environmental enrichment

Environmental Enrichment is Not One Size Fits All

Feline Behavior| 6 Comments

black-cat-cat-tree

Environmental enrichment for cats has become the hot topic in the cat world in recent years – and that’s a really good thing.

At their core, cats are wild animals. When we invite them to share our lives and homes, we can’t expect them to completely give up all their natural instincts. We have to look at our living space from the cat’s point of view and provide an environment that satisfied those instincts.Continue Reading

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Cat Ladder Feline Furniture Birch Ladder (2023 Review)

Products| 5 Comments

birch-cat-ladders

There’s no question that cats love to climb. Vertical space in the form of cat trees and cat shelves is critical to providing an enriched environment for indoor cats. The Cat Ladder addresses this need in a way that’s creative, functional, and beautiful – and most of all, it lends itself to endless possibilities in any home of any size.Continue Reading

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Birdwatching for Indoor Cats: Environmental Enrichment & Cats’ Experience

Feline Behavior, Feline Lifestyle| 9 Comments

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Cats often get a bad reputation with regards to birds. A few years ago, I wrote Faulty Science Spread Lies About Cats and Their Impact on Wildlife, and even though the post is a few years old, the information is still relevant. But there is a way for birds to not only coexist peacefully with cats, they can also provide stimulating entertainment for indoor cats, and the best part: nobody gets hurt.Continue Reading

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How to Build a Catio: A Firsthand DIY Account

Feline Lifestyle| 29 Comments

how-to-build-a-catio

Written by Jessica Fritschle

I decided to build a catio to give my cats more space so that they can get away from each other and have some down time. I’ve always known that they would very much like to go outside, but I never had the nerve to do it. I always felt that keeping them inside was the one selfish decision I made. I knew that they would have happier lives if I let them go out – I just could never bring myself to do it.

Last year, I adopted a very spunky female cat who sits by the open windows all day. She clearly wanted to go outside. That was the final push that made me decide to actually build a catio versus just thinking about it.Continue Reading

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Review: Brain Games for Cats

Books| 4 Comments

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Play is vitally important to a cat’s physical and mental health, and it’s especially important for indoor cats. Even though cats may sleep up to 16 hours a day, when they’re awake, they need stimulation, and the best way to accomplish this is with play. Play is also a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between cat and human. Brain Games for Cats: Fun Ways to Build a Loving Bond With Your Cat Through Games and Challenges offers a wide variety of games and exercises for cats of all ages.Continue Reading

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From Veterinarian to Pet Solution Specialist: How Two Cats Inspired a Feline Vet

Feline Health| 7 Comments

lynn-bahr-dvm

Written by Dr. Lynn Bahr, Founder of Dezi and Roo

Unexpected Beginnings

Surprisingly, unlike most in my profession, I did not grow up knowing I would become a veterinarian. It was a cat who got me interested in the practice and I am forever grateful to him. I met Rudolph on July 4th, 1980 and my life was changed forever. He was a unique kitty with an adorable pink nose—it was pale when he slept and then bright red after play. It was my love for Rudolph that inspired me to join the feline veterinary profession. Helping cats and their owners is how I honor his memory.Continue Reading

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Environmental Enrichment for Kittens: 6 Expert Tips

Feline Behavior| 5 Comments

Maine Coon cat playing with feather toy at home

At their core, cats are wild animals. When we invite them to share our lives and homes, we can’t expect them to completely give up all their natural instincts. We have to look at our living space from cats’ point of view and provide an environment that keeps them stimulated.Continue Reading

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September is Happy Cat Month

Feline Health| 3 Comments

Happy-Cat-Month

Here at The Conscious Cat, every month is Happy Cat Month. After all, that’s what we’re all about: conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans. However, the message of what it takes to keep cats truly happy can’t be shared enough, which is why the CATalyst Council created Happy Cat Month.Continue Reading

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Hide & Sneak Paper Bag Cat Tunnel by Dezi & Roo (2023 Review)

Products| 6 Comments

hide-and-sneak-cat-tunnel

Sometimes, the best toys are the simplest ones, and what cat doesn’t like paper bags? The folks at Dezi & Roo have taken this concept just a little further and created the Hide and Sneak Paper Tunnel.

This expandable tunnel made from the same material as brown paper bags will provide hours of entertainment and fun for your cats.Continue Reading

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Review: Abby Pet Hut by Urban Paw Plus Special Discount

Products| 6 Comments

Abby-Pet-Hut

Ruby was super excited when I told her that the folks at Urban Paw were sending us another pet bed for review. Unlike Allegra, Ruby likes sleeping in the various pet beds we have around the house, and she’s always up for testing new ones. We previously reviewed The Luna Orthocomfort Cuddler and Milo 2-in-1 Pet House, both of which Ruby loved.Continue Reading

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Interview With Dr. Tony Buffington, Environmental Enrichment for Cats Expert – Part 1

Feline Behavior, Feline Health| 5 Comments

Tony-Buffington

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, DACVN is Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. That sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? Perhaps I should simply tell you what his business card says: “Effective Environmental Enrichment Evangelist” – because that’s what encompasses what Dr. Buffington’s work has been all about for the last three decades: improving the lives of cats.Continue Reading

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