World Animal Enrichment Day
Stinky is always nervous before Periwinkle arrives, as he worries she will think the adventure he’s planned is lame. He’s pacing in front of the teleportation tunnel when he hears the familiar whoosh and Periwinkle tumbles out into his waiting paws. After they share some whisker kisses and paw hugs, that expected question pops out: “Stinky, what have you planned for us today?”
Stinky hesitates and bounces from paw to paw. That makes Periwinkle scrunch up her face and stare at him. He finally says, “Today is World Animal Enrichment Day, so I thought we can share some ways to enrich a cat’s life and try some of those things ourselves.”
“That sounds like fun, Stinky. I had never heard of that day previously. Is it a new holiday?”
“Yes, fairly new and not just for cats. The first year it was celebrated was 2016. The holiday was established by UK-based Animal Behaviorist, Sarah-Jane White. It is always celebrated on November 12. On her web-site, RuffleSnuffle®, White says that she founded the day, ‘…to help raise awareness and encourage every owner and animal keeper to share their love and animal enrichment ideas for animals.’”
“Stinky, we are really lucky as we get to travel and have a new adventure every week. But what can pet parents do to enrich the lives of their pets?”
Cat-centric Stimulating Suggestions
Catio
“That’s a very good question, Periwinkle. In the case of Kitties Blue, we have our catio from where we can watch the birds and all types of other wildlife.”
“Stinky, I love your catio and wish I had one at my house,” replies Periwinkle.
Climbing & Scratching
“Cat parents also can supply places for their cats to scratch and climb, like cat trees and scratching posts.”
“We all know how much you enjoy climbing, Stinky. You are lucky, as you get lots of opportunities on many of our adventures…much to my dismay.”
Stinky blushes but doesn’t say anything.
Interactive Toys
“Providing interactive toys for one’s cats, can offer lots of stimulation and enrichment as well,” Stinky informs Periwinkle.
“Stinky, any toy can be interactive, if a cat’s human is on the other end as with wand toys or by throwing toys or balls for kitty to fetch.”
“That’s true, Periwinkle. My big brofur and now angel, Mau, loved to play fetch.”
Nip!
“Stinky, you know what else enriches our lives? Catnip! It can be fresh or dried or even added to toys. I remember when Astrid said we could share her nip. That was really generous of her.”
Treats & Treat Puzzles
“Periwinkle, we cannot forget my very favorite thing…TREATS! We have a few pudgy cats at our house, and they probably shouldn’t get too many treats, but I am not one of them. And treat puzzles can be very stimulating and challenging for any of us.”
“I recognize that treat puzzle,” exclaims Periwinkle. “Noelle sent it to Sawyer.”
“That’s the problem with having many fursibs. Everything has to be shared,” Stinky replies.
“Same at my house; though, there are just two of us,” says Periwinkle.
Strolling
“You know, Periwinkle, not all kitties are fortunate enough to have a catio, but getting outside can be very stimulating. Mom has a stroller and takes Kizmet out for walks. I know Sawyer and several others would freak out if she tried it with them. I do know some of Mom’s blogging friends also have strollers and some even have trained their cats to go outside with a harness and leash.”
Television
“Stinky, I just thought of something else that can be very stimulating, especially for felines who don’t have a catio or a way to go outside safely,” Periwinkle almost shouts.”Television! I know your sisfurs, Kizmet and Audrey, really enjoy watching sports on TV, but lots of programs exist just for cats, like the one Audrey and Kizmet are watching in this photo.
“Stinky, I just realized not all, but most of our suggestions would work for woofies as well,” exclaims Periwinkle.
Stinky praises Periwinkle for thinking about their doggy friends and then tells her, “According to Jones, enrichment helps us stay happy and healthy. It is especially helpful for animals in zoos, rescue centers and shelters. It makes them feel comfortable and less stressed and can help reduce their risks of health problems.”
“That means this would be a good day for people to visit shelters and play with the animals or donate some toys, treats or food. Periwinkle says.
Additional Information
Stinky agrees and suggests for additional information readers check out the following web-sites.
Ruffle Snuffle – Life With Pets
“Stinky, I don’t know about you, but I could use a snack,” says Periwinkle.
“Good idea. I’ll have my Mom get us one, and we can have it on the porch. We won’t get too many more opportunities to do that here,” Stinky replies.
After their snack, it is time for Periwinkle to head home. She and Stinky spend several minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging. Then with a final wave and blown kiss, Periwinkle is gone in a whoosh.
The End
The tabbies will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to participate, click on the Happy badge.
Lulu: “SQUIRREL!!!”
Great post. You are lucky kitties to have so much fun in your lives. XO
Hi Periwinkle and Stinky! All animals need enrichment, and we enjoyed seeing so many ways that can be done.
Enriching the environment is so very important. Zoo animals need it a lot and there’s a really great book by Temple Grandin called Animals Make Us Human which explained so much to me about this topic.
There is a whole lotta fun going on for Enrichment Day, way to go!
What a fun post. Your adventures are so fun, no matter what you do. We keep our babies busy here as you do. It’s good for them to be stimulated.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches to all the kitties, a smooch to Cooper Murphy and Sawyer and a big hug to your wonderful moms. ♥
WOW Stinky and Periwinkle really did have a fun day with so many furry friends too showing them fun activities.
Stinky has the best organizational skills and Periwinkle is always so eager and ready for an adventure.
P and S…what a pawsum add venturez twoo day.‼️‼️ thanx mew for sharin all theez grate tipz on how ta help petz … eye N joyed reedi it two de gurl and said de werd…hint..hint…like a hundred timez.letz see if her figurez it out…and stinky…how kewl ewe haza catio….eye getted ta thinkin…ewe knead yur veree own tree in yur houz…bee in an ace climber N all…what a bout a spruce ore a maple ore a willow tree….😺😺🌲🪵🌴🧡🤎💛🐟
Had to laugh at Leah’s problem with auto-correct. I go through that constantly.
Enjoyed Stinky’s instruction. A human who is engaged in playing with the cat is about the most important thing!
Stinky,
I had a FABULOUS time with you today. There are so many fun things to do at your house and I am glad we got to share them with our friends. You are a SUPER fiance!
Love and whisker kisses,
Periwinkle
We think Kitties Blue are very very lucky to have a big house with LOTS of fun things to do – and a catio where they can enjoy fresh air. Most of all having a Mom and Dad who engage all of the Blue kitties in play and fun with toys!!! A wonderful visit for Stinky and Periwinkle.
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
Our kitties agree, a cation would be terrific! We hope for one, some day!
Oops, cation!
Whoa, that was auto-correct, and it did it again!