Companion Animals

Cat Indoor Enrichment and Welfare

Indoor cats need carefully designed environments that meet their behavioural needs for hunting, climbing, hiding, and exploration.

Key Facts

Around 25% of UK cats are kept exclusively indoors
Indoor cats are at greater risk of obesity, boredom, and stress-related conditions
A rich environment with vertical space, hiding spots, and foraging opportunities is essential
Interactive play that mimics hunting is particularly important for indoor cat welfare
Window access for visual stimulation provides significant enrichment for indoor cats

Welfare Considerations

Indoor cats denied adequate environmental enrichment experience chronic boredom and stress that significantly compromises their welfare. Investment in enrichment is one of the most impactful interventions available to indoor cat owners.

What You Can Do

Provide vertical space with cat trees, shelves, and climbing structures
Offer multiple hiding places throughout your home
Use foraging feeders and puzzle feeders rather than bowl feeding
Dedicate two 10-15 minute interactive play sessions daily to your indoor cat
Place bird feeders visible from cat-safe window perches for visual stimulation