Indoor cats need comprehensive enrichment addressing hunting, climbing, hiding and social needs. A systematic approach prevents boredom and stress-related behaviour problems.
Comprehensive cat enrichment treats indoor cat welfare as an active, ongoing project rather than a passive provision of basic needs. An enriched indoor environment addresses every dimension of cat behaviour: vertical territory for security, hiding places for choice and control, hunting simulation through interactive play, foraging enrichment through puzzle feeding, olfactory stimulation through novel scents, and social interaction calibrated to individual cat preference. Regular assessment of enrichment use guides rotation and improvement. Cats that engage with their environment, show normal play behaviour, maintain healthy weight and seek human interaction on their own terms are indicators of positive welfare states in an indoor setting.