What is feline enrichment and why is it important?

Enrichment provides outlets for mental and physical stimulation in ways that allow animals to express their natural, species-typical behaviors. The goal of enrichment is to improve an animal’s quality of life, making it like hobbies for humans. Consider hobbies that people engage in, such as reading, running, and cooking. Now consider why we enjoy those hobbies – for fun, to relieve stress, to exercise our bodies, to challenge our minds, and to socialize with friends. A life without hobbies would lead to boredom, frustration, and depression. Having “hobbies” is just as important, enriching, and beneficial for cats. 

The domestic cat breeds we see today are still similar to their ancestor, the African wildcat. This is a part of why feral cat populations are able to thrive with no help from humans! The close genetic and behavioral similarities to their wildcat ancestors mean that our feline friends, no matter their breed, inherited certain needs (to scratch or climb, for example) that we can support with enrichment. 

Enrichment provides appropriate outlets for otherwise “inappropriate” behaviors. Cats without hobbies are much more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors (e.g., scratching, excessive meowing, litterbox issues, etc.) because they are trying to find outlets for their energy or anxiety. For example, scratching is a natural and necessary feline behavior for reducing stress and marking territory. Enrichment is providing your cat with a scratching post to fulfill that need in a way that doesn’t involve scratching a couch or chair. Enrichment provides solutions to meet the needs of our cats, leading to a richer life for them and less stress for us. 

When it comes to enrichment, here are some concepts to keep in mind: 

  • Some boredom is okay. Giving our cats ample opportunities for enrichment is important for their well-being, but this doesn’t mean they need to be entertained and occupied at every moment. Getting rest and learning to relax is also essential! 
  • Variety is beneficial. As humans, we often choose a few hobbies and rotate them – otherwise, we risk our favorite pastimes becoming boring. The same goes for our cats; a variety of favorite mental and physical outlets keep them engaged and challenged. Trying something brand-new every once in a while, is fun too. 
  • Trial and error is normal. Your cat is unique and may not like the same things as other cats. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize enrichment for your cat and its individual needs. For example, maybe trying a different food is key to your cat loving their lick mat, or make a new activity easier before they can figure it out on their own. Enjoy the process of discovering what your cat loves and what motivates them. 
  • Trade-offs are expected. Sometimes enrichment activities can take extra time, require financial investment, or create a mess to clean up. While this may feel like a burden, keep in mind that receiving enrichment might be your cat’s favorite part of the day! By embracing the process, we create opportunities to bond with our cat and share its joy. 
  • Safety is the priority. Always supervise your cat during enrichment activities to keep them safe especially when the activities are new and you’re not sure how your cat will respond. If you live in a multi-animal home, be aware of potential resource guarding that can occur over new, exciting activities or items. Separating your animals while giving them enrichment keeps everyone happy and safe. 

When it comes to enrichment, there are many ideas you can try. Below are some of our favorite feline enrichment categories and activities. Whenever possible, try to provide your cat(s) with a variety of activities between and within these different categories of enrichment. 

Sign up for our upcoming Enrichment Basics for any Budget in-person class

Sniffing

Sniffing is an important way for cats to gather and interpret information about the world around them, making it a very mentally stimulating activity. 

You can harness your cat’s sniffing abilities by hiding treats around the house for them to find, mimicking their hunting instincts!  

Sniffing Ideas

Chewing

Chewing is a predatory instinct for cats, and it can act as a productive outlet for boredom and anxiety! 

Playing with the chewing object first can help grab your cat’s interest and satisfy their need to first catch their “prey” before they begin to chew.  

Chewing Ideas

Licking

Licking can be a soothing, repetitive activity that reduces anxiety for cats. Since cats expend time and energy licking, this activity can also reduce boredom. If your cat is finishing their licking enrichment quickly, consider freezing it!  

There are many options when it comes to what to lick. Consider items like store-bought liquid cat treats, wet food, pumpkin, tuna juice, unsweetened yogurt, bone broth, meat flavored baby food, plain meat that’s been blended, etc. Experiment to discover what your cat loves! 

Licking Ideas

Puzzles

Puzzle toys engage cats mentally by giving them a chance to solve problems, which reduces boredom and anxiety. To prevent frustration, make sure to choose a puzzle that is the right level of difficulty for your cat and only increase difficulty when they have regularly been successful at the easier level.

Puzzle toys help a cat tap into their hunting instincts, which builds confidence and improves digestion by slowing down eating. Some cats may “work” for their kibble, while others may only be motivated by higher value treats!

Puzzle Ideas

Play

Playing mimics natural hunting behaviors, making it a great physical outlet and a way to release stress or frustration.  

Playing with your cat strengthens the bond between you, resulting in improved trust and communication.  

Play Ideas

Hiding and Climbing

Hiding and climbing are instinctual needs that help cats feel safer in their territory and provide physical stimulation. Feeling in control can greatly reduce stress. 

In a multi-cat home, it is crucial to have an abundance of hiding/climbing options, so they are able to take breaks from each other and feel safe.

Shredding Ideas

  • Give your cat a carboard box or paper bag (remove handles first) to hang out in!  
  • Get a tunnel or make a blanket fort for your cat! 

Scratching

Scratching is an instinctual behavior that helps cats relieve stress and anxiety, mark their territory, stretch, and maintain their claws.  

Try giving your cat access to different scratching textures, and know that some cats prefer either horizontal or vertical scratching. Put scratchers in many, easy to access spots around the home – especially near areas they are scratching in an undesirable way! 

Digging Ideas

Experiences

Exposing your cats to new things can be a great way to provide variation from their normal routine and engage them mentally and physically (if they are not showing signs of stress, discomfort, or overstimulation). 

These experiences also serve as a bonding opportunity for you and your cat, increasing trust and communication.  

Experience Ideas

  • Window bird feeders or Cat TV (be sure to end these types of activities with a play session where your cat can catch their “prey,” to avoid frustration).