Cat Enrichment

Self-Play Toys for Cats

Self-play toys are those that your cat can play with on her own. Toys that encourage chasing and pouncing are typically the most enjoyable for cats. Some simple and cheap options are cardboard boxes, large paper bags (with the handles removed for safety) and crumpled-up pieces of paper. Other options are catnip-filled toys, springs, puzzle toys, and wall- or door-mounted toys. There are also several battery-operated toys on the market to provide your cat with plenty of entertainment when she’s alone. Remember to watch her for a while after you give her a new toy, to make sure she is playing safely with it.

Food Puzzles

Foraging toys (also called food puzzles, puzzle feeders and treat dispensers) help satisfy a cat’s natural instinct to search for food. The basic principle is that you fill up the toy with dry kibble, wet food or treats, and the cat learns to manipulate the toy to release the food.

Some toys are stationary, such as interactive puzzle feeders, and some are designed to move around, like the Kitty Kong.

You can also make your own food puzzles. It's easy to find videos and articles online showing how to make DIY cat toys or puzzle toys. One of the easiest DIY options is to “scatter feed”: Simply toss your cat’s kibble on the floor and let her eat up all the pieces! To provide more of a challenge, hide small piles of her kibble around the house and let her search for her meal.

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys help strengthen the bond between you and your cat by letting you share fun and positive experiences! Both you and your cat can have a great time playing with wand-type toys with strings, feathers and fabric strips attached. One popular product is the Cat Dancer, which can function as either a self-play or an interactive toy.

Some cats enjoy playing with laser pointers, chasing the point of light around the house. Make sure that your cat is eventually able to “catch” something while playing with the laser pointer; point it at a toy that your cat can then play with, so she doesn’t get too frustrated.

Vertical Spaces

Upright structures and elevated perches will serve your cat’s climbing and clawing needs. To let your cat experience a bit of the outdoors while indoors, place perches, cat furniture (such as cat trees) or resting areas by the windows in your home. Cat furniture is sometimes expensive, so you might prefer a DIY approach. Try searching online for “DIY cat furniture” ideas. Something as easy as clearing off the back of a couch that’s near a window can expand your cat’s horizons.

A birdbath or bird feeder placed within sight of the window can increase her enjoyment. (Don’t worry about the birds — they easily become habituated to their “admirers.”)

Image from CatioSpaces.com

Catios

You can give your cat some safe time outdoors by building an outdoor enclosure (often called a cattery or catio) for your cat. Once your catio is built, you can incorporate other sources of enrichment, such as toys and cat trees, into it. Just don’t forget to routinely check the structure for stability and safety!

Catios may be higher investment and higher maintenance, but most cats absolutely love them, and they provide a highly enriching multi-sensory experience.

Search online for “cat enclosures” or “catios” to see fun and creative examples of off-the-shelf and DIY options!