Cat enrichment: What’s it all about?

One of the five welfare needs of animals is to be able to exhibit natural behaviours. For cats, this means climbing, hunting, hiding, and stalking.  

Good cat enrichment helps pet cats explore their natural instincts, keeping them healthy and happy.  

You don’t need to buy new cat toys or expensive items to provide varied enrichment activities for your cat.  

They will get as much pleasure from a cardboard box as from an expensive cat tunnel! When it comes to cat enrichment in the home, the only limit is your imagination.  

Try to stimulate their senses and think of ways to facilitate their natural behaviours.  

Here are some of our favourite examples:  

Playtime 

In the wild, cats hunt various small prey such as mice or birds. Notice the way your cat interacts with their toys; do they prefer to sneak and chase toys dragged along the ground or leap into the air to catch them?  

Cats usually like to play in short bursts throughout the day. Swap out toys as you play with them to provide variety and get to know their favourite games. Fishing rod style toys are good for mimicking mice and birds, but a ball of scrunched up tinfoil or newspaper can be equally fun.  

Be careful not to give your cat anything they could swallow and regularly check their toys for signs of wear.  

Food puzzles  

Food puzzles are a great way to stimulate your cat’s brain and help them eat more slowly if they’re a scoffer!  

These can be easily DIY-ed by poking holes in an empty toilet roll or by filling an empty egg box with some kibble.  

Licky mats are another simple way to vary your cat’s mealtimes and provide entertainment for a hungry cat. 

Scent and sight enrichment  

Have you ever noticed your cat doing a bit of a ‘sniff inspection’ of the shopping as you unpack it, or making a little ‘ekek’ noise as they watch birds outside the window?  

Cats are curious about their environment and it’s important to give them opportunities to explore it. This is especially true for indoor cats who experience less variety in their day-to-day life.  

Stimulate their sense of smell with catnip toys or by simply opening the window to let them hear the birds and sniff the air – watch they can’t climb out onto the roof though!   

Environmental enrichment 

Cats like to climb and hide. Make sure your cat has access to resting spots where they can perch up high and look down over the room. This could be a cat tree or even creating space for them to hop up onto tall cabinets. Just make sure it’s sturdy and secure for them!  

Also ensure your cat has small dark dens to hide away in. A cardboard box with a hole cut in its side makes a fantastic makeshift den.  

Cats have a natural desire to maintain their claws by scratching. Spare your soft furnishings by giving them a scratch post or rough surfaces for them to dig their claws into. 

Social enrichment  

Cats may have a reputation for being a little aloof, but they need quality time with their owners.  

Spending time playing with your cat, grooming their fur and cuddling is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy.  

Need more inspiration?  

Enrichment activities don’t have to involve new toys and treats – check out some great DIY cat enrichment ideas here.