Companion Animals

Companion Cat Enrichment Science

Research on feline behavioral needs is clarifying how to provide meaningful enrichment for indoor cats that prevents chronic boredom and stress.

Key Facts

Indoor-only cats live longer than outdoor cats on average
Chronic boredom in indoor cats leads to obesity, aggression, and stress behaviors
Cats need daily opportunities for hunting-like predatory play
Vertical space is as important as floor area for feline environmental complexity

Welfare Considerations

The longevity advantage of indoor cats comes with a welfare cost when their behavioral needs are not met. Cats deprived of predatory play, vertical space, and environmental novelty develop signs of chronic stress. Enrichment is not optional for indoor cats but fundamental to their psychological wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Provide at least two 15-minute interactive play sessions daily with wand toys
Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches for vertical space
Use puzzle feeders to provide hunting-like food acquisition experiences
Rotate novel items and scents to maintain environmental novelty