You may consider food puzzles that are clear with many holes so that the cat can see and smell the food inside. Cats can be very particular about which food puzzles they will use, which will likely come as no surprise to anyone that owns a cat. Implementing food puzzles for the first time takes some time and planning. There are also stationary puzzles composed of large, sturdy bases with holes, cups, channels, etc in which the cat must fish out food with their paws. The hole sizes can be increased or decreased to make the puzzle easier or harder for the cat. These can be easily made at home by cutting holes in toilet paper rolls, water bottles, or egg cartons or can be purchased commercially. Mobile puzzles can be rolled and pushed around until food falls out. They can be made to hold both wet food and dry food, though most commercial puzzles are designed for dry food or treats. Food puzzles can be made from any object that can hold food. One easy environmental enrichment activity for cats is a food puzzle, which forces cats to work for their food. The Indoor Pet Initiative from the Ohio State University provides a wealth of important information about how environmental enrichment benefits an indoor cat’s health and well-being. Common behavioral problems reported by owners of indoor cats include aggression, attention seeking, over grooming, and urinary problems (such as inappropriate urination). Indoor living situations and easy access to food can also lead to boredom and frustration due to the lack of stimulation, resulting in behavioral problems. Acquiring food takes no effort and they often eat more calories than they burn, which can lead to medical issues such as obesity, diabetes, and joint problems. In contrast, house cats often have free access to as much food as they want straight from a bowl. In the wild, cats work for their food several times a day by hunting and only about half of their hunts are successful. Their closest wild ancestor, the African wildcat, gives us an idea of the behavioral needs of our feline friends. But many owners are rightfully concerned about their cat’s mental health when they are kept inside, unable to express their natural behaviors. Cat owners are advised to keep their cats indoors for a variety of reasons including safety, health, and to avoid wildlife predation. Cats are the most commonly kept pet in the in the United States.
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