Indoor cats deprived of adequate enrichment develop obesity, behavioral disorders, and chronic boredom, yet enrichment provision remains inconsistent among companion cat owners.
Indoor cats face an enrichment paradox: they are protected from outdoor hazards but potentially impoverished of the sensory and behavioral stimulation they need for psychological welfare. Cats deprived of hunting outlet behaviors redirect predatory motivation toward inappropriate targets or develop apathy from chronic understimulation. Obesity — directly linked to ad libitum feeding and insufficient activity — impairs mobility and long-term health. The solutions are low-cost and well-established: puzzle feeders, interactive play sessions, window perches, vertical space, and rotating enrichment items. Owner education is the primary barrier to implementation.