Updated: Jan 8, 2021
In the distant past the feline went through an evolutionary shift that was accelerated by domestication by humans. Feline welfare has changed with improved housing, diet, & care. The down side? Our little lions have lost access to many natural behavioural outlets. Before domestication, the feline lived, hunted, climbed, & explored outside where they had a rich diversity of experiences. While domestic felines have a safe environment indoors with humans, they are happiest in an environment that stimulates outdoor instincts.
Instead of ushering your little lion outdoors, the compromise is to enrich their environment in a manner that allows them to practice their innate behaviours inside the safety of their home. There are endless ways to enrich your feline's life.
Environmental
Social
Cognitive
to provide physical, psychological, & emotional stimulation; with activities that respect all five of your feline's senses; sight, sound, scent, taste, touch.
As previously explained in my recent posts "Autumn Equinox & How It Affects Our Felines", Colder months lead to a sedentary lifestyle, & with an approximate 15% increase in food intake, this is a recipe for disaster!
Without enrichment, our little lions can develop behavioural issues like; aggression, anxiety, attention-seeking, urinating or defecating outside of a litter box, eating disorders, or other disorders like over-grooming, plucking or scratching. The animals most at risk for these types of behaviours are captive animals in zoos & sanctuaries— & your pets.