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Giving your cat an enriched life

Cats are intelligent, curious creatures, which means they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. We call this ‘cat enrichment’.  Let’s take a look at the different ways you can enrich your cat’s life.

What is enrichment for your cat?

Cat enrichment activities stimulate their natural instincts – from play to social interactions. Even mealtime can be an enrichment opportunity!

Why is it important?

Cat enrichment is crucial for your furry friend’s well-being. It helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, gives your cat problem solving skills, and can even keep them occupied during nail trims and grooming. Just like us, cats need to be kept busy! You want your cat to be mentally sharp and physically active so they’re healthy and happy. 

Opportunities to give your cat an enriched life

If you’re looking to deepen your bond with your furry friend, enriching their life is the way to go. TEMPTATIONS™ cat treats are one way, but the opportunities are truly endless!

Their environment

Cats love watching their surroundings from above, so a cat tree or shelves they can climb are always a hit. Give your cat plenty of perches and hiding spots – just make sure your delicate items are secured. A dedicated window spot means your cat can birdwatch too. 
New textures and scents can also keep things interesting. Rotate their toys and add cardboard boxes or paper bags for them to explore. You might be surprised by how much they love these. 

Their playtime

Cats need playtime, otherwise they might get the zoomies to burn off that extra energy(open in new tab). Interactive toys like feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders will stimulate their hunting instincts.
Switch up the toys to keep things fresh and incorporate regular play sessions into your routine to give your cat something to look forward to. Even just 10-15 minutes a couple of times a day can make a huge difference. 

Their socialisation

Social interaction(open in new tab) is another way to keep your cat mentally stimulated. Spend quality time with them in cat enrichment activities they enjoy; whether it's cuddling, brushing, or playing. The company of another pet can also enrich their day, but make sure to introduce any new animals slowly and carefully. 
If your cat is comfortable with it, consider taking them outside on a leash for some supervised exploration. This can be a fantastic way for them to experience new sights, sounds, and smells. Remember a roaming cat can be harmful to Aussie wildlife(open in new tab), so always keep them on a leash if you let them outside. 

Their mealtimes

Cat enrichment can also come from mealtimes! Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys are a simple way to slow down their eating and provide mental stimulation. Another fun enrichment activity is hiding TEMPTATIONS™ cat treats around the house to bring out their natural foraging instincts.

When you add cat enrichment activities into their life, you’ll start to see your cat become more engaged and playful. Cute! 
 

For more tips on making your cat’s life the most fun it can be, take a look at our cat care blog.

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