Let’s face the facts. If we were forced to repeat the same day over and over again, we would become terribly bored and frankly depressed. The same applies to our cats. They may be creatures of habit, but they need a little spice in their daily lives to keep things fun and exciting.
World Animal Enrichment Day aims to remind pet owners of their responsibility to promote the health and well-being of their pets by enriching their animals. This special day on November 12th each year highlights the importance of providing mental and physical stimulation to improve your pet’s quality of life. Learn more about World Animal Enrichment Day and what you can do to improve your kitten’s life.
What is World Animal Enrichment Day?
World Animal Enrichment Day was started by animal behavior expert Sarah Jane White. Mr. White established the holiday in 2016 to raise awareness of the richness of animals and enhance the well-being of pets through meaningful experiences with their unique values.
Wealth is not just for domestic cats and dogs. All animals under human care can benefit from an enriched environment. For example, animals kept in zoo collections are often provided with enrichment that mimics their experience in their natural habitat. Western lowland gorillas are good creatures, so owners may provide them with things like puzzle feeders to flex their problem-solving skills. Animals that coexist in the wild, such as ostriches and zebras, can exhibit their natural social behavior by coexisting in enclosures.
How can I recognize World Animal Enrichment Day?
The best way to recognize World Animal Enrichment Day is to take the time to look at how you are meeting your cat’s enrichment needs.
Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years and still retain many of their ancestors’ natural instincts. Proper cat nutrition allows your cat to act on natural behaviors such as climbing trees, stretching, scratching, and hunting. So even though spoiled domestic cats don’t have to hunt for their next meal, the instinct to do so is still hardwired into their DNA.
Nutrition is especially important for indoor cats, who have less opportunity to engage in these instinctive behaviors.
Types of feline enrichment
Wealth of society
Although cats are generally considered to be aloof, they are very sociable animals. Most animals truly enjoy spending time with humans and other furry family members. Social enrichment may look like finding time to play together each day and finding different ways to build variety and excitement into your daily life.
richness of the environment
Adjusting your cat’s environment will go a long way in meeting your cat’s physical and mental needs. Making small changes to improve their living space allows them to act on their natural desires. This looks like growing cat-friendly plants (like cat grass), giving your cat a place to claw, providing vertical space, and even giving your cat a box from your recent Amazon order. Masu.
Strengthening cognitive function
Cats are amazing animals, so meeting their mental needs is just as important as meeting their physical needs. Cognitive enhancement focuses on giving your kitten good mental training. This can be done by training children, providing food puzzles, and creating or purchasing interactive toys. Rather than giving your cat treats overtly, simply hiding them around the room is a great way to meet your cat’s mental stimulation needs.
richness of senses
Sensory exploration can be very enriching and rewarding for kittens, so it’s essential to provide them with opportunities to engage all five senses. A window perch for looking outside, a licking mat for lickable treats, a catfish for sniffing, and squeaky toys are all great options for sensory enrichment for your kitty.
Are you looking for toys that meet your cat’s various needs? Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher One of our favorite cat products. Its clever three-angle design provides different ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made with a durable plywood base and replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option your cat will enjoy for years to come. If your cat needs a little encouragement to play on his own, hepper stuffed mouse kicker Great choice! With bite- and kick-resistant fabric, an attractive internal bell, and organic catnip, cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for years and decided to take ownership so we could benefit from the great designs of this cool cat company.
final thoughts
There’s no better time than World Animal Enrichment Day on November 12 to reflect on the daily enrichment opportunities for your cat. However, you should regularly consider ways to enrich your pet’s life and always try to add activities that meet your kitty’s needs. When it comes to natural behaviors, it can be helpful to set aside a specific day each year to remind yourself of them. So, by marking the repeating event of November 12th on your calendar, you’ll be reminded to observe your cat’s environment at least once a year to see how it can be improved.
Featured image credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock
