Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Environmental Enrichment Science

Environmental enrichment for indoor cats has a robust scientific evidence base. Well-designed enrichment addresses the five domains of welfare and reduces problem behaviours.

Key Facts

Indoor cats spend up to 70% of waking hours inactive without enrichment
Vertical space provision reduces inter-cat tension in multi-cat households
Rotational enrichment maintains novelty and prevents habituation
Prey-sequence play satisfying stalk-chase-catch-kill reduces predatory frustration
Food puzzles reduce obesity and increase positive cognitive engagement

Welfare Considerations

Environmental enrichment is not optional for indoor cats but a fundamental welfare requirement. The evidence base now supports specific, evidence-based approaches tailored to cat behaviour.

What You Can Do

Provide at least two interactive play sessions daily using prey-sequence structured play
Install cat trees, shelves and perches to create usable vertical space
Use food puzzles and scatter feeding rather than bowl feeding for indoor cats