5 Indoor Enrichment Tips Every Cat Owner Should Know
We strongly recommend keeping cats indoors for their health, safety, and longevity. Outdoor cats face many dangers, including cars, dogs, infectious diseases, parasites, and exposure to harsh weather. In addition, the National Audubon Society reports that house cats kill over a billion songbirds and migratory birds each year in the United States, placing strain on fragile bird populations. By keeping your cat indoors, you protect both your pet and the environment.
That said, indoor cats require thoughtful enrichment to keep them mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally content. Indoor enrichment is also linked to reducing the incidence of urinary tract disease in cats prone to stress-related bladder issues. Below are five veterinarian-recommended tips to keep your indoor cat happy and healthy.
1. Provide Vertical Spaces for Climbing
Cats naturally love to climb and perch. Give your cat safe outlets with cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or tall furniture designed for pets. Vertical spaces allow them to survey their “territory,” exercise their muscles, and feel secure in their environment.
2. Offer Adequate Scratching Surfaces
Scratching is a normal feline behavior—not a bad habit. Cats scratch to stretch their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. To protect your furniture and keep your cat satisfied, provide both vertical scratching posts (tall enough for a full-body stretch and sturdy enough not to tip over) and horizontal options like scratch pads or mats.
3. Feed Small, Frequent Meals
In the wild, cats are natural hunters and eat several small prey animals throughout the day. Instead of free-feeding, mimic this natural rhythm by offering small meals at scheduled times. Food puzzles and slow feeders can also engage your cat’s problem-solving instincts while preventing boredom and overeating.
4. Encourage Daily Playtime
Interactive play is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond with your cat while keeping them physically fit. Use feather wands, laser pointers, or small toy mice to mimic the movements of prey. Just 10–15 minutes of play a couple of times a day can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and destructive behavior.
5. Add Variety with Toys and Enrichment
Cats thrive on novelty. Rotate their toys every few days to keep things fresh, or introduce puzzle toys, cat-safe tunnels, and cardboard boxes to spark curiosity. Window perches with views of the outdoors can also provide endless entertainment.
Keeping Indoor Cats Healthy and Happy
By making these small adjustments to your cat’s environment, you protect them from outdoor risks while supporting their physical health, mental well-being, and urinary tract health. Indoor enrichment not only prevents boredom—it helps your cat live a longer, more fulfilling life.
