Cat Enrichment 101

Every kitty has their own special unique purr-sonality, and that’s why we love them so much! Some may adore snuggling up on your lap and socialising with guests, and some shyer kitties prefer their own company and independence. Yet, as self-sufficient as they may seem, cats thrive when their physical, emotional and mental needs are met - like all of us! 

When it’s set up with them in mind, your catto’s indoor environment can be equally as enriching and complex as an outdoor environment! This involves making sure they’re mentally stimulated and have opportunities to perform their natural cat behaviours.

So let's unravel the secrets to creating an enriching environment and action-packed life for our beloved feline friends!
 

Hiding spots

 

 

Cats love any kind of toy they can hide inside - just like us, they sometimes need privacy and time out, especially when they’re feeling anxious or it’s nap time. You can purchase tunnels, heated or covered beds and cubbies, but many low-maintenance cats will be purrfectly content playing in a cardboard box! You can even tape multiple boxes together and cut out a door and windows to build them the cat mansion of their dreams. Pop some nice bedding in, and regularly give them food, toys and treats while they’re inside to make it feel like home. 

🐱🐱 Cosy hiding spots allow kitties in multi-cat households to have their own private space! Make sure there are more beds than there are cats (so at least three beds for two cats) so everyone has access to at least one cosy, special spot of their own.

Why do cats love cardboard boxes? 

 

Scratching posts

 

 

Giving your cat something to scratch is essential so they’ll keep their claws at a healthy length and mark their territory (and your couch isn’t at risk of being destroyed). Scratching posts should be as high as possible so that your furry pal can scratch at full stretch - otherwise, a scratching panel can be attached to a wall if you’re tight on space. 

🐱You can create your own cat scratching toy by stacking thick cardboard and then squeezing it into a box to create a cardboard scratcher or using carpet samples stuck onto a board.

Learn how to make some fun cat-scratching toys here, and join this Facebook group for even more DIY cat hacks!

 

High spots 

 

 

Giving your feline friend some spots where they can get up high and look down upon their minions means they can satisfy their natural climbing instincts, check out their surroundings and have a special place to rest and get away from everyone when needed. A cat tower is a great idea, or make sure they have access to high shelving or cupboards they can hop onto. Just make sure the surface is non-slip, has no breakables on it, and they have another lower surface they can jump down onto so they don’t get stuck!

Why do cats love knocking things over?

🐱🐱 In multi-cat households, cats use vertical space to cope with social stress and separate themselves from their feline roommates, which reduces hostile interactions.

 

Food & water

 

via GIPHY

 

Simply put, when it comes to food: make them work for it! 

Two meals a day in your cat’s bowl at predictable times makes things su-purr dull for your catto.  Instead, divide their meals into smaller servings throughout the day and create a foraging trail with treats around the house for them to reduce frustration and boredom. Use food to help your cat live a fun-filled, happy life by tossing dry food pieces across the floor for them to catch (if they’re inclined to do so!) 

You can also keep your cat busy by purchasing puzzle feeders to give their brain a workout, requiring them to ‘solve’ a puzzle to release the food in small amounts slowly. Start on easy mode first, and make sure they know how to use it! Sprinkle some dry food around the puzzle feeder to encourage interest in the device, and to help your cat make a connection between food and the puzzle feeder.

You can even make their water more exciting by providing a fountain instead of a boring bowl - most cats prefer drinking flowing water. 

 

Brain games & entertainment

 

 

Keep switching up the toys your kitty has access to keep things exciting. It can also take some trial and error to work out which type of toys your cat likes to play with the most.

To satisfy your feline pal’s hunting urges, you can try playing with toys that elicit these behaviours, which will be inherently rewarding. Cat toys like balls, stuffed mice, wands, and feathers will provide them with visual sensory enrichment, not to mention hours of fun! 

 

‘’My cats Bowie and Penny Lane like playing with the most obscure items that you’d never consider - put a bottle cap on the edge of a high table and kick back! They love interacting with us humans - they’re obsessed with their feather wand toy, and it’s an excellent bonding opportunity.’’

- Laurel, PetRescue team member and cat mum

 

Create your cat’s very own TV by placing a bird feeder outside your window - hours of entertainment are guaranteed! Popping their bed on a windowsill or treating them to a special cat window seat will ensure they can sit back and relax while watching the world go by.

 

 

Is your smart kitty cat in need of something a little more challenging? You can use treats to train them - you can teach them to come when called or give you their paw using treats. Start slowly by making sure training sessions are only 1-2 minutes long and always end on a positive note.

 

Check out Jackson Galaxy’s awesome cat training tips here!

__
 

Welcoming a new kitty into your home? Check out some essentials and how to cat-proof your home. 

Read more about introducing a new cat to your other pets here. 

Could your catto be experiencing separation anxiety? Boop here.

 

Furr-ther reading:

It's Cat Play: Fun Feline Enrichment - Fear Free Happy Homes

Enrichment Ideas, Activities and Products for Indoor Cats - Best Friends

7 Enrichment Ideas For Your Cat - RSPCA VIC

Making Your Home Cat Friendly - iCat Care

Enrichment Tips For Cats - SPCA

5 Tips For Introducing A Puzzle Feeder To Your Cat - SPCA

 

 

Thanks to our friends at Pet Circle if you enquire about a pet via PetRescue, you can get $25* off when you spend more than $50 on pet supplies and a free Vet Pet Plan. Learn more.

PetRescue and Pet Circle are working together to create a better world where every pet is safe and loved as a valued member of the family.