The Method / Behaviour
Enrichment
What cats actually need. Not what we think they want.
Enrichment isn't about buying more toys. It's about understanding that your cat is a small predator trapped in an apartment, and acting accordingly.
The Prey Sequence
Cats don't just want to catch things. They need the full hunt:
- Stare: The lock-on. Eyes dilate. Body stills.
- Stalk: Slow approach. Low to ground.
- Chase: The burst of speed.
- Pounce: The attack.
- Kill: The bite. The bunny kick.
- Consume: The reward. (Treats work.)
Why Automatic Toys Fail
That robotic fish flopping on the floor? Your cat figured out the pattern in 3 minutes. Prey doesn't move predictably. Prey tries to escape. Prey hides. Prey makes mistakes.
You are the unpredictable element. You control the toy. You create the hunt. No algorithm can replace you.
Environmental Enrichment
Beyond play, consider: vertical space, hiding spots, window perches, varied textures, safe outdoor access (catios, not free roaming), puzzle feeders.
A cat with nothing to do will create something to do. You probably won't like what they choose.
The Minimum Commitment
- Two 15-minute interactive play sessions per day.
- Morning and evening. Every day.
- This is not optional enrichment. This is baseline care.