By Pam Johnson-Bennett
The bond between a cat and human is a beautiful, heartfelt expression of love. Our relationship with cats dates back a few thousand years, and yet all too often we still don’t seem to understand our feline friends. As mysterious as it may seem, however, decoding your cat isn’t as difficult as it might seem. In fact, living in harmony with your cat is often as simple as understanding his basic environmental needs. If you’ve ever noticed that your cat sleeps too much, exhibits unwanted behaviors or shows signs of anxiety, chances are your cat’s home habitat may very well require further consideration.
A boring environment can contribute to behavior problems such as depression and anxiety. Cats who are not adequately mentally and physically exercised are also at risk of developing boredom-related or stress-relieving behaviors such as over-grooming, chewing inappropriate items, bullying other pets, retreating into isolation, over-eating and more. Fortunately, there are many ways you can provide a healthy, engaging habitat for your indoor feline, all of which will go far in keeping you cat happy, relaxed and on her best behavior. In turn, you’ll find that your bond will deepen with your cat as you learn how to interpret and provide for her needs and wellbeing!
Born to move
Physically, a cat is an exquisite creature. Your feline has finely-tuned senses. Her ears can move independently and hear sounds that humans can’t. She can pinpoint sound location with amazing accuracy. Her binocular vision has excellent low-light ability and can see in conditions that we consider totally dark. She can detect odors that we aren’t even aware of. A cat can jump 5-7 times her height. She walks on her toes for speed and stealth. She’s incredibly flexible and able to perform lightning-quick directional changes.
Now, imagine having all of these amazing abilities and never having the opportunity to put them to good use! Unfortunately, that is how it is for many cats. They’re brought indoors (for their own health and safety) but are given nothing to do—nothing to challenge or engage their natural instincts. Cats weren’t meant to be sedentary and eat mountains of food. Cats were born to move!
Why environmental enrichment works
First, there’s physical health. If your cat is active she has a greater chance of wellbeing. Her muscles get a good workout, her bones stay strong and she’s more likely to develop a normal, healthy appetite.
Now, let’s look at the benefits you may not be aware of. A cat who has positive experiences usually has more confidence. Fun, safe environment = happy, confident cat. Stressful or boring environment = unhappy, stressed cat. Since cats are sensory driven, if a cat has no tension release, she may come up with one that isn’t beneficial. A common anxiety-relieving behavior is over-grooming. A cat may self-groom to the point that bald spots appear. By providing outlets for energy release, your cat has something to do so she doesn’t need to engage in destructive behaviors.
Studies have shown that when a cat is hunting, a brain chemical called dopamine is released, creating a feeling of eager anticipation. This release is initially triggered by the sound or scent of prey. Cats enjoy being in hunting mode. Dr. Jack Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, is a leading researcher on this topic. He coined this feeling the Seeking Circuit. An analogy might be the way kids feel on Christmas morning before presents are opened.
When in the seeking circuit, it would make sense that your cat would be less anxious, depressed or bored. Opportunities to experience eager anticipation and exploration are important. Luckily for us, we don’t have to supply mice and birds so kitty can experience the seeking circuit; it can be done through toys and playtime.
Implement environmental enrichment
Include food-related environmental enrichment through food-dispensing toys, also known as puzzle feeders. A puzzle feeder in its basic form is simply a plastic ball with a hole in it where dry food randomly falls out as the cat rolls it around. A terrific one is the Eggercizer by Premier—an egg-shaped ball that unscrews so you can fill it halfway with dry food. There are several holes in the ball and a dial at the top so you can set the degree of difficulty. You can also make homemade puzzle feeders by using plastic water bottles. Cut holes in them and place dry food inside. Even the round cardboard insert from paper towels works well. Cut holes, put kibble in there and fold the ends closed.
The concept of working for food is natural for a hunter; she’s hard-wired to use her senses and physical skill to get prey. Batting a ball around provides activity and fun as opposed to hunkering down at an over-filled food bowl. The other benefit of puzzler feeders is that the cat will eat slowly.
If you feed wet food you can also set up puzzle feeders. I’ve found that dog puzzle feeders are well-suited for wet food. A simple one that works great with wet food is the Kong toy—a rubber toy that’s open on one end where you can stuff in a little wet food. The Kong comes in many sizes to accommodate vast differences in dog sizes so I use the petite or puppy Kongs with my cats. Place wet food inside and your cat will enjoy rolling the toy, grabbing it between her paws and licking the food.
