Companion Animals

Companion Cat Indoor Enrichment and Welfare

Indoor cats need environmental enrichment to prevent boredom, stress, and behaviour problems.

Key Facts

Indoor cats can live longer but face greater enrichment needs
Insufficient enrichment leads to obesity, aggression, and stress-related illness
Vertical space, foraging opportunities, and hunting play are key enrichment elements
Cats need 2+ active play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily

Welfare Considerations

Indoor cats in unenriched environments develop a range of welfare problems — from obesity and associated metabolic disease to frustration-driven aggression and anxiety disorders. The natural feline behavioural repertoire of hunting, climbing, scratching, and exploratory play must be accommodated indoors through intentional enrichment. A boring indoor life causes real suffering.

What You Can Do

Provide multiple climbing structures and window perches for indoor cats
Use puzzle feeders and food toys instead of bowls
Play with interactive toys at least twice daily
Create a safe outdoor enclosure or catio if space allows