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Cats and kennel enrichment go together like – well, like dogs and kennel enrichment. It's just as important to have a stimulating enrichment plan for the cats in your care, and it's surprisingly easy and affordable.
Toys, toys, toys
 We all know toys are a blast, but did you know they can make your cats more adoptable? Research from the ASPCA's Adoption Center in New York City shows that people spend more time watching cats who have toys in their cages than those who don't – and it doesn't matter whether the cat is even playing with the toy.
Cats love repurposed household items, so don't think you have to stretch your budget to include new purchases. Try these:
- Paper bags. Not only are they tons of fun to pounce on and scoot, but they come with an added bonus: They provide a place for a timid cat to hide.
- Paper balls. If you have paper headed for the recycling bin, wad some of it up and toss it to the kitties.
- Pipe cleaners. You can make chains out of pipe cleaners – or have students in your humane education program make them – and hang them in front of cages. You can also let kitties bat them around.
- Wine corks, milk caps, and paper towel rolls that have been cut into manageable sizes are all good toys. You can ask shelter staff, volunteers, and supporters to save items from home and bring them in.
- Puzzle toys. Cut holes in a small box or plastic container and put the cat's kibble inside. This can be especially appealing to cats who are motivated by food.
- Clicker training. This enrichment tool can also make cats more appealing to adopters by teaching the cat to respond positively to simple commands.
Just make sure you rotate new toys into each cat's enclosure every day or two so they have something new and fresh to pique their interest. Remember to disinfect toys if you reuse them – or send them along with the cats to their new homes.
Hiding spots mean calmer kitties
 Cats need to be able to hide – it calms them down and lessens their stress while in the shelter. And don't worry that providing hiding spots means the cats will disappear from the view of potential adopters – studies show that cats who have the freedom to hide are more likely to approach the front of the cage. Hiding spots don't mean fewer cat adoptions.
Hiding places can be as simple and inexpensive as paper bags, shoeboxes, and elevated perches draped with towels. |
