cats, environmental stress and anxiety can also lead to litter box issues such as going to the bathroom outside the litter box. Studies also show that environmental stress can lead to urinary tract issues, such as urinary tract infections and bladder stones.

Providing your cat with an enriching environment that fulfills his instinctual needs is crucial for his mental and physical health. All cats, even indoor cats, are born with a natural drive to stalk, hunt, and roam.

You’ve probably noticed that your cat has extremely sharp senses, such as his ability to move his ears independently to pinpoint sounds with precision accuracy. Or, his amazing vision, even in the dark. And, there’s no question they have an incredible sense of smell… All you have to do is pull out one of their favorite treats and watch them come running from the other end of the house.

Their physical abilities are pretty amazing, too. They can jump up to seven times their height and walk without being heard. They’re super flexible and can change directions on a dime. Even more impressive, their whiskers help them navigate in the dark. With their stealth, speed, and other amazing abilities, it’s clear that they are designed to stalk and hunt prey.

Now, imagine having all of those incredible abilities and not being able to use them. Most indoor cats are sedentary. They eat and sleep for most of the day, but they were actually made to be on the move.

By nature, cats are both prey and predator. Being exposed and having no place to get away or hide leaves them feeling stressed and vulnerable. Make sure your indoor cat has cozy places of his own where he can tuck away, such as a cozy enclosed bed, a cat tree, or shelves he can perch and nap on.

In general, cats prefer avoidance over conflict. They also get along better when they don’t have to share. Make sure there are plenty of litter boxes, resting places, food and water dishes, and scratching posts in different areas of your home.

In nature, cats hunt up to 20 times during a single day and night. Most of their waking hours are spent hunting, so eating from a bowl just doesn’t provide the same fulfillment. They’re meant to eat several small meals during the day, rather than stuffing themselves twice a day. They also prefer to hunt alone, rather than in a group. Providing them with cat puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and feeding balls that dispense food a little at a time provides a challenge and helps fulfill this instinctual need.

Cat’s can benefit from at least 15 minutes of playtime with their favorite human every day. Tossing his toys so he can stalk and catch his “prey” is a great way to fulfill his prey drive. At the end of your play session, be sure to provide some treats to complete his natural stalking, hunting, and catching cycle. 

Cats use their strong sense of smell to hunt for food. They are often sensitive to certain smells, especially citrus scents. Respect their sense of smell by avoiding the use of strong scents in their living space.

Hiding little treats or bits of food around your home will encourage your cat to forage. It also provides mental stimulation and satisfies your cat’s never-ending sense of curiosity and exploration.

If you are away from home all day and you only have one cat, consider adopting another one to provide companionship and stimulation. Although cats do like to have their own space sometimes, they also get lonely and like having someone to snuggle and play with when you’re not home. If you’re unsure how it will work out, talk to your local animal shelter about fostering a cat as a trial run. If it works out, in most cases you can adopt the cat formally and make him a permanent member of the family. 

Cats gravitate toward high places, so make sure there are several elevated areas for your kitty to hang out throughout your home. A cat tree with a hiding spot or two is a great choice if you have room for one. Perches, ledges, or even shelves where he can get up high and are also great options.

Many cats love to just sit and look out the window for hours at a time if there’s something to watch. Create an exciting view for your kitty by putting a bird feeder or birdbath near the window and provide a perch for him to lay on. A fish tank full of colorful fish also offers a great source of entertainment, just make sure your cat can’t knock it over or open the lid to gain access to the fish. If this isn't possible, YouTube offers endless videos for cats if you search for "Cat TV".