It's World Animal Enrichment Day! Here Are Some Ideas For Bored Cats

Nov 12, 2024

World Animal Enrichment Day is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the importance of mental and physical stimulation for pets. For cats, enrichment can be especially beneficial, as it caters to their natural instincts, reduces stress, and supports a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, incorporating a variety of enrichment activities into your cat's daily life can improve their happiness, health, and overall well-being.

Here are some fun, effective enrichment ideas to help keep your feline friend engaged and content.

1. Interactive Toys

Cats are natural hunters (RIP to my toes under the covers) so toys that allow them to "stalk" and "catch" and mimic their instinctual behaviors are essential. Look for toys like feather wands which imitate the movement of the bird's they'd catch for food in the wild, or small motorized prey-like toys. Interactive toys are a great way to encourage exercise and help build a bond between you and your cat.

DIY Tip: Create your own wand toy using a string and feathers, or tie a crumpled piece of paper to a piece of yarn for endless fun. Make sure to supervise play with strings and yarn and always put them away--they can be a serious choking hazard to cats.

2. Food Puzzles

Cats are curious by nature, and food puzzles can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Food-dispensing toys encourage cats to think, solve problems, and get a bit of exercise as they work to access their treats or kibble.

DIY Tip: Cut holes in a plastic bottle, fill it with treats, and watch your cat paw it around to release their reward. If your cat is a picky eater or has a sensitive stomach, homemade cat treats might be right up your alley (cat). The BoneItUp® Homemade Cat Treats Kit is an all-in-one kit with recipes, molds, spatula & fun cookie cutters--purrfect for making healthy and delicious kitty treats.

DIY food puzzle made from an egg carton, via Carrie Pawpins Cat Sitting

3. Climbing Structures and Cat Trees

Cats are natural climbers - and offering them some "vertical space" in the form of a cat tree or other climbable surface, like shelves, is a great way to give your cat a safe place to call their own. It really expands their kitty real estate, so to speak, especially if you have other animals (like a dog) or small children! Offering your cat a tree which they can retreat to when they want some alone time will help them be more at ease in their own home.

Plus, it has the added benefits of opportunities for exercise, play, and (of course) napping.

Cat trees aren't the only form of vertical space - cat shelves, or even just clearing out a spot on a windowsill for your cat to sit and watch the outside world from someplace bit higher up are all wonderful ways to give your kitty some vertical space.

DIY Tip: You can create a "cat climbing wall" by mounting shelves at various heights. Place a cozy bed at the top to give your cat a view of the entire room.

The Jungle Gym Cat Tree 2.0 features five unique levels, each ideal for cats of all ages and abilities.

4. Scratching Posts

Fish have to swim, cats have to scratch!

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it’s essential for their mental well-being as well as their physical health. Why? Scratching is not only a way for cats to relieve tension and stress, it's also a form of communication to other cats (and animals) in the household. Scratching is a visual marker of HEY! THIS IS MINE! Cats also have scent glands on their paws, and each time they scratch they leave their scent behind to get the message across loud and clear!

Offer various scratching options, such as sisal-covered posts, cardboard scratchers, and carpeted posts, to keep your cat happy and your furniture intact.

DIY Tip: An old piece of carpet or a wooden board covered with sisal rope can make a fantastic budget-friendly scratching post.

5. Sensory Enrichment

Stimulating your cat's senses is another excellent way to enrich their environment. For instance, you can introduce new scents and different textures through toys, blankets, or rugs. Window perches for outdoor viewing, lick mats for tasty treats, catnip for a stimulating scent, and chirping toys are all excellent options to boost your cat's sensory enrichment. Catnip-filled toys are a great choice to add some new "scentsations" into your cat's environment as the catnip also stimulates and encourages your cat to play.

Be sure to rotate out your cat's toys! Just like humans, cats can get bored with the same toys, no matter how fun they are.

DIY Tip: Try hiding treats or toys in boxes filled with tissue paper or crinkly paper for your cat to dig through.
You could also build a little indoor "cat grass" patch filled with fresh cat-safe grass.

By Bertux - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

6. Hide-and-Seek and Hunting Games

Engage your cat’s hunting instinct by hiding treats or toys around your home. Cats love the thrill of the hunt, and this game provides both mental and physical exercise. Plus, it's a great way to keep them occupied if you’re out for the day.

If your cat is on a diet, try placing their portioned food in different locations to make them have to seek it out, instead of treats!

DIY Tip: Use cardboard boxes or paper bags as hiding spots for treats, or cut small holes in a cardboard box to create a little "hunting" arena for your cat.

7. Training and Tricks

Yes, you can train a cat! Clicker training and positive reinforcement are great ways to teach your cat simple commands or tricks. Not only is this a fantastic way to mentally stimulate your cat, but it also strengthens the bond between the two of you.

Quick Trick: Start with something simple like a high-five or learning their name. Use treats or their favorite food as a reward.

Incorporating enrichment activities into your cat’s daily routine can greatly enhance their happiness and health. World Animal Enrichment Day is a reminder that even small efforts—like introducing a new toy or rearranging their play area—can have a positive impact on your cat's life.