By: LISA RADOSTA, DVM, DACVB

Environmental enrichment is extremely important for indoor cats. It helps to maintain their mental and physical health. Proper enrichment helps relieve stress and can positively affect many behavior problems such as aggression and inappropriate elimination. The tips below will help your cat stay busy, relax and enjoy life!

1. RELEASE YOUR CAT’S INNER TIGER

Toys that move like the  Da Bird help to stimulate your cat’s predatory response. Other predatory toys include Ba -Da-Beem Rotating Laser Cat Toy, Frolicat laser toy, Feline Frolic, Da Bird, Smart Kitty toys, and Kong Kickeroo.

2. MAKE IT NEW

Rotate your cat’s toys so that each day your cat has something new and fabulous to explore. A good general rule is to give your cats 3 new toys per day per cat. That’s right…3 cats = 9 toys per day!

3. TURN ON THE TV.

Some cats love to watch television and play video games just like your human kids. Turn on an animal television show or download a video game made for your cat. Make sure to purchase a protective case for your iPad!

4. GIVE YOUR CAT A JOB

Teach your cat to work for her food by using food toys to stimulate her. Some food toys examples include: Delidome, Sense IT line of cat toys, Kitty Kong and Pipolino.

5. YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY.

Cats don’t care how much you paid for a toy. They are just as happy with a ball of paper or a cardboard box. Add some catnip and let the fun begin!