From time to time, I receive queries from other journalists asking for interviews on a variety of pet-centric topics. I’ve written extensively on the subject of cat enrichment, which helps stimulate kitty brains and keeps them healthy. For example, here’s how to provide scent enrichment for your cat. Here’s a recap with some new information along the way.

Why is important to stimulate cats’ brains?

Cats are designed to hunt, but our house cats have limited territory and ability to exercise. People brains become “rusty” when we don’t use them, and so do cats’ brains. Stimulating cats to use their mental abilities helps keep them young and healthy, and engaged in life.

What problems cats can have if they are not stimulated by their owners and the environment?

Cats can become bored and frustrated when they have nothing to engage their brains. That can lead to cats looking for ways to entertain themselves, which may lead to damaging property or even hurting themselves. For instance, a bored cat might find an electrical cord a fun toy and become electrocuted by biting/playing with it.

Other cats become lazy couch potatoes and gain weight when they have no reason to think and get off their furry tail. Overweight pets can develop other health problems, including diabetes.

How the owner can stimulate the cat brain every day?

 Interactive cat toys are ideal ways to stimulate the cat brain. Fishing pole lure toys are great. Puzzle toys that hide dry food for the cat to find also engage the hunting behavior, and reward the cat for playing.

There are also now electronic battery powered toys that many cats enjoy, that move and make noise to keep cats engaged. Provide cat viewing stimulation by setting up bird baths or feeders outside windows.

Is there a daily amount of time cat lovers should aim for?

 Two or three times a day, for about 5-10 minutes at a time is a good target. Cats evolved to hunt with bursts of energy, so they play hard but only for short periods of time. By scheduling these playtimes, you can set up expectations on YOUR time frame, so the cat doesn’t pester you at other times.

Are cats less intelligent without enrichment?

 They don’t become dumber, but they do become less engaged in their world. Just like humans, cats want to be “paid” for doing something. So stimulating the brain is a fun payment in games and treats and attention. Taking away these payments means there’s no fun to be had, and the cat may instead decide just to sleep and eat, get fat, and unhealthy. Fat cats have more trouble moving, so it becomes a vicious cycle.

Is watching TV good (or bad) for cats? Why?

A TV show with fluttering birds or chattering squirrels can be stimulating for cats, if they’ve never been outside. Cats that have experienced the “real thing” may not be impressed, though.

At what age should we begin offering cats brain exercises?

 Younger is best, because you train the kitten brain to expect and enjoy the exercise. You can start later, but it may take a bit longer for older cats to figure out how much fun they’re missing.

Can adopting a younger pet help with healthy brain stimulation?

 Adopting another pet can be helpful to offer brain (and physical) stimulation to an older cat. Introducing a new cat always offers stress to both animals, especially if they’ve not lived with other pets before. The introductions must be done in a gradual way, respecting the older resident cat’s emotional needs. Some cats accept new ones right away, but most require days or even weeks before they feel happy and confident around the “strange” newcomer.

What about teaching cats tricks like we train dogs? Can that enrich the cat’s brain?

Many dogs enjoy cats, and many cats like dogs. Again, introductions and safety issues can be a concern to keep them safe. Providing lots of high spots for the cat to perch on cat trees or back of chairs to stay out of reach can be helpful.

Yes, you can trick train Tabby just as you would a dog. Cats have a shorter attention span and also less capacity for treats (if used in training, so keep that in mind. Learn more about training cats in this post.

Can we use food to enrich the environment and stimulate activity?

I’m a big fan of puzzle toys for cats. You can place dry kibble inside an empty clear plastic water bottle, for instance, so the cat must “shake/chase” the open bottle to get the food out. For toy-motivated cats, use a toy as the reward instead of the treat.

So how about you and your cats? How have you enriched their environment and stimulated the kitty brain? Do tell!