Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

You sound like you do some great inexpensive things for your cats. As a Sanctuary owner myself I'd like to hear other ideas like this. Thank you 

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

I'm also looking for a good "scent list" and I'm just wondering if you can clarify on the chamomile. You say you like the idea of using dried chamomile in a toilet paper tube but then in your safety note you say no chamomile. Thank you!

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

I love this idea as I am always looking for new enrichment ideas for the cats at the rescue. I have used catnip and silvervine, but would love a list of safe herbs to try. Any information is appreciated as some don't seem to care for the catnip.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Years ago, our behavior team tried something similar using scents around dogs in our care to see how it affected them. They even tested certain colognes to see if they helped their moods, maybe they thought it would smell like the familiarity of home. I don't think much came of it, as they now just use the pheromone plug-ins.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Great topic! I am with a shelter in Ontario. We do scent enrichment for our cats (and dogs). Each day of the week we have 3 forms of enrichment for cats and can add something new (usually edible) too. For scent enrichment, we will offer it in a few different ways depending on the day. Soft scented toy (shaken/stored in a baggie with the scent -  (like silvervine, valerian, catnip) or in a small paper bag (lavender, tumeric powder) or sprayed on a bandana and tied to the front of the kennel. The sprays are made by the staff - water with a scent (rose petals, dill, chamomile) . I can't recall all the spices/scents we use.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hello Beverly, 

I've volunteered at several places who have used scent enrichment for cats to a great success :) One place simply saved all the boxes they got in from donations, shipments, etc, threw some dried herbs or scent spray in the box, folded the flaps and put them in the cat rooms for the kitties to rummage around in! They rotated different scents and herbs for best effect. Best of both worlds for a cat really, haha! It definitely seems like a cheap and fun enrichment for the cats. 

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

I am all for trying different scents for cats! Does anyone have a list of safe things to use? I see people listing items that I have heard mixed reviews on some of them including lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. We use scent items for dogs all the time, but at this point I can only safely use silvervine, catnip, pheromone sprays, and roses for the cats (as approved by our shelter med team).

I would love to try different options for them!

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

I have had success using dried Rosemary, Parsley and Catnip spray.  I've sprinkled the dried herbs on the linens, crumpled newspaper balls and sprayed them with catnip, and made dig boxes/ egg cartons with shredded newspaper sprinkled with herbs. The rosemary has been a hit so far.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs, dried chamomile, or valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

Hi Ya'll! Radha's Cat Haven from West Virginia here….

I've been reading about scent enrichment as a powerful, low-cost way to improve the quality of life for cats in a sanctuary. Because their sense of smell is roughly 14 times stronger than ours, I'm reading about how some rescues are adding "scent stations."

Some ideas are botanical stations – placing small dishes with dried catnip, silvervine, valerian root, or dried lavender at nose level in select areas(not in feeding areas). Scratch & scent - dusting catnip or silvervine onto corrugated cardboard scratchers to encourage scratching and marking. Scent pouches - placing tea-strainer balls or muslin bags filled with herbs near perches. I like this idea of DIY scent kits -use empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard boxes rubbed with herbs like valerian root. Here's a fun one, foraging games - create a "scent-guided route" by using a scent-covered toy to lead cats towards a small, hidden food reward.

Safe, natural scent options include Catnip, Silvervine, and Valerian Root, which are the most popular for encouraging play and energetic behavior. Calming herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose Petals (specifically of the Rosa genus), and Lavender (dried or fresh) are often used to reduce anxiety and stress. Some exploratory culinary scents like Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Basil, and Cilantro are fun for curiosity.

So, has anyone tried scent enrichment with their animals? I'd love to hear about your experiences! 😊

Important Safety Note

Use dried or fresh herbs that are natural with no added essential oils or pesticides. Cats lack the liver enzymes to process concentrated oils. No Chamomile or Parsley. No essential oils. Only use Lavender, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Rosemary herbs in secured pouches because they can be toxic if ingested.

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CommunityCatManagement
#EducationandTraining

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beverly ordonez
Non Profit Administrator
Radha's Cat Haven
WV
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