Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Environmental Enrichment Science

Scientific research into feline environmental enrichment identifies effective interventions that improve welfare for indoor cats denied natural behaviour opportunities.

Key Facts

Indoor cats show higher rates of stress-related disease than outdoor cats in some studies
Feeding enrichment using puzzle feeders reduces boredom and obesity simultaneously
Vertical space enabling perching at height addresses cats' preference for elevated positions
Scent enrichment including catnip and silver vine provides olfactory stimulation
Social play with owners provides both exercise and positive social interaction

Welfare Considerations

Environmental enrichment science provides evidence-based guidance for improving indoor cat welfare beyond simple provision of food and water. Targeted enrichment that addresses specific motivational systems provides genuine welfare benefit beyond superficial enrichment provision.

What You Can Do

Provide puzzle feeders to slow feeding and provide cognitive enrichment
Create vertical space through cat trees and shelving enabling height preference behaviour
Rotate environmental enrichment to maintain novelty and sustained engagement