Cat Enrichment

Enrichment is the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something. Enrichment gives animals a creative outlet for physical activity and mental exercise, as well as choice and control over how they spend their time.  

 All cats need mental stimulation, but it is especially important for indoor cats. Without proper stimulation there is a greater risk for behavioral problems such as urinating and defecating outside the litter box, anxiety, eating disorders, attention seeking, aggression, self-injury and compulsive disorders like excessive grooming and scratching.  

By providing environmental enrichment it can increase activity, decrease mental stagnation and prevent many behavioral issues. Providing your cat with enriching experiences and activities will help them stay psychologically and physiologically healthy. 

Some examples of enrichment for your cat would be: 

1. Foraging/searching for items.

This can be accomplished by the “Peek-A-Prize Toy Box for Cats”. This toy lets cats “capture” their toys by fishing them out of strategically placed access holes For food-motivated cats, drop kitty treats into the toy box for your cat to retrieve Sturdy construction and cat-friendly design 

peek a price cat enrichment

2. Scratching at their environment.

This can be harmful to your furniture so you can accomplish this behavior with a “Bootsies 3-in-1 Scratcher” This scratcher is fibrous and durable sisal material that naturally inspires scratching. Perfect for conditioning nails. It can be placed on the floor, hung it from a door, or mounted directly on the wall. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent the scratcher from damaging hardwood floors or doors. 

bootsies 3-in-1 scratcher

3. Chase with a toy.

Cats are very agile and love to jump and run around to chase after their “meals” aka toys. This is great exercise and can be accomplished using the “Go Cat Cat Catcher”. 

 

Go cat cat catcher

Cats will get bored with a toy after a while, so it is important to provide only a few toys at a time on a rotating basis to keep your cat’s interest. CherryBrook.com and AnimalRescueSite.com have a large variety of items for purchase that will provide stimulation and enjoyment for you and your feline friend.