While indoor cats live safer and healthier lives than their outdoor counterparts, house cats require environmental enrichment, including activities that mimic what they’d do outdoors. From climbing and perching to scratching and hunting, instinctual feline behavior is multifaceted. Within your home’s safe confines, your cat may be unable to fully express their instincts and behaviors. Creating an environment that allows your feline friend to engage in behaviors that mimic those of their wild ancestors is essential. Our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team explains how you can help your cat express their natural behaviors while ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

Feline behavior explained

Cats are inherently curious and have strong stalking and hunting instincts. They need mental stimulation and physical activity. Scratching, territorial marking, climbing, stalking, pouncing, and exploring are integral parts of a cat’s natural repertoire. Cats were domesticated 12,000 years ago from the African wild cat Felis silvestris lybica, yet some of their traits remain. For your cat to lead a fulfilling, healthy life, they need to be able to express these innate behaviors. 

Creating an enriching environment for your cat

For your whiskered friend to thrive, they must be given opportunities to express their natural behaviors. To help your pet express their instinctual behaviors, follow these tips:

  • Give them scratching posts and pads — Cats scratch to sharpen their claws, mark territory, and stretch their muscles. Providing sturdy scratching posts or pads in various locations around the home allows your cat to engage in this behavior without damaging furniture.
  • Create vertical spaces — Cats love to climb and perch in high places, which often means the kitchen counter, the back of sofas and chairs, or other unsuitable places. Installing cat trees, shelves, or window perches gives your whiskered pal opportunities to satisfy their desire to survey their surroundings from above.
  • Provide interactive toys — Toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands, stuffed mice, and laser pointers, allow cats to indulge their hunting instincts. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys provide mental stimulation and encourage natural foraging behaviors. Additionally, you can hide toys and treats around the home for entertainment and mental stimulation. 
  • Allow for safe outdoor exploration — Consider providing your whiskered pal with supervised outdoor time in a secure enclosure such as a catio or screened porch. You could also harness-train your cat for controlled outdoor excursions. These options allow your cat to experience new sights, sounds, and smells while remaining safe. 
  • Provide hideouts and retreats — Cats appreciate having cozy hiding spots where they can retreat when stressed or overwhelmed. Like people, cats require privacy, and providing them with enclosed cat beds, boxes, or tunnels in your home’s quiet areas can help your whiskered pal satisfy this innate need. 
  • Offer scent-marking objects — Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub their face on you and inanimate objects? Through scent marking, your cat claims their territory by leaving their scent on various objects. This behavior increases your cat’s security and can alleviate anxiety or stress. Offer your furry pal scratching posts, cat trees, and furniture made from materials that retain scent, such as wood or cardboard.
  • Engage in interactive play — Regular interactive play sessions not only provide physical exercise but also strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Dedicate time each day to activities that encourage your cat to run, jump, and pounce. Experiment with various toys and techniques, such as teaching your cat tricks, to keep playtime exciting and engaging.

While your indoor cat may never roam the African savanna, with thoughtful planning and consideration, you can create an environment that caters to your whiskered pal’s natural instincts and behaviors. By providing opportunities for scratching, climbing, hunting, hiding, and exploring, you can enrich your cat’s life and ensure they lead a fulfilling existence in the comfort of their home.

Contact our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team for additional recommendations for enhancing your cat’s enrichment. Your wild and whiskered companion will appreciate it.