3 Cat Enrichment Activities

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Cat enrichment isn’t just about fun (although they certainly are)—they also support your cat’s mental and physical health. Cat enrichment toys can help reduce anxiety and boredom by providing a healthy outlet for their energy. Here are three creative enrichment ideas to try with your cat, each designed to stimulate their instincts and provide hours of fun.

1. Protein Bites in a Snuffle Mat

Turn mealtime into a rewarding scavenger hunt by hiding our Protein Bites or Freeze-Dried Quest in a snuffle mat. If you don’t have a snuffle mat, you could use a rolled up towel! Just hide the treats in the folds and pockets, and your cat will have a blast using their nose and paws to dig and find the treats. This activity taps into your cat’s hunting instincts while encouraging physical activity.

@stevesrealfood Protein Bites are a delicious, healthy way to add whole living foods to your pet’s bowl!#healthypets #dogs #cats #rawfeeding ♬ original sound – StevesRealFood

2. Lick Mats

Lick mats are a fantastic way to slow down fast eaters and provide sensory enrichment. Defrosted Frozen Quest or rehydrated Freeze-Dried Quest work great for this activity. Spread a thin layer of their favorite protein on the textured surface of a lick mat and let them lick away! The textured grooves of a lick mat require your cat to lick the food out slowly, which naturally calms them and provides a soothing experience. Licking not only helps reduce stress but also encourages saliva production, which can promote dental health.

3. Cat Springs in the Bathtub

If you’ve ever seen your cat go wild for a simple spring toy, then you know the joy they can bring. Take it up a notch by placing the springs in an empty, dry bathtub. The smooth, curved walls of the tub keep the springs from escaping, while the noise and movement as the spring bounces around add extra excitement. For an extra boost, place a few freeze-dried raw nuggets or protein bites in the tub alongside the springs. The enticing scent of the treats will encourage your cat to chase and pounce, making the game even more rewarding. This activity is perfect for high-energy cats who love interactive play. It also doubles as a great workout, promoting a healthy weight and keeping their muscles strong.

Why Enrichment Matters for Cats

Enrichment activities are vital for your cat’s mental, emotional, and physical health. For cats on a raw diet, these activities align perfectly with their natural instincts, such as hunting, licking, and chasing. By turning mealtime into an interactive experience—whether through digging treats out of a snuffle mat or licking raw food off a textured mat—you engage their primal drives while keeping them mentally stimulated and emotionally fulfilled. These activities not only reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviors but also encourage physical activity, supporting a healthy weight and strong muscles.

Incorporating raw treats into enrichment makes the experience even more rewarding. It slows eating for better digestion and enhances the satisfaction of their meals. Enrichment also helps relieve stress and builds a deeper bond between you and your feline friend. Together, the benefits of interactive play and a nutrient-rich raw diet create a happier, healthier, and more balanced cat.

Enrich Your Cat’s Life With Steve’s Real Food Today

Steve’s Real Food Quest raw cat food and our Protein Bite treats make great options for cat enrichment. The nuggets are perfect for hiding or can be defrosted/rehydrated for other forms of enrichment. Check out the Store Locator to find Steve’s near you!

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