10 Simple Enrichment Ideas for Cats

Enrichment is really important. It’s a way to make your cat’s life more interesting and keep them out of trouble. Everybody needs a hobby! Enrichment is a fabulous thing to offer your cat –and it doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. 

Here are some things we do for the cats at Pasado’s Safe Haven that may make your cat happy, too. Keep in mind that the best enrichment for your cat are the activities they most enjoy. And not all enrichment is appropriate for all cats. 

1) Ditch the bowl. Offer your cat their meal in a food puzzle or snuffle mat.  

2) Use your toilet and paper towel rolls. Place a couple treats or kibble inside, fold the ends, and toss this to your cat for a fun, quick, safe game.  

3) Bring the outdoors in. You are keeping your cat indoors for their safety, but you can bring safe scents and textures inside for them to explore: grass, fall leaves, snow, and cat safe plants and flowers. Some safe choices for cats include gerbera daisies, roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, catnip, and wheatgrass. You can grow fresh herbs inside for your cat as well. See ASPCA’s list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic for cats here. 

4) Cat tv or calming music for cats. Leave the television on so your cat can enjoy watching birds and squirrels while you are out or play music made for cats. 

5) Cat target training. Use a pair of chopsticks, a spoon, or a wooden dowel. Count out 10 treats or 10 pieces of kibble if your cat is very food motivated. When your cat touches their nose to the target, say “Yes!” and follow quickly with a treat placed in front of them. Be ready the first time you present the object, when your cat is almost certain to sniff. As you play this game more often, slowly move the target further away. Watch this video: Target Stick Training for Cats.

6) Here a bag, there a box: Leave paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes out for your cat to explore. Put them up in your cat’s favorite places. Hide treats or new smells (catnip, outdoor leaves) inside for your cat to find. 

7) Five minutes of wand toy play. Play with your cat. This is a great just before bed activity. Or, anytime! Especially if your cat asks politely, reward this! 

8) Hide hard treats or kibble in some of your cat’s favorite places (and the places you like your cat to spend time) for them to find. Don’t forget your cat’s carrier! 

9) Catnip roller. Sprinkle catnip on a hand towel. Then, roll the towel up with the catnip inside. The cat will unroll the towel to reveal more catnip. 

10) Cat meditation or doting. Turn off the tv, put away your phone, and just sit quietly loving your cat for 3-5 minutes. Or, if you like, you can read aloud to your cat. They will love to have your undivided attention. It’s time well spent!