Feline Enrichment: Meeting the Essential Needs of Cats

January 30, 2025 • Behavior Bytes Cats I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Veterinary Professional

By Laura Cassiday, CCBC

Enrichment can be defined as something added to your cat’s environment that encourages them to engage in normal, natural behaviors. For cats, normal and natural behaviors include but are not limited to, playing, scratching, grooming, sniffing, and foraging. When cats are not provided with opportunities to do these things, they get bored. Boredom can lead to problems, including destructive behavior, aggression, and anxiety, among others.

Sensory-Based Enrichment Categories and Examples:

1. Olfactory (Smell): Cats have a keen sense of smell, often using it to explore their environment. A common example of olfactory enrichment is catnip. Cats may also enjoy silvervine and valerian. Any cat-safe plant or spice can be an interesting aroma for your cat to investigate. Your cat may also enjoy sniffing around in an “outdoor box” full of grass, leaves, or twigs that you bring inside from your yard.

2. Auditory (Hearing): Sounds can stimulate curiosity or provide calming effects in some cases. Your cat will benefit from hearing soundtracks with bird or nature sounds, toys that mimic prey sounds, or soft classical music or audiobooks for relaxation.

3. Visual: Cats are visual predators, easily stimulated by movement. Bird feeders outside windows can provide your cat with visual stimulation. Consider buying rotating toys that move or flash, using a laser pointer, and letting your cat interact with cat-specific apps on your phone or tablet.

4. Tactile (Touch): Cats use touch to explore, often through their whiskers, paws, and body. You can provide your cat with tactile enrichment by providing different textures of bedding or mats for resting and toys with various textures, from plush to crinkly. If your cat enjoys brushing, this is a great option. If not, provide surfaces for self-grooming.

5. Taste: Most caregivers tend to stick to the same brands and flavors of food for their cats. However, offering a variety in diet can be mentally stimulating. If your cat typically eats pate, try shreds. If they always eat chicken-based dry food, try a fish-based. Monitor your cat for signs of digestive issues and make transitions slowly. Cat-safe plants or grasses to nibble provide taste-based enrichment.

6. Cognitive: Cats need to exercise their brains just as they do their bodies. Short five-minute sessions using positive reinforcement can be just as enriching for your cat as a 10-to-15-minute play session. Your cat may also enjoy foraging with food puzzles or locating treats around the house in a scavenger hunt. If you have a particularly active cat, you may even want to try cat agility or nosework. 

Three kitties rest on a cat bed in front of a window

Image courtesy of Laura Cassiday, CCBC

How Do I Add More Enrichment Into My Cat’s Life? 

Enrichment does not have to take up a lot of your time. Try to come up with one new activity each day for your cat. Rotate through 10-15 activities throughout the year. Providing daily enrichment can be as simple as pulling up a chair to a window that your cat does not typically get to look through or taking your suitcase out of your closet a few days before a trip and leaving it open for your cat to play inside. These are things that take 30 seconds of your time but could give your cat hours of entertainment. Think about how simple your cat is to keep entertained with just a cardboard box or a bottle cap. Add variety, and you are all set.

 By understanding and implementing feline enrichment, your cat will be well-cared for and will thrive in their environment.

Grey tabby cat plays with a red-and-blue food toy

Image courtesy of Laura Cassiday, CCBC

Building Better Lives for Our Pets: The Five Freedoms, Provisions, and Domains

January 17, 2025 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Student Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Photo image of orange and white kitty strolling through a veterinary reception office

Image courtesy of Riverside County Department of Animal Services

Animal welfare has improved with three important frameworks that guide caring for your pet and other animals in different settings. Whether you are a caregiver, veterinary professional, shelter worker, or trainer, understanding the Five Freedoms, the Five Provisions, and the Five Domains can help support the well-being of your pets. These frameworks address more than just basic needs; they help create safe, comfortable, and enriching environments for pets and shelter animals. By focusing on both physical and emotional needs, these guidelines help animals enjoy happier lives that fit their unique behaviors.

The Five Freedoms are the foundation of modern animal welfare. Created in the 1960s, these principles focus on meeting an animal’s essential needs:

  • freedom from hunger and thirst
  • freedom from discomfort, pain, or disease
  • the ability to express natural behaviors
  • freedom from fear and distress.

