Indoor cats need structured enrichment to fulfill hunting, climbing, hiding, and social behavioral needs. Inadequate environments cause boredom, stress, and behavioral problems.
An indoor cat in a barren environment - flat surfaces, no hiding spots, no hunting opportunities, and predictable ad-lib food bowls - is a cat whose fundamental behavioral needs are unmet. Boredom in cats manifests as over-grooming, excessive sleeping, aggression, or attention-seeking destruction. The solution is not outdoor access by default, but environmental engineering: multiple heights, hiding spots, foraging feeders, interactive play, window perches with bird views, and regular novel enrichment. This is not luxury - it is the basic welfare standard for indoor cat housing.