MEMYPETS / CATS / ENRICHMENT
Help your cat do cat things.
Practical guides to play, hunting, scratching, climbing, food enrichment and everyday exploration — so you can give your cat more ways to move, investigate, choose and engage.
START HERE
What kind of enrichment are you looking for?
Enrichment isn't one activity. The useful question is what your cat naturally enjoys, what they need right now and what fits your home and everyday routine.
Play & hunting
Ideas that let your cat stalk, chase, pounce and catch in ways that feel natural.
→ 02Food enrichment
Make meals more engaging with simple food puzzles, foraging and feeding changes.
→ 03Scratching
Give your cat appropriate ways to scratch, stretch, mark and maintain their claws.
→ 04Climbing & high spaces
Explore vertical space, elevated resting places and ways to make the home more interesting.
→ 05Hiding & safe spaces
Create places where your cat can rest, retreat, observe and feel secure.
→ 06Indoor enrichment
Practical ideas for indoor cats, smaller homes, quieter routines and everyday variety.
→THE BIG IDEA
Enrichment is about choice, not keeping your cat busy every minute.
Hunting, scratching, climbing, hiding, exploring, playing and investigating can all be part of a richer day.
Age, health, personality, preferences, confidence and the home environment all matter when choosing enrichment.
You don't need expensive equipment. A cardboard box, a safe hiding place, a scratching surface or a short play session can be enrichment too.
ENRICHMENT GUIDE LIBRARY
Useful answers, without the fluff.
Browse practical guides written around the questions cat parents actually have.
Select your cat guides blog in the theme editor. Articles tagged cat-enrichment will appear here automatically.
Try a different question or choose another topic.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Not sure what enrichment your cat needs?
What counts as enrichment for a cat? +
Enrichment gives your cat appropriate opportunities to use natural behaviours such as hunting, playing, scratching, climbing, hiding, exploring and investigating. It can be as simple as a short hunting-style play session, a safe place to climb or a food puzzle.
How do I enrich an indoor cat? +
Indoor enrichment can include hunting-style play, scratching surfaces, safe hiding places, elevated resting areas, food puzzles, exploration and rotating toys. The goal is to give your cat appropriate opportunities to move, investigate and make choices within the home.
Are food puzzles good for cats? +
Food puzzles can provide opportunities for cats to investigate and work for food. Start with an option that matches your cat's experience and ability, and account for puzzle food as part of their normal daily intake.
Why is scratching an important part of enrichment? +
Scratching is a normal feline behaviour. Appropriate scratching surfaces can give cats an outlet for scratching and stretching while helping them interact with their environment. Place suitable scratching options where your cat is likely to use them.
How can I encourage hunting-style play? +
Use toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase and pounce rather than simply placing a toy beside them. Vary the movement and give your cat opportunities to catch the toy. Follow your cat's interest rather than forcing interaction.
What if my cat ignores enrichment toys? +
That does not automatically mean your cat is bored. The activity may not match their preferences, the movement may be uninteresting, or the environment may not feel comfortable. Try changing the type of activity, location or difficulty and include natural behaviours such as scratching, hiding and exploration.
A QUICK SAFETY NOTE
Enrichment should feel engaging — not stressful.
Choose activities that match your cat's abilities and preferences. Supervise food puzzles and toys when appropriate, remove damaged items and avoid activities that create fear or frustration. For sudden behaviour changes, signs of pain, swallowing hazards or serious behaviour concerns, speak with a veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.