We had curtains that we could hang on the front of kennels (had to throw many out recently due to some panleuk stuff so we're low on stock now) I love this one because in their kennels they usually have a towel over their perch that they hide under but can easily get knocked over and I find them in the morning terrified with nowhere to hide, so the curtain clipped to the kennel front still allows them to have that visual barrier.
Beyond that I love catnip, feliway, zenifel (essentially catnip infused feliway). I especially love spraying soft toys or stuff animals with the pheromone sprays. They make cat specific music designed for calming cats that I have seen work on multiple occasions (David Teie makes it) or using sound machines with some lullaby sounds.
Wand toys and target training are great for gaining confidence, especially if the cat seems food motivated, churu is usually a big win.
I like to get out my phone, or our shelter has an ipad specifically for this, and play bird and squirrel videos or cat games for them, sometimes they like it sometimes they don't.
------------------------------
Laurel Wilton
Feline Welfare Supervisor
Nebraska Humane Society
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2025 01:10 AM
From: Jawad Ahmad
Subject: The Cat-Friendly Shelter: Measuring Success Beyond Live Outcomes
What is the single most effective, low-cost environmental enrichment tool you've found for timid/feral cats? (Beyond the 'hide box').
We often focus on 'Live Release Rates' as our primary metric, but how are you practically measuring the quality of life and stress reduction for cats while they are in the shelter? Our team is looking to shift from just offering toys to implementing structured, quantitative enrichment programs.
Question By Purrfect Insights
------------------------------
Jawad Ahmad
Pet Writer
Purrfect Insights
NY
------------------------------