There are also some challenging puzzle feeders by Nina Ottosson. They’re meant for dogs but the plastic ones work great with cats.
Pause for playtime
Cats benefit from two types of play: interactive and object play. Interactive involves you holding a fishing pole-type toy so your cat can concentrate on being the hunter. Move the toy like prey so kitty can practice her hunting skills. To trigger the prey-drive move the toy across or away from the cat’s visual field. Don’t dangle the toy right in front of her. After all, no self-respecting prey would run to the cat and offer itself up as lunch!
Playtime is also just as much mental as physical so when engaging in interactive play, don’t keep the toy in motion. Have it hide, quiver, dart across to another hiding place, etc. Put interactive toys away after playtime so your kitty doesn’t chew stringed parts and to keep these sessions special.
Object play involves furry mice, crinkle balls and other small toys. Up the fun factor by placing them in objects or locations that inspire curiosity. Place a furry mouse inside an empty tissue box. Cut paw-sized holes in a box, tape the flaps closed and toss some toys in there. Place a ping pong ball inside a paper bag that’s on its side. Have a furry mouse peeking out from the top perch of a cat tree.
Create vertical space
We live in a horizontal world but cats live in a vertical one. They often seek out high spots for napping. An elevated location can also become security for a cat, especially in a multi-cat home. The more vertical space, the more territory the cats have to share. If there’s tension between the cats, one kitty may climb to an elevated spot as a display of status. This can often be the display a cat uses instead of physical confrontation. An elevated spot can also be a refuge for a timid cat. She knows she’s safe there because no one can sneak up behind her.
You can create vertical space with a cat tree. Manufacturers make trees in various heights and configurations. Depending on your budget you can purchase a simple tree or an elaborate one that reaches the ceiling. What’s most important is that it’s sturdy so if kitty takes a flying leap the tree won’t topple over. “U” shaped perches are better than flat ones because cats feel more secure when they can feel their backs up against something. Make sure you have some sturdy, tall scratching surfaces so that your cat can do his necessary stretching and scratching.
Cat walks and shelves can add to vertical territory. You can purchase shelves and walkways or you can make your own. You can also install kitty stairs on the walls for the cats to access various shelves and perches. In a multi-cat home, make two sets so one cat never blocks another cat from getting up or down. Window perches are great middle ground options. You can buy perches that attach to windows, and some have heating elements great for winter days where there might be a draft coming in or for older cats who need warmth. In addition to creating vertical space, kitty hideaways can be in the form of an “A” or donut-shape bed. You can even take a box and turn it on its side to make a bed. Line it with a soft towel for your cat’s comfort. For a very timid cat, cut a hole in the box as an entrance, turn the box upside down and your cat will have a complete hideaway. A tunnel can also be a wonderful addition to environmental enrichment. You can purchase soft fabric tunnels or make your own using paper bags.
For more ideas, we love the cat trees, shelves and other habitat products featured at therefinedfeline.com and moderncat.net.
Enjoying the outdoors…safely!
If you’re able, create a “catio” (cat patio) or other outdoor enclosure to offer your cat the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, sunlight and sounds. You can find enclosures that sit in the window as well as ones that can be installed outdoors. Start your idea search at catiodesigns.com.
If you don’t have the option of building a cat enclosure outside, consider placing cat shelving and trees near windows, with bird feeders and fountains nearby for your cat to watch. You can also bring the outdoors in by creating opportunities for your cat to enjoy novel scents and textures. In the fall I bring in leaves for my cats to enjoy. They love the scent, crackling sound and texture. In winter I bring in snow and in spring and summer I bring in blades of grass. Bird feathers are another great option. You can even bring in a log for kitty to scratch on.
No more ho-hum!
Keep in mind that environmental enrichment is a necessity—not a luxury—for maintaining a happy and healthy feline. With a little creativity and planning, you’ll be well on your way to a content cat!
Pam Johnson-Bennett is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and a renowned expert on feline behavior. Visit her online at catbehaviorassociates.com.
Photos of cat towers and shelving courtesy The Refined Feline.
