For more on the how and why behind this scenario, we checked in with Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, who shared the image in her recent webinar, Keeping Pets Behaviorally Healthy in the Shelter:

“Inquiring cats want to know: what is that floating in the air?” says Dr. Griffin. “This is an example of visual enrichment. Indeed, a good shelter enrichment program stimulates all of the senses! Setting aside dedicated time for daily enrichment activities is required for cat health and well-being. Scientific studies indicate that cats benefit from many types of enrichment, including visual stimulation. Who doesn’t like to look at new and interesting stuff? Providing a variety of different things to look at will stimulate natural curiosity – and a curious cat is a happy cat! It is also quite a stress reliever for caregivers. Enrichment hour is everyone’s favorite time of day. Having it happen every day at the same time gives everyone something to look forward to!”

- Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Florida

Wanna learn more? Listen to the complete recording of Dr. Griffin’s webinar here:
https://aspcanet.webex.com/tc0505ld/trainingcenter/record/downloadViewAction.do?actionType=view&recordId=38851857&siteurl=aspcanet&setted=102

To catch Dr. Griffin in upcoming webinars in our ASV Shelter Guidelines webinar series, sign up here: http://www.aspcapro.org/webinar-series-guidelines-for-standards.php