From their low maintenance requirements to their affectionate nature and sometimes crazy antics, cats make wonderful companions for people of all ages. While cats that live strictly indoors are protected from outside dangers (like predatory animals, disease and traffic), their access to natural stimulation can be limited. Outdoor kitties, while exposed to these dangers, have access to a world of mental and sensory stimulation that continually engages them. Research has shown that a static environment with little change in surroundings can create mental, emotional and physical problems for indoor cats. Environmental enrichment is essential for an indoor cat to thrive.
Why do indoor cats need environmental enrichment?
Daily environmental enrichment helps cats satisfy their natural instincts, keeps their bodies active, their minds sharp and prevents unwanted behaviors. Cats living in a static environment can develop negative behaviors or health problems.
Research shows that there is an undeniable relationship between stress, physical health and emotional health. Chronic stress has been shown to significantly impact a cat’s health, weakening their immune system and predisposing them to various illnesses. For example, stressful environments can lead to urinary tract disease in cats, which in turn can lead to unwanted behaviors such as urination outside the litter box.1 Boredom can lead to overeating, resulting in weight gain and obesity. Stress also affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system responses, which can lead to compromised immune and endocrine function. Other potential problems and symptoms include:
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Mental and emotional distress: Cats can become anxious, depressed or stressed. Symptoms of stress and anxiety in cats can include hiding, over-grooming, excessive vocalization and aggression.
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Physical health problems: Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and obesity, which in turn can lead to other health problems such as joint problems, diabetes and even cancer.
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Destructive behavior: Boredom and frustration can lead to unwanted behaviors (scratching furniture, chewing objects) to release pent-up energy.
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Aggression: Stress and frustration can lead to aggressive behaviors such as hissing, swatting and biting.
What are ways to provide environmental enrichment for cats?
The goal is to provide activities that keep your cat mentally sharp, physically active, and emotionally fulfilled. Enrichment activities encourage natural behaviors that satisfy a kitty’s natural instincts and keep her entertained. The idea is to create an environment that encourages exploration, problem-solving, and natural hunting behaviors.
Monitor your cat’s behavior while introducing enrichment activities. Let the cat determine the timing and duration of the activity. In doing so, you are enhancing the cat’s perception of control. Tailor the activities you start with to your cat’s unique personality and preferences. A shy cat might prefer quiet, solitary activities like a new cardboard box or cat cave, while a more playful cat might love interactive play sessions.
There are many ways to accomplish this. Ideas for enrichment include:
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Interactive playtime: Toys that mimic the movement of prey, such as feather wands, laser pointers, or motorized toys are fun activities that cats enjoy and engage the pet parent to play along, resulting in a stronger bond between animal and human. Other ideas include balls inside a box or bathtub, and catnip-filled toys. Make sure your toys have varied textures. These activities replicate the stalking, chasing and pouncing behaviors they would exhibit in the wild. For stress-free fun, be sure to allow your kitty to “catch” the toy occasionally to avoid frustration.
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Puzzle feeders mimic the challenge of hunting, engaging in a kitty’s mind and satisfying their natural predatory drive. These feeders can also slow down eating and promote healthy digestion.
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Scratching posts and cat trees/furniture fulfill a cat’s urge to stretch their paws, mark their territory and sharpen their claws. Scratching behavior maintains claw health and is a form of visual and pheromonal marking. Scratching posts using materials such as sisal-covered posts or real bark-covered logs may appeal to some cats because they allow the cat to hook its claws in the material. Since cats more often stretch after rest or sleep, place the scratching post in frequently visited areas of the home and in proximity to preferred resting places.
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Vertical space: In addition to cat trees, other vertical spaces with shelves and perches allow cats to explore different heights and feel more in control of their environment (thereby reducing stress). Window perches for backyard or wildlife observation (especially if a bird feeder is just outside the window) can entertain a cat for hours.
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Cat-safe plants, herb gardens and grasses provide sensory stimulation and can help avoid undesirable chewing. Catnip is an obvious choice, but certain other herbs can help lower a kitty’s stress level and encourage them to engage in their environment if anxious or depressed. Owners can rub tuna juice or wet cat food on plants and grasses to spark curiosity and chewing. A variety of individual herbs can be spread out all at once to allow your cat to self-select what they like.
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Rotate toys and environments: Switch out toys and rearrange cat furniture regularly to keep things novel and maintain interest. Create new hiding spots around the house for fresh experiences.
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Catios: A Catio, or cat patio, is an enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to safely experience the outdoors without the risks of free roaming. Catios come in various sizes and designs from small window boxes to large custom-built enclosures that extend into a yard.
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Training and clicker training: Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained to perform simple tricks or behaviors using positive reinforcement techniques.
Cats need physical and mental exercise and entertainment to thrive, and stimulation is one of the most important things you can do as a dedicated pet parent. By encouraging natural behaviors through toys and games, cats are allowed to tap into their instincts in a safe and controlled environment. The importance of mental enrichment for a cat cannot be overstated. Improved physical health, boosting confidence, and strengthening the bond between a cat and their “person(s)” is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental need that needs to be considered and met by loving cat parents.