Indoor cats face chronic welfare challenges from reduced opportunities for hunting, climbing, scratching, and exploration; appropriate enrichment provision prevents boredom-related health and behaviour problems.
Keeping cats indoors eliminates predation and road traffic risks but imposes welfare costs from reduced stimulation and movement opportunity. Cats denied hunting outlet may redirect predatory behaviour into play aggression or develop repetitive behaviours. Enrichment strategies that simulate hunting — food puzzles, interactive toys, window bird feeders, and regular play sessions — provide significant welfare improvement for indoor cats.