Addressing these needs helps animals feel safe and comfortable. Veterinary hospitals, shelters, trainers, and pet caregivers use the Freedoms to guide their care practices, promoting both physical health and emotional well-being. The Freedoms set a standard of care and remind us that every animal deserves comfort and security.

A veterinarian examines a grey kitty on an exam table

Image courtesy of LSU Community Practice

The Five Provisions expand on the Freedoms by turning these principles into everyday care for your pet. Each Provision is linked to a Freedom and shows what good care looks like. For example, the Provision for Suitable Nutrition emphasizes providing a balanced and enjoyable diet, not just enough food. This might mean adding healthy treats or using food puzzles to make meals more fun. The Provision for a Suitable Environment encourages creating cozy and engaging spaces, like a comfortable bed for your dog or a scratching post for your cat. In veterinary hospitals, soft lighting and quiet areas help pets feel less stressed. The Provisions give practical steps to support each Freedom, improving your pet’s quality of life and making care more rewarding for everyone involved.

Framework Model Provisions
Five Freedoms Freedom from Hunger and Thirst Stops hunger and thirst by making sure your pet has fresh water and a nutritious diet.
Freedom from Discomfort Gives your pet a comfortable living space with proper shelter.
Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease Keeps pets healthy and free from pain through regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and check-ups.
Freedom to Express Natural Behaviors Encourages pets to engage in normal behaviors, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Freedom from Fear and Distress Creates a positive environment that helps your pet feel safe and secure.
Five Domains Nutrition Focuses on providing high-quality food and enjoyable feeding experiences.
Environment Makes sure your pet has a safe and engaging living space that meets their basic needs.
Health Emphasizes the importance of your pet’s overall physical health and its impact on their behavior.
Behavior Supports your pet’s normal behaviors and social interactions with you and other animals that enhance their quality of life.
Mental State Promotes your pet’s emotional well-being and lowers stress by providing freedom of choice and a feeling of safety.

Giving your pet the freedom to choose is also important for their mental health. A consistent daily routine helps pets know what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and frustration. When pets have some control over decisions, like where to rest or which toy to play with, they often feel more relaxed, which builds confidence. In shelters, quiet areas provide animals with a safe place to retreat. Caregivers can support mental health by using positive training methods and avoiding harsh punishments. Veterinary professionals who use Low Stress Handling® techniques help pets feel more comfortable during exams and treatments.

The Five Domains take these ideas even further, giving a complete picture of your pet’s well-being by covering both physical and mental health. Each Domain—Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behavior, and Mental State—focuses on how different aspects of care work together to keep your pet happy and healthy. The Nutrition Domain addresses, for example, not only the quality of your pet’s food but also their feeding routine. Feeding your pet at the same time every day adds predictability, which helps reduce anxiety and frustration. The Environment Domain focuses on safe, enriching spaces that are comfortable and interesting, such as hiding spots for cats, cozy blankets for dogs, or calming scents and pheromones in veterinary clinics to help lower your pet’s stress.

Jack Russell snuggles in an orange blanket

The Health Domain promotes preventive care, like regular wellness checks, pain management, and vaccinations, which keep pets healthy and allow for early detection and treatment of physical and emotional health issues. The Behavior Domain highlights the importance of allowing pets to express natural behaviors. Trainers and pet caregivers can support this through activities encouraging curiosity and play like interactive toys for cats or outdoor “sniff walks” and foraging activities for dogs. The Mental State Domain ties everything together by focusing on emotional health. Creating a predictable environment with choices for animals in shelters or veterinary hospitals makes a big difference in emotional well-being.

A brown and white dog sniffing the long grass

Image courtesy of Marta Knight

The Five Freedoms, Provisions, and Domains create a well-rounded approach to animal welfare that can be adapted to different settings. In veterinary hospitals, these guidelines help create a welcoming environment where your pet feels less stressed. The Freedoms cover basic needs, while the Provisions and Domains focus on wellness, preventive care, and emotional health. Shelters benefit from these frameworks by creating enriched spaces that address both physical and emotional needs, which can improve adoption chances. Trainers and behaviorists use these guidelines to design humane training programs that respect an animal’s need for engagement and natural behaviors. 

