Feline Enrichment: Practical Ways to Keep Your Cat Active and Calm 

Environmental and mental enrichment are important aspects of feline well-being. Cats are designed to work at getting their food by hunting for prey, using physical exercise and many of their senses. Domestic life has shortened mealtimes and reduced these outlets, so without opportunities to expend mental and physical energy, cats can become bored. Feline enrichment ideas are almost endless and can help your cat stay mentally and physically fit. 

Ideas to Get You Started 

Interactive feeding – Provides an outlet for mental and physical energy; extremely beneficial for anxious cats as it redirects nervous energy into a mentally enriching task and floods their system with feel-good hormones.

Food foraging – Hide little pieces of their daily ration around the house. Try a snuffle mat and bury dried kibble within it so they can use scent to find their meal.

Food puzzles (bought or homemade):
a) Make a puzzle feeder from a clean plastic drinks bottle. Stab holes in the side (large enough for kibble to fall out), add dried food, replace the lid; as the cat rolls the bottle, food should fall out.
b) Help them at first and don’t make it too difficult. Start easy so they can practise without frustration; increase difficulty as they learn.

Provide opportunities to drink water – Some cats like running water (e.g. fountains or a slow tap). Offer several water stations in different receptacles; avoid plastic bowls (can taint water). Cats prefer to drink some distance from their food station.

More Enrichment Ideas 

• Visual stimuli – Can provide hours of fun and mental stimulation.
• Bird feeders – Place outside a window for viewing, but avoid frustration; monitor for signs such as aggressive outbursts.
• Cat TV – Use carefully so the imagery does not cause frustration, aggression, or fear.
• Appeal to scent – Cats have an excellent sense of smell designed for hunting and detecting odours/chemical messages.
• Scratching opportunities – Cats like to deposit familiar scent; scratching exercises limbs and sharpens claws. Provide posts, boxes, or sisal mats (vertical and horizontal). To encourage desired locations, use Feliway Scratch.
• Catnip (Nepeta/Cat Mint) – Grow fresh or offer dried/toy forms; it’s safe. Not all cats respond, and some become highly charged, so monitor behaviour.
• Pheromones – Feliway Classic sprays/diffusers (synthetic F3 facial pheromone) convey “happy messages”, enriching reassurance and security.
• Climbing opportunities – Climbing provides exercise and elevated viewpoints for security.
• Cat towers – Choose designs with ledges and hide-outs.
• Shelving and furniture – Tops of wardrobes, cupboards, and bookcases make great look-outs; add bedding for resting.
• Raised garden platforms – Give aerial views of territory; site away from bird feeders.
• Hide and explore – Encourage curiosity.
• Cardboard boxes – Great for exploring and hiding; act as retreats and play spaces.
• Paper bags – Ideal for investigating, hiding, and playing.
• Play – Provides physical and mental enrichment; fun to watch.

Even More Ways to Play and Explore 

• Interact with your cat – Use cat rods, ribbons, or roll balls; scrunched paper/foil are cheap toys and the sounds can entice play.
• Encourage independent play – Prevents over-attachment (especially for indoor cats). Fur-lined and mouse-sized toys support predatory play. Offer a range of toy types and rotate regularly to prevent boredom.

Allowing Indoor Cats to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely 

• Leash walking – If positively trained to harness/lead, this can provide safe outside exercise. Allow choice about where to go; avoid public places (cats are socially selective). A safe, secure garden is best.
• Garden enclosures (catios) – Provide secure outdoor areas. Use safe, sturdy materials; site in a private location; add nooks/hiding spaces. Watch for any signs of anxiety.

Things to Think About 

• Choice – Don’t force or coerce. Give space/time to interact or use enrichment devices; learn their preferences.
• Health and safety – Check home-made and shop-bought items are robust with no loose parts that could be ingested or wedge in the airway.