Cat Enrichment Program
Why is Enrichment Important?
Daily enrichment is important for cats to have a creative outlet and mental exercise, as well as choice and control regarding how they spend their time. Cat enrichment refers to activities, objects or environments that stimulate a cat’s physical and mental well-being. Implementing a variety of these enrichment activities can help prevent boredom, reduce stress and promote a cat’s overall health and happiness. A lack of stimulation can lead to boredom or even aggression. The goal of enrichment is to provide stimulating activities and an environment that supports their natural instincts and builds confidence. It makes cats feel comfortable and safe, and helps us learn about their individual personalities.
Behavior vs. enrichment: Enrichment enhances overall well-being, while behavior modification targets specific behaviors for improvement.
Enrichment should be different each day, providing a novel experience for your cat. It should be a positive experience for the cat, challenging them and building resilience.
A cat’s enrichment is tailored to their needs based on factors like age, diet, medical needs, behavior and personal preference. A successful tailored enrichment program provides:
- Safety, predictability and consistent, positive interaction with humans
- Easy access to resources
- Personal space and vertical territory
- The choice for a cat to interact, avoid or hide
- Play/exercise opportunities & sensory stimulation
More Behavior & Enrichment Resources
5 Categories of Enrichment
Social
Items like a mirror, other animals, visitors, plush toys/look-alike
Cognitive
Novel experiences or items offering mental stimulation
Physical/Habitat
Objects that allow perching/climbing, substrates, a nest/den, visual barrier or moving furniture
Sensory
Tactile, olfactory, taste, auditory or visual stimulation
Food
Safety Considerations
When offering enrichment, it’s important to observe the cats’ interactions and ensure that you do not create danger, injury, frustration or fear. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can this cause injury to the animal or other pets (entrapment of a body part, ingestion, lodged in mouth or suffocation)?
- Does your cat have physical or medical limitations? Is your cat geriatric or a kitten, diabetic, injured or on a special diet?
- Can it aid in an escape to an area the animal should not have access to?
- Will it cause blockage to another area, door, litter box, food or water?
- Will it cause damage to your home?
Enrichment Impact on Shelter Cats
Being around our shelter cats five days a week has put me in a unique position to get to know each cat and their personalities and quirks. Since the enrichment program has started, I have definitely seen a shift in the happiness and well-being of each cat that comes through the door. Overall, our cats are friendlier and more confident, they engage in play sessions and are open to anyone who comes into the rooms. We have seen our shy kitties come around at a much quicker pace. Many of the anxious and fearful cats come out of their shell faster because our dedicated staff and volunteers make sure these cats are enriched and happy. Before the program, it would take some cats months to show any behavioral improvement. Now, most of them improve in weeks! This can drastically reduce the length of time they spend in the shelter.
– Kelly C, Animal Care Technician
While Cat Care Society has had a small-scale enrichment program in the past, our partnership with KONG has inspired something more comprehensive for both our staff and the cats. It has been so fun to build a program that targets improved mental stimulation, exercise and socialization for cats in the shelter, as well as for adopted cats. We want to see cats expressing their natural behaviors while also strengthening a bond with humans. The enrichment program has also supported our efforts with cats who need behavior modification. I am so excited to see how the program continues to grow and the impact it will have on our community!
– Sonia H, Foster & Behavior Supervisor
Cat Care Society’s Behavior & Enrichment program is sponsored by KONG.
Open Hours
Tues–Weds: Closed
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