Indoor cats without adequate enrichment develop behavioral problems and suffer from boredom, frustration, and reduced wellbeing. Evidence-based enrichment transforms indoor cat welfare.
Indoor cats in barren environments develop welfare-compromising behaviors including over-grooming, aggression, and excessive vocalization that signal chronic frustration and understimulation. These are not behavioral quirks but welfare indicators of unmet behavioral needs. Enrichment that addresses hunting, climbing, scratching, and social engagement dramatically improves cat wellbeing. The investment in enrichment is low relative to its welfare impact: puzzle feeders, bird feeders outside windows, and regular interactive play sessions cost almost nothing but provide daily behavioral outlets that transform a cat's quality of life.