Indoor cats require carefully designed environments to meet their behavioural needs. Environmental enrichment prevents boredom, stress and behaviour problems while improving quality of life.
Indoor cat enrichment is one of the most impactful welfare interventions available to companion cat owners. Cats that live in barren environments without adequate outlet for predatory behaviour, territorial exploration and social play develop chronic boredom that manifests as overgrooming, aggression, destructive behaviour or obesity. Environmental design for cats involves thinking in three dimensions: vertical space through cat trees, shelves and wall-mounted perches; multiple territories through beds and enclosed hiding spaces; and dynamic stimulation through rotating enrichment objects and food puzzle feeders. The predatory sequence in cats involves stalking, chasing, pouncing and catching: interactive wand toys that allow cats to complete this sequence are among the most effective enrichment tools.