Shelter Cats Like a Box to Hide In
Cats like somewhere to hide - and research shows a cardboard box can be the simple solution. How do we know what types of enrichment are most important to cats? A new study by Dr. Jacklyn Ellis (University of Prince Edward Island) et al tests shelter cats’ preferences. The results show the importance of a simple cardboard box for kitty cats . What is environmental enrichment for cats? Environmental enrichment involves adding something to the cat’s environment that is good for its welfare. Enrichment can be especially important for cats in shelters since the environment is stressful for them, away from their familiar home and with the presence of unknown cats and people, and perhaps with dogs in earshot too. But it's important for our cats at home too. There are many ways to provide enrichment for cats , including vertical space , olfactory enrichment , food and even cognitive enrichment with clicker training . How do we know what cats like? How do we know which types of enrichment...