Enrichment & why it counts...

If my work with Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary has taught me anything, it's that, like humans, all animals suffer stress and boredom, and as stress can show up and manifest as illness, it's vitally important for animals both at home, and in shelters, to have some sort of enrichment programme.

Following my first exploration into the world of Applied Zoopharmacognosy it became clear that there were various herbs that could help alleviate an animals' stress levels, and if an animal had access to those herbs it would 'self-select' them as and when they needed them.

I first had the idea of making enrichment Herb Trays for the many cats at the sanctuary over 2 years ago and with help from my husband Richard. With my initial design jotted down on a scrap of paper he was able to put together a prototype in his workshop.

I needed to take into account that it wouldn't take up valuable space inside the cats enclosure and also find out which herbs would be advantageous to the animals' overall levels of anxiety and wellbeing in a sanctuary setting.

After a few mock ups of different sizes of herb tray, including a six slotted version, and using a few different material forms, the final two slotted version was made.

Being waterproof was essential for hygiene reasons because the herb trays would need to be sterilized and renewed each time an animal was re-homed. So suitable waterproof woods were carefully chosen.

Over the next 4 months over 30 Herb trays were lovingly made by Richard, and were soon up and running in each of the cat pens.

The difference that it's made to the cats welfare has been exciting and absolutely wonderful to watch.

A Holly Hedge newcomer settling

in with a fresh Herb tray.

I decided that each tray would have 2 types of herb inside, mostly because of the cost of the herbs, and the cost of the renewal turnover.

It had to be a sustainable project and something I could fund from the sale of my reiki and herb calming products.

Valerian and Catnip, were already firm favourites at the sanctuary, so they were my inevitable choices.

Both herbs not only help to calm and reassure the cats on arrival, bringing their fight/flight response down considerably, they generally help them settle in more quickly.

The tray is then kept in the pen throughout the duration of their stay, so that they can access the herbs as and when they need a top up.

Valerian Root (valeriana officinalis)

The Valerian root is from a flowering herb plant with sweetly scented white or pink flowers, it grows around the world.

Right out of the ground it wouldn't be very appealing, but with some cleaning and chopping, it is just right for animals to enjoy!

Valerian has a calming effect on the nervous system and is very beneficial to

both cats and dogs.

Catnip (nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a member of the mint family. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many animals respond to in a variety of different ways.

Once a cat smells the catnip, they may begin to kick, chew, roll, drool and generally be playful. This mood generally lasts for about 10-15 minutes and activates different areas of the brain that control mood and behaviour.

While catnip acts as a stimulant in cats, it typically acts as a sedative in dogs and can help with their anxiety.

With both valerian and catnip, once your animal has had it's fix it will leave it for a couple of hours and return later for a repeat performance. (self-selection!)

Some cats and dogs are naturally stressed and anxious as part of their demeaner, while others save their anxious moments for a trip to the vets.

When people ask me the difference between valerian and catnip, I always say after the initial excitement, Valerian calms and relaxes both cats and dogs, where as catnip stimulates cats and results in a more playful hyped up experience.

Of course, for dogs catnip does the complete opposite!

This year I hope to introduce enrichment herb pots for the dogs at the sanctuary and with every purchase made at Reiki & Herb a donation is made towards that goal.

The Reiki & Herb exclusive Herb Pots are a great way to provide enrichment for your animal at home.

The herb pot can be twisted into a single vented position for your animal to smell, put onto fully vented for more aroma, or to shake onto their bedding for them to have a roll about in, or the lid can be completely taken off for them to eat as much as they need.

They are great for any type of stress & anxiety, in multi cat households, during noise disturbances and during firework season.

A Holly Hedge Sanctuary Resident enjoying their herbs.

You can purchase the valerian herb pot at the Reiki & Herb shop by clicking here: www.reikiandherb.com/shop/valerianherbpot