Providing enrichment for your cat can be done easier than you may think. Our job as a pat parent is to make sure that the home we share with our feline friends is a health and safe place that provides both comfort and enrichment to their world. Cats do need mental stimulation just like humans and dogs to maintain brain health and happiness.
Following is a list of ways that you can provide mental stimulation and physical activity for your best friend.
- Grow and maintain non-toxic kitchen herbs. These can be two-fold. Your cat can nibble and enjoy their scent. And you can snip some herbs for your favorite recipes.
Examples of non-toxic herbs are basil, dill and rosemary. All are very beautiful in color and fragrance.
- Arrange household furniture to create somewhat of an obstacle course for them. Cats love to climb or jump on high surfaces so why not great a trail/route that gradually leads to higher levels. For Example, a chair that has it’s back near a bookshelf or high table. The cat can then jump to the chair and then on top of the next piece of furniture. Here he can rest and perch. He will be able to watch his surroundings from a different level and position. The jumping and climbing will provide great physical exercise for him.
- Do you have boxes to break down for the trash? Why not create a fort or castle for your cat instead. A box tower or tunnel is a great way to create a structure for your cat to climb in or zip through. This is your time to get creative.
- Bring in an outdoor object from time to time. This is a great way for your cat to learn about what is going on outside and to stimulate his sense of smell and taste. Examples would be a branch, bark, plant matter, rocks, fresh leaves. Just be sure that whatever you bring in is non-toxic
- Either provide or build scratching posts for your cat
- Hide and seek games are great fun for cats. Fold or crumble a towel and hide cat treats in the folds and creases. You can do the same with a paper bag or an empty paper towel roll.
- Install or set up an outdoor bird feeder where your cat can sit and view the many visitors. What a great source of entertainment.
There is no doubt that these tips for enrichment will be very satisfying for your cat. They will also be a source of great entertainment for you as you watch your cat interact with activity. ENJOY !!!!