What Kitty Doesn’t Love a Box?

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Behavior

Enrichment…the act of improving or enhancing the quality of something.

That’s what animal behavior experts (and our own common sense) tell us is good for our feline companions. Enrichment activities are basically ways to make kitty happy and her life more interesting and rewarding. And what loving pet parent wouldn’t want to do that?

There are numerous ways to enhance Fluffy’s day-to-day life and they center on things that your kitty already wants to do – things like climbing, play-fighting, scratching and stalking prey. She has thousands of years of instincts in her little body urging her to engage in these sorts of activities. It’s up to you to channel these instincts into safe and productive play which has the added benefit of saving your furniture, walls or bedroom slippers from destruction.

Here are some ideas to explore:

  • Cardboard boxes of most any size are always a hit, even when the box appears too small for the kitty. They offer a hunting challenge when kitty flips a toy into the box and then pounces on it. Or, dragging a shoelace around the side of the box out of kitty’s sight can motivate her to hunt down that perceived prey hiding just around the corner. A box can also provide a safe haven for kitty to escape if something frightens her or just to rest.
  • Wand toys are perfect for the hunter in Fluffy as you dangle and drag them in front of her, mimicking the movement of prey.
  • Wind-up toys that move across the floor can also appeal to the hunter instinct. Just ensure they are cat-safe.
  • Large catnip toys, like bananas and pickles, are good for kitties who like to roll around, wrestle and bite something. And it can be quite funny to watch their hind legs furiously kick at the toy as they wrap their front paws around it.
  • If your cat does like to wrestle, don’t get in the habit of letting Fluffy wrestle with or bite your hands. This is a bad habit which could lead to a serious bite when kitty, unintentionally, goes wild. Substitute a stuffed toy or ball for her to wrestle.
  • Most cats love to climb and providing Fluffy multiple methods of getting up high will be a winner in her eyes (and spare your curtains!). Cat trees with multiple platforms are a great option especially the ones with some hidey holes. You can also install shelves, walkways and wall-mounted stairs ranging from the simple to an elaborate system of walkways, bridges and platforms. Infuse them with some catnip to attract kitty. Google “cat wall steps” and you’ll find all sorts of DIY projects as well as pre-made options.

Outfitting your mutual living space to accommodate and encourage activities that let Fluffy just be a cat is what enrichment is all about. The more you can enhance her life the happier both you and Fluffy will be.