Mental Health and Enrichment for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats live longer, safer lives, but without proper enrichment, they can develop stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems.

Signs of Boredom or Stress in Cats

• Excessive grooming or hair loss
• Destructive scratching
• Aggression
• Inappropriate elimination
• Over-eating or under-eating
• Excessive vocalization

Environmental Enrichment

Vertical Space

Cats feel safer with height. Cat trees, wall shelves, and window perches give them territory and observation points.

Hiding Spots

Provide boxes, tunnels, and covered beds. Hiding is a normal stress-coping behavior.

Window Access

Bird feeders outside windows provide "cat TV" — hours of entertainment.

Scratching Posts

Essential for claw maintenance, stretching, and marking territory. Provide both vertical and horizontal options.

Interactive Play

• 2 play sessions of 10–15 minutes daily
• Use wand toys that mimic prey movement
• Rotate toys to maintain novelty
• Food puzzles and foraging toys

Multi-Cat Households

Ensure adequate resources: one litter box per cat plus one extra, multiple feeding stations, and enough vertical space for all cats.