Environmental enrichment: practical strategies for improving feline welfare

Abstract

Practical relevance: The clinical application of evidence-based enrichment strategies for the domestic cat housed in a variety of confined environments, ranging from the veterinary cage to the domestic home, is of particular importance - both in relation to providing opportunity for appropriate feline behaviour, and in the prevention and treatment of behavioural and associated health problems (eg, feline lower urinary tract disease associated with negative emotional states such as generalised anxiety). Environmental enrichment has gained particular relevance in the light of current animal welfare legislation. For example, in the UK, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 stipulates that owners/keepers have a duty of care to their animal(s) that includes allowing the animal to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.

Evidence base: Research into environmental enrichment as a means of improving animal welfare is still very much in its infancy, particularly in relation to the domestic cat. Thus, evidence-based studies are somewhat sparse and more are needed to validate current recommended enrichment practices.

Audience: This article aims to assist general veterinary practitioners to recognise how cats respond to confinement, and to understand what constitutes environmental enrichment, to help them implement or advise on appropriate enrichment strategies for cats confined in a hospital cage, home environment (particularly an indoor-only home), or cattery or rescue shelter, based on published evidence to date.

FIG 1

Inappropriate interaction can lead to injury and encourage injurious types of behaviour to become established

FIG 2

Providing both animals have been socialised early with the other species, cats and dogs can often reside amicably within the same household. Courtesy of Hans Blancke

FIG 3

(a,b) Wire toys that mimic air-borne prey (eg, insects) can be very successful at initiating play sequences

FIG 4

A range of feeding enrichment devices, both available commercially and home-made

FIG 5

The addition of cat trees to a cattery enclosure provides vantage points as well as opportunity for active behaviour by utilising vertical space

FIG 6

The ‘Hide, Perch & Go’ box, developed by the BC SPCA, provides a cat opportunity for hiding and, when feeling more confident within the environment, perching at a raised vantage point to survey the surroundings. The ‘lip’ of the perch is thought to give additional security to the cat while perching. Courtesy of Wood Green Animal Shelters

FIG 7

The catnip response initiated by a catnip toy

FIG 8

Typical behavioural presentation of an anxious/fearful cat