Exercise & Enrichment ★

Daily activity for cats can include play, climbing, exploration, scratching and short training or food-puzzle sessions. There is no single correct exercise schedule for every cat. Younger and active cats may want more frequent play, while older or less mobile cats need activities matched to their physical ability.

Exercise and enrichment provide opportunities for cats to move, explore, hunt-like, climb, scratch and solve simple problems. Enrichment should be adapted to age, health and lifestyle. Indoor cats may need particularly deliberate provision of climbing, hiding, play and food-puzzle opportunities.

Indoor enrichment is the planned use of the home environment, toys, food puzzles, climbing areas and hiding places to support a cat's welfare. Cats Protection recommends interactive toys, puzzle feeders and cat-friendly shelves or climbing opportunities. Rotate resources and give the cat choice rather than forcing interaction.

Mental stimulation gives cats opportunities to investigate, solve simple problems, learn routines and engage their senses. Puzzle feeding, short training, scent-based games, safe observation points and rotating toys can provide variety. Activities should be achievable and should not create prolonged frustration.

Play and enrichment help cats express natural behaviours such as stalking, chasing, pouncing and investigating. Cats Protection notes that short games can be useful and that toys should be rotated. Inspect toys regularly and do not leave cats unattended with toys that can be shredded, swallowed or cause entanglement.