Together, these approaches make life better for your pet and every animal every day.

           

How Can We Teach Our Kids To Become Responsible Pet Caregivers?

January 17, 2025 • Ask LSH Dogs Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer

By Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Photo image of little boy in green hoodie cleaning an orange lick mat with a white brush

Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Q:  We are ready to add a puppy to our family. How can we teach our kids to become responsible caregivers?

A:  Bringing a puppy into the family is a wonderful way to teach children about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of routine animal care. Helpful tips include: 

1. Attend a well-run puppy class: A puppy class taught by a reputable trainer offers more than training for your dog; it is an opportunity for your children to learn how to interact with your new puppy safely and positively. They will gain experience in understanding behaviors, canine communication signals, house training, and handling exercises. Classes should include the entire family so everyone follows the same routines and has similar expectations.

2. Teach the importance of daily exercise and enrichment:  Explain to your kids that puppies need daily physical and mental exercise. Whether it is a walk, a game of fetch, or scent-based activities like sniffing, your puppy’s needs must be met to ensure healthy behavior. Encourage your children to participate by allowing them to help with walks, playtime, or setting up interactive toys. Make sure they understand that every dog has different energy levels, and sometimes, a more relaxing activity is as valuable as an energetic one.

3. Involve kids in daily tasks: Involving your children in the routine will help them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. Some appropriate tasks under adult supervision include:

  • Feeding: Let them measure food or prepare chew toys.
  • Cleaning: Help them clean up the puppy’s living area or wipe down toys.
  • Training: Children can participate in basic training, such as teaching about capturing desirable behaviors. 

Photo image of a little boy in green hoodie pouring dog food into an orange bowl

Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

4. Emphasize safety and proper care: Make sure your children know how to keep the puppy safe and healthy. This includes:

  • Leashing: Teach the importance of using a leash and not leaving their dog unsupervised outside.
  • Secure Environment: Puppy-proof the home and yard, removing hazards like chemicals, sharp objects, or places where your puppy might get trapped. 
  • Identification: Talk about the importance of your puppy always wearing an ID tag with your contact information in case they get lost.

5. Foster companionship and empathy: Puppies are family members. Teach your children to communicate with their dog in ways that promote respect and kindness. Encourage them to observe their puppy’s behavior so they can recognize excitement, fear, or discomfort. This can help your kids develop empathy for their puppy’s needs. Signs of discomfort or illness are important to recognize. Teach children to look for changes in the puppy’s behavior, such as a lack of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, or signs of pain, so that they know when to alert an adult.

6. Lead by example: Children learn by observing adults. Practice good pet care behaviors, show your children how you responsibly meet the puppy’s needs and provide love and patience. Your actions will reinforce the lessons you are teaching them.

Involving your children in your puppy’s care and helping them understand the commitments and joys of having a dog lays the foundation for responsible, compassionate pet care. Not only will they learn practical skills, but they will also form a deep bond with their new family member.

Engage Your Dog With Nose Targeting

December 30, 2024 • Behavior Bytes Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Black dog, sitting, touching nose to female handler

Image courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Targeting teaches your pet to touch a part of their body, like a paw, shoulder, hip, or nose, to an object, such as your hand. It is a fun game that can help build your pet’s confidence, especially when interacting with something they might find scary. Targeting is a basic skill that can also be used to teach other helpful behaviors, such as:

  • Coming when called
  • Redirecting your dog from other dogs on walks
  • Greeting new people
  • Getting used to a muzzle
  • Moving off furniture
  • Getting on and off the veterinarian’s scale, in and out of the car, and touching scary objects, like vacuums, cars, or baby cribs

Phase 1: Basic Targeting – Introducing the Target                                                                       

Start by offering your target hand with your palm facing forward, fingers pointing down, and holding it a couple of inches away from your dog’s nose, just below chin level—like you are showing them something. If you are using a target stick or spatula, hold it in the same way, pointing down and below their chin level.

