How to meet the behavioral and cognitive needs of indoor cats through environmental enrichment, play, and sensory stimulation that prevents boredom and stress.
Indoor confinement protects cats from road traffic, predators, and infectious disease but creates welfare risks from understimulation that are frequently overlooked. Cats are natural hunters whose behavioral needs are not met by passive observation or simple food provision. When predatory and exploratory drives go unsatisfied, cats develop stereotypic behaviors, anxiety, and aggression. A well-enriched indoor environment includes multiple play sessions daily using prey-mimicking toys, food puzzles, climbing structures, window access, and sensory variety. These interventions are low-cost, high-impact welfare improvements.