Indoor cats live longer and safer lives than outdoor cats but require deliberate environmental enrichment to meet their behavioral needs and prevent boredom-related welfare problems.
Cats kept in unenriched indoor environments are at high risk of chronic boredom, obesity, and stress-related illness including feline idiopathic cystitis triggered by environmental stress. The mismatch between a cat evolved for active hunting and an unstimulating indoor environment creates persistent frustration. Owners who provide only food and a litter box without behavioral enrichment are meeting minimal physical needs while neglecting psychological ones. Enrichment provision that enables hunting simulation, climbing, hiding, and scratching addresses behavioral motivation and produces calmer, healthier, happier cats. The investment in enrichment is modest and the welfare return is substantial, making it one of the most cost-effective companion animal welfare interventions available.