By now, we all know we're supposed to provide enrichment in our pets' lives. It has as many benefits as there are individual forms of enrichment. We know that the purpose isn't only to give our animals something to do while we're trying to live our own human lives, but to stimulate their mind and body, give them an outlet for their natural behaviours, improve their confidence and emotional wellbeing, and generally expand their world. Hence the appropriate name: enrichment.

When you have very limited energy and disposable income though, enrichment can honestly feel an exhausting task for pet owners. As if keeping ourselves and them alive isn't taxing enough already.

Your average influencer would have you believe that the only acceptable enrichment strategies are high-energy and glamorous. Hikes in picturesque national parks, competetive sports and obedience trials, colourful food puzzles, new toys every week, catios, slatmills, running wheels, and wall-mounted shelves with rope bridges....don't get me wrong, these absolutely have their place. In fact, for me that place is my own wishlist.

Jakey and Theodore stashing snacks safely in their hut

But the spectacle of social media can easily distract us from what enrichment truly is. If you think about it, our pets don't really have much choice or freedom in how they conduct their day-to-day lives. Part of that is for good reason! When it seems like your dog's number one goal in life is to run into the road for fun, you take reasonable measures to contain their comings and goings, and ensure their safety. I would argue this freedom is enrichment's number one benefit, and a certain level of freedom is crucial for animal welfare. This might sound weird, but we can actually kind of fulfill our dog's drive for bolting onto the street by instead presenting other choices...and it can take just five or ten percent instead of the 100 you might be feeling pressured to give.

Enrichments fall into these categories:

Physical
Sensory
Nutritional
Social
Cognitive

Many of the strategies in each category cross into other categories. Within the categories, there are literally countless strategies to try, and even more when altering them for your own needs. I use the word 'strategies' and not 'items' or 'toys' on purpose; for example, you can strategically rotate out certain items and play styles to rekindle interest.

There are already loads of lists of enrichment suggestions out there on the internet, so here's a small handful of ideas for low-energy days:

Treats or interesting items suspended from a high place
Watching wildlife videos
Treats and toys tossed in grass or around the house
Showing your pet places in the home they're never seen or smelled before
Frozen lick mat or Kong
Basic dig box
Cardboard box or tube with towels or shredded paper
Egg cartons with interesting scents in each egg space
Towel rolled up with treats inside
Muffin tray with crumpled-up paper covering treats
Relaxing brushing session while laying down

Stay tuned for a helpful tool for choosing a strategy!

Maybe you’ve tried enrichments in the past and were disappointed with your pet's lack of interest in your efforts? Perhaps it's just a matter of paying some more attention to what they gravitate towards. Try just watching them exist at home: your pet will give you so many clues on what they like! What is your pet inclined to do, what are they inclined to ask for?

My partner and I's cat Marble was consistently sitting and laying on different textures on the floor, and we paid attention. Her favourite toys currently consist of a carboard ball chase we brought back after storing for about 6 months, curled up piece of brown paper, a panel of mesh cloth, and the shopping bags we've put in her toybox.

Pea fishing was always a hit with my ratties

When I was lucky enough to have pet rats, I encouraged them to pursue their interests. Bandit was a burrower, Henri gave me manicures, Jake stashed treats, Theodore used my hand as a blanket, Chunk ripped up cardboard, Beedle was a big nester even before she was pregnant, and Paya couldn't get enough of being tossed a short distance onto a pillow (gently, of course!)

There are no right or wrong ways to enrich your pet! All of the above can be considered enrichment. Try with something small and doable, and try to slowly build it into your pet's routine. Let your pets pursue their hobbies!

Sometimes we just don't have the five or ten percent to give. If you're overwhelmed and in need of some assistance caring for your companion, I'm happy to help! Check out my Care Tasks service any time.

Feeling discouraged by enrichment?

Health checks at home

The Junah Journal: Intro