When your pet sniffs or touches your hand, say “yes” or click, then remove your hand and toss a treat a few feet away with your other hand. Repeat this several times, tossing the treat a bit farther each time to make the game more exciting. This encourages your pet to come back to you for the next treat toss. Change the direction of your treat tosses to keep it interesting.                                                                          

Each session, position your hand a little differently, gradually moving it farther from your dog’s face. Once your pet consistently touches your hand with their nose, you can add a cue. Say “touch” just before your pet touches your hand, then click and treat. After a few repetitions, when your pet responds to the cue reliably, you can stop marking with “yes” or a click.   

Black dog standing on hind legs touching nose to the hand of the handler

Image courtesy of Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

                        

Phase 2: Adding Movement

Once your dog consistently touches your hand or object with their nose on cue, you are ready to add movement. Now, as you toss a treat and your dog goes after it, take a step or two in any direction while they are facing away. When they turn back to you, you will be in a new spot, making the game more exciting.

Each time you toss a treat, move a few feet in a different direction while your pet retrieves it. After several repetitions, you can make it even more fun by playing hide and seek. Move behind furniture, so your dog has to find you after they get the treat.

Phase 3: Jazz Hands

When your dog reliably touches your hand or object, add more targets and reduce the frequency of treats. Start by asking for a “touch.” When your pet touches your hand, move that hand behind your back and offer your other hand in the same position without moving your feet. When your pet touches the new target hand, toss a treat. Only one hand should be offered at a time.

Repeat this several times, then add a step between each touch (like in Phase 2). Gradually increase the number of touches, aiming for three or four touches before tossing a treat. Move farther with your pet each time.

Phase 4: Reverse or Backward Touch

When your dog can do “jazz hands” with movement, you can start teaching a reverse touch.

Begin by standing still and asking for a regular touch. After your pet touches, turn to face away from them and hold your hand out to your side with your palm facing backward toward your pet. When they touch your hand in this new position, mark it with “yes” or a click and toss a treat.

To get their attention, lower your hand, wiggle your fingers, or hold your hand farther from your side. Once your pet understands the reverse touch, add a 3rd touch to the sequence. For example, ask for a forward touch, then a reverse touch, then turn again for another forward touch, tossing a treat after the 3rd touch.

When your dog is used to these new hand positions, you can add movement. Try alternating forward and reverse touches as you walk across a room or around furniture. The reverse touch helps keep your pet engaged on walks by encouraging them to follow you closely.

Tips

  • Respect your dog’s personal space. Do not offer your hand so close that they back away or become afraid. It is always your pet’s choice to touch your hand. Do not touch their nose. Only offer one hand at a time to avoid confusing your pet.
  • Keep practice sessions short, just a few minutes, and no more than a couple of times each day. Practice while moving around the house if your dog is following you. Start with little to no distractions indoors, then add distractions and practice outside.
  • Play hide and seek with your dog. Hide behind furniture or a door, call their name, and when they find you, ask for a touch and give them a treat. You can also play with more than one person, each taking turns calling your pet to find them.

Can I Manage My Dog’s Behavior Long Term?

December 12, 2024 • Ask LSH Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Pat Koven, BA, LVT, KPACTP, LSHC-S

Photo Image of a grey and white dog jumping on a person while another person watches

Q: I started working with a new dog trainer, and the first lesson discussed management strategies to keep my chihuahua from jumping on visitors. This has already been working well. Do I need to continue with training?

A: This is not a simple yes or no answer. Management is a critical first step for any training or behavior modification process. To stop your dog from practicing undesirable behaviors, change the events or the antecedents leading up to that behavior. Think of dominoes lined up in a row. If you do not want them to fall, you need to identify what starts the tumbling chain. Change your focus from what your dog does that you do not like, and imagine how you want them to act. This change will help you become proactive to your dog’s behavior instead of reactive.

A white dog stands on hind legs behind a pet barrier

Change the environment to set your dog up for success. Before the first guest arrives, have your dog in their safe space so they do not get overexcited and start jumping. Baby gates or exercise pens can be easily set up for your dog if they like to be nearby and remain calm. Give them a food puzzle toy or long-lasting chew to entertain them so they are not frustrated by the barriers. Guests can toss a treat to your dog behind the gate to reward for calm behavior or sitting or lying down.

