When it comes to boarding cats, it’s easy to think they’re perfectly content just lounging around and watching the world go by. While cats certainly enjoy their naps, they also need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, especially when they’re away from home. Enrichment activities can reduce stress, keep boredom at bay, and help cats feel more comfortable during their stay at your facility.
In honor of National Cat Lovers Month, let’s dive into some fun and simple enrichment ideas that will make your feline guests feel right at home—and maybe even have a little fun while they’re at it!
1. Interactive Toys: Let Them Play the Day Away
Cats love to hunt, chase, and pounce, so having a variety of interactive toys on hand is essential. Feather wands, laser pointers, and motorized toys can get even the laziest cats up and moving. These toys mimic the movements of prey, sparking the cats’ natural hunting instincts and providing both physical exercise and mental engagement.
You can rotate toys to keep things fresh and exciting, ensuring that each cat has something new to explore during their stay. Just make sure to supervise playtime, especially with smaller objects, to avoid any safety hazards.
2. Window Perches: Nature’s TV for Cats
If your facility has windows, consider setting up some cozy perches for your feline guests. Cats are natural observers, and a window perch gives them the perfect spot to watch birds, squirrels, or even just people passing by. For many cats, this “window watching” is as exciting as a TV show and provides hours of entertainment.
If window views aren’t available, fish tanks or bird videos on a screen can create a similar effect. With Kennel Connection’s client notes feature, you can easily log which cats prefer window spots or enjoy other visual stimulation, helping to customize each cat’s stay.
3. Puzzle Feeders: Keep Their Minds Busy
Puzzle feeders are a great way to provide mental stimulation while offering a treat. These clever gadgets require cats to think and problem-solve to access their food or snacks. It’s a fun challenge that keeps their brains active and adds a little excitement to mealtime. Puzzle feeders also slow down eating, which can be beneficial for cats prone to scarfing down their meals too quickly.
You can make it even more personalized by noting which cats enjoy puzzle feeders and which ones prefer a more traditional approach to mealtime.
4. Hide-and-Seek: Create Cozy Nooks
Cats love small, enclosed spaces where they can feel safe and secure. Set up hideaways in your facility using boxes, tunnels, or covered beds to give them a sense of privacy. These spots are perfect for nervous or shy cats who may need a little extra time to adjust to their new environment.
Providing a variety of hiding spots also allows cats to explore at their own pace, moving between cozy nooks and open spaces as they see fit. By using Kennel Connection’s reservation management system, you can easily assign cats to specific areas of your facility that offer extra hiding spots or quiet corners, ensuring each cat’s comfort level is considered. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little catnip in some of these areas for added fun!
5. Climbing and Scratching Areas: Let Them Stretch and Scratch
Cats are natural climbers, and having vertical spaces for them to explore can greatly enhance their experience while boarding. Cat trees, shelves, and wall-mounted climbing areas can give them the opportunity to stretch, jump, and perch up high—where many cats feel safest.
Scratching posts are also a must-have, as scratching is both a physical exercise and a way for cats to mark their territory. Providing a variety of scratching surfaces—like sisal, cardboard, and carpet—ensures that every cat has an outlet for this instinctual behavior.
6. Calming Scents and Sounds: A Soothing Atmosphere
For some cats, the key to a happy stay is creating a calm and soothing environment. Consider using cat-friendly pheromone diffusers, which release scents that mimic natural feline calming signals. Soft, classical music or nature sounds can also create a peaceful atmosphere, helping to reduce anxiety and make the cats feel more at ease.
You can offer different spaces in your facility, with one area designed for more energetic play and another for quiet relaxation, ensuring each cat finds their perfect fit.
7. Personalized Attention: Playtime Tailored to Each Cat
Every cat is different, and that’s what makes them so special. Some cats are more playful and active, while others prefer quiet time and cuddles. Observing each cat’s preferences and adjusting their enrichment activities accordingly can make all the difference in their stay. For those who love interaction, short bursts of one-on-one play or petting sessions can be a real treat.
Make a note of each cat’s favorite activities and make sure they’re getting the personalized care they deserve. This not only makes their stay more enjoyable but also gives their owners peace of mind knowing their feline friend is in good hands.
Final Thoughts: Happy Cats, Happy Clients
Providing enrichment for your feline clients isn’t just about keeping them entertained; it’s about creating a welcoming environment that helps reduce stress and keeps them happy during their time away from home. By incorporating a mix of toys, climbing spaces, calming scents, and personal attention, your facility can become a go-to destination for cat owners who want the best for their furry friends.
So, this National Cat Lovers Month, why not try out some of these enrichment ideas? Your feline guests will thank you with purrs and playfulness, and their owners will appreciate the extra effort to keep their beloved pets’ content during their stay.
Learn more about enrichment calendars to maximize fun and revenue.
