Indoor cats live longer and safer lives but face significant welfare challenges from restricted environments. Evidence-based enrichment addresses key behavioural needs and prevents stress-related disease.
Indoor confinement without adequate enrichment creates welfare deficits that manifest as stress-related disease (FIC, over-grooming, redirected aggression) and reduced behavioural expression. The issue is not indoor living per se - it is the impoverishment of indoor environments that fail to meet core feline needs. A well-enriched indoor environment with vertical space, multiple hiding places, interactive feeding, regular predatory play, and sufficient resources for all cats in the household can support excellent feline welfare. The challenge is owner education about what enrichment actually means - beyond a single scratching post - and commitment to maintaining environmental complexity.