Play is a positive welfare indicator in cats that declines with pain, illness, and chronic stress; monitoring play frequency provides a sensitive welfare assessment tool for cat owners.
Play represents one of the clearest observable positive welfare indicators available to cat owners — it requires energy, safety, and motivation that are absent when cats are unwell, fearful, or chronically stressed. A decline in play frequency or intensity in an adult cat should prompt veterinary investigation for pain or illness. Conversely, regularly engaging cats in structured interactive play sessions is one of the most evidence-supported welfare improvements available to indoor cat owners.