Animal Welfare Professionals

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Hi Nancy,

We have a barn cat adoption program. While these cats await their adoptive home, we use youtube videos of squirrels and birds as enrichment using donated ipads, tv screens, laptops, screening devices like roku or firesticks and tablets.  These videos are a big hit!

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Thanks, Sarah! I might have to test that out. Do you have problems with the devices walking away?
Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:00 PM
From: Sarah Schulte
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Hi Nancy,

We have a barn cat adoption program. While these cats await their adoptive home, we use youtube videos of squirrels and birds as enrichment using donated ipads, tv screens, laptops, screening devices like roku or firesticks and tablets.  These videos are a big hit!

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Hi Nancy,

We have not had problems with that. :)

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 05:29 PM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks, Sarah! I might have to test that out. Do you have problems with the devices walking away?
Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:00 PM
From: Sarah Schulte
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Hi Nancy,

We have a barn cat adoption program. While these cats await their adoptive home, we use youtube videos of squirrels and birds as enrichment using donated ipads, tv screens, laptops, screening devices like roku or firesticks and tablets.  These videos are a big hit!

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

Good to hear! I'm going to try it with these barn cats and see how they respond. If you have any favorite videos, feel free to share the links!
Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2023 08:14 AM
From: Sarah Schulte
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Hi Nancy,

We have not had problems with that. :)

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 05:29 PM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks, Sarah! I might have to test that out. Do you have problems with the devices walking away?
Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:00 PM
From: Sarah Schulte
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Hi Nancy,

We have a barn cat adoption program. While these cats await their adoptive home, we use youtube videos of squirrels and birds as enrichment using donated ipads, tv screens, laptops, screening devices like roku or firesticks and tablets.  These videos are a big hit!

------------------------------
Sarah Schulte
Volunteer Coordinator
Ohio Alleycat Resource Spay & Neuter Clinic

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

You may have already found this website, but http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com/homemade-puzzles has a page devoted to DIY cat food puzzles. They also have them ranked by difficulty, so you can start with easier puzzles, and have info/videos of cats using the different puzzles so you can match style. (Cats who like to use their paws vs. cats who nudge them with their nose, for example.)

------------------------------
Emme Hones
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------

I was just looking at that, Emme - thank you! Then I started thinking food puzzles may not work because the cats have access to kibble all the time, which is a necessity since there are often no humans at the barn. They both love wet food ... but the volunteer who was giving it to them was asked to stop giving due to weight concerns. So now I'm thinking more exercise-play-stalking type enrichment. Especially since they are barn cats and have proven their ability in that department. 😊
Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2023 06:23 AM
From: Emme Hones
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

You may have already found this website, but http://foodpuzzlesforcats.com/homemade-puzzles has a page devoted to DIY cat food puzzles. They also have them ranked by difficulty, so you can start with easier puzzles, and have info/videos of cats using the different puzzles so you can match style. (Cats who like to use their paws vs. cats who nudge them with their nose, for example.)

------------------------------
Emme Hones

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 04:52 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Thanks for your reply! They do pretty well with their barn cat duties, but I think they're bored a lot of the time. So I'd love to find some low-or no-cost ideas for food puzzles (they are highly motivated by wet food,  but we try to use that sparingly for weight management), toys and games that stimulate natural behavior, etc. 

And thanks for doing what you do in Gary … I'm just "down the road" in Fort Wayne. 😊

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2023 03:36 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

This post made my heart sing! Our group does TNR and relocating cats to a barn has been a challenge.  I heard horror stories of cats being killed by equipment,or just being dumped in an unfamiliar place to fend for themselves. 

The fact that you are engaging with them should help them adjust to be well rounded working cats. Thank you!

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2023 08:21 AM
From: Nancy Crowe
Subject: Barn cat enrichment

Among the animals I work with at a nonprofit equestrian center are two barn cats. One is very friendly, the other selectively so. 😊  Due to some changes at the barn, they spend more time alone than they used to, particularly during the winter months. Someone generally checks on them once a day or every other day to make sure they have food, water, etc.

I'm planning to work more stops at this barn into my winter schedule for their regular Reiki sessions. I would love to also find new ways to get them to exercise and play. They have a scratching post but have not shown much interest in toys. The ribbons/other soft materials on a wand toy tend to snag their claws. 

Any ideas would be most appreciated. First post here, so bear with me if I've posted in the wrong place.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

------------------------------
Nancy Crowe
Nancy Crowe
------------------------------