Indoor cats are at lower risk of traffic accidents and disease but face welfare challenges from environmental impoverishment. Meeting their behavioural needs requires active enrichment provision.
An understimulated indoor cat may develop compulsive behaviours such as excessive grooming, wool-sucking, or aggression. Unmet predatory needs are a leading cause of redirected aggression toward owners. Structured play sessions (15-20 minutes twice daily with fishing rod toys) and puzzle feeding substantially improve welfare outcomes for confined cats.