Photo image of a yellow dog resting quietly on a mat within an open pet enclosure

Training would take this process beyond management strategies alone by teaching your dog alternative behaviors. Cue your dog to sit and reward them in that position before they lift their front feet to jump on a visitor. You could also teach your dog to lie down or go to their bed away from visitors or behind a gate. Nose targeting can also be used to redirect them from jumping by offering your hand low and having them follow the target hand to another location away from company. If management strategies, such as sending your dog to their safe space, are working well for you and your dog, further training is not necessary.

Options for Exercising Your Dog

December 10, 2024 • CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S

Photo image of a black and white dog playing on green grass

When it comes to getting fresh air and exercise for your dog, you have plenty of options. However, some of the most popular choices might not be the best fit for every dog.

Dog Parks

Dog parks are a popular choice because they let your dog run off-leash. When visiting dog parks, consider the following:

  • These areas are best if your dog is friendly and comfortable around other dogs.
  • Advocate for your dog and remove them if there are concerning behaviors from others.       
  • Only fully vaccinated puppies should go to dog parks.
  • Your older dog should be current on vaccines.

Sniffari Leash Walk

A great way to exercise your dog is to go on a “sniffari.” Use an eight-to-10-foot leash and let your dog sniff around a quiet part of the neighborhood. Sniffing is relaxing and takes a lot of mental energy. A front clip harness can help with being pulled by an enthusiastic sniffer.

On a sniffari, think about how much time you have instead of how far you want to go. Distance does not matter with this kind of walk. If you have 30 minutes, walk one way for 15 minutes, then turn around and head home. You can go on a sniffari anywhere: your backyard, a trail, or even in the city. Adding some simple games, like the Up Down game every so often can help your dog stay focused even when there are distractions.

Photo image of Dr. Sophia Yin playing with a grey-an-white dog on green grass

Daycare 

Daycare can be a good place to send your dog when you cannot give them time or attention during the day. Puppies, for example, need play and potty breaks during the day, so daycare can help with that if you find the right place. However, daycare can sometimes be overwhelming for dogs, with too much excitement and insufficient time to rest. It can also be stressful if your dog is not used to the noise and activity of a daycare environment. When looking for a daycare, check for:

  • experienced and qualified staff,
  • vaccine requirements,
  • cleaning protocols,
  • small playgroups with lots of supervision,
  • extra activities for enrichment.

Photo image of two springer spaniels in a clean and bright run

Rest Time at Daycare

When it comes to rest time, think about what that looks like at daycare:

  • Are dogs put in crates? If so, can your dog relax in a crate away from home?
  • Are kennels used? Has your dog been in a kennel before?
  • Are dogs put in a room together to relax? Can your dog calm down around other dogs?

It might sound great to have your dog play hard for hours, so they come home tired, but this kind of play can be hard on their body and brain. Too much high-energy play can lead to stress and anxiety over time. Also, it is normal for dogs to “age out” of daycare. They may enjoy it as puppies or young dogs, but as they get older, they may prefer to relax at home. At that point, hiring a midday dog walker could be a better choice.

Photo image of a collie and handler taking a hurdle

Training and Brain Games 

Training can be a great way to exercise your dog. Like sniffing, training takes a lot of mental energy and can tire a dog out even faster than play. There are many types of training. Basic obedience is usually the first thing we think of, but there are other types that you and your dog might enjoy and benefit from. You could teach your dog a new trick, play a fun game together, or try beginner-level sports matching your dog’s breed.

If your dog still struggles with loose leash walking, try other types of training to make it fun and challenging for their brain. Dogs that have trouble relaxing at home might need less physical exercise and more mental exercise to help them settle. Getting your dog to use their brain can make it easier for them to relax and rest.

Photo image of a black lab holding a green fetch stick

Fetch

Fetch is a fun game for both dogs and people. But the running, quick turns, and high jumps can be hard on a dog’s body, especially if fetch is played often. Some dogs also find it hard to calm down after fetch, so it might not be the best game for dogs who struggle to relax after play.

If you want to play fetch with your dog, try setting some boundaries, such as:

  • Start with a relaxation game before throwing the ball. “The Off Switch Game” from Control Unleashed is a good way to teach this.
  • Throw the ball in the direction your dog is facing to avoid extra twists and turns.
  • Stop the game while your dog can still relax—this might mean only two or three throws before putting the ball away.
  • Limit fetch to once or twice a week to give your dog’s joints time to rest.
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