Comparison of several types of enrichment for captive felids

Skibiel, Trevino and Naugher systematically compared categories of enrichment, including food-based items, spices and scents, and novel objects, for captive cats to see which most effectively boosted activity and reduced stereotypy. Food-based enrichment produced the largest increases in active, species-typical behaviour and the greatest reductions in pacing and inactivity, outperforming scent and object enrichment. The results provided a practical ranking for keepers with limited time, suggesting that feeding-related enrichment offers the best welfare return. The study reinforced a recurring theme in felid research: stimulating the predatory and feeding system is the most reliable route to behavioural improvement, while novelty alone often yields short-lived effects.