Enrichment for Indoor Cats: Beyond Toys and Treats

Posted on February 13, 2026

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If you share your home with an indoor cat, you've probably noticed that life can feel a bit repetitive from their perspective. The same rooms, the same furniture, the same daily routine. While keeping cats indoors is often the safest choice, especially in urban and suburban environments, it does mean we need to be intentional about creating a life that's mentally and physically stimulating. A bored cat isn't just a cat who sleeps all day. Boredom can show up as destructive scratching, late-night zoomies, excessive vocalisation, or even aggression. The good news is that enrichment doesn't require expensive cat towers or an endless supply of new toys. It's about understanding what your cat's brain and body are wired to do and creating opportunities for those natural behaviours to happen in ways that work for both of you.

Enrichment isn't about keeping your cat entertained every moment of the day. Cats sleep a lot, and that's completely normal. What enrichment does is ensure that when your cat is awake and active, they have outlets for their energy, curiosity, and instincts. It's about creating an environment where your cat can engage in behaviours that feel satisfying and purposeful, rather than spending their waking hours feeling understimulated or frustrated. When we get enrichment right, we often see calmer, more content cats who are easier to live with and genuinely happier in their indoor lives.

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What Enrichment Really Means

Enrichment is often reduced to toys and treats, and while those things certainly have their place, they're only a small part of the picture. True enrichment addresses the full range of what makes a cat's life feel rich and engaging. It includes sensory experiences, opportunities for movement and exploration, mental challenges, social interaction, and the ability to engage in instinct-driven behaviours like hunting, climbing, scratching, and hiding.

Think about what a cat's day might look like in a more naturalistic setting. They'd spend time watching birds and small animals, stalking and pouncing, climbing to high vantage points to survey their territory, scratching to mark their presence and keep their claws in good condition, and exploring their environment for changes and new information. Indoor cats still have all of those same drives and instincts. They haven't lost the desire to hunt just because their food comes from a bowl, and they haven't stopped needing to scratch just because you'd prefer they didn't use the sofa. Enrichment is about giving them appropriate, acceptable ways to express those behaviours so they don't have to find their own, often less desirable, outlets.

It's also worth recognising that enrichment isn't one-size-fits-all. Some cats are highly active and need more physical outlets. Others are more food-motivated and respond well to puzzle feeders and foraging opportunities. Some cats are social and enjoy interaction with their guardians, while others are more independent and prefer solo activities. Paying attention to your cat's personality, preferences, and energy levels will help you create an enrichment plan that actually meets their needs rather than just ticking boxes.

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Creating Opportunities for Natural Behaviours

One of the most effective ways to enrich your cat's environment is to make it easier for them to do the things cats naturally want to do. Climbing, for example, is a fundamental feline behaviour. Cats feel safer and more confident when they can access high spaces, and vertical territory is just as important as floor space. This doesn't mean you need to buy expensive cat trees, though those can certainly be useful. Wall-mounted shelves, cleared bookshelf space, or even a sturdy piece of furniture positioned near a window can give your cat the elevation they're seeking.

Scratching is another non-negotiable cat behaviour, and trying to stop it entirely is both unrealistic and unfair. Instead, the goal is to provide appropriate scratching surfaces that meet your cat's preferences. Some cats prefer vertical scratching posts, while others like horizontal scratchers or angled options. Some like sisal, others prefer cardboard, and some enjoy carpet or wood. If your cat is scratching furniture, it's not because they're being spiteful. It's because they haven't been given a more appealing alternative. Experiment with different types of scratchers, place them in areas your cat already likes to scratch, and reward your cat when they use them. You'll likely find that once they have an option they prefer, the furniture becomes far less interesting.

Hunting behaviour is deeply ingrained in cats, and even well-fed indoor cats retain the drive to stalk, chase, and pounce. This is where interactive play becomes so important, and it's one area where many guardians fall short without realising it. Tossing a toy across the room and hoping your cat will chase it isn't the same as engaging them in play that mimics the hunt. Use wand toys to create realistic prey-like movements: slow, erratic, and unpredictable. Let your cat stalk, pounce, and "catch" the toy. Give them a few successful captures during each play session, and consider ending play with a small treat or meal to simulate the satisfaction of a successful hunt. This kind of play doesn't just burn energy. It provides mental engagement and allows your cat to practise behaviours that feel deeply fulfilling.

Even something as simple as access to windows can make a significant difference. Cats are highly visual, and watching birds, squirrels, and outdoor activity provides both mental stimulation and a connection to the outside world. If your windows don't offer much of a view, consider setting up a bird feeder outside to create a "cat TV" experience. Some cats also enjoy safely enclosed outdoor spaces like catios, which allow them to experience fresh air, natural light, and outdoor stimulation without the risks that come with free roaming.

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Mental Engagement and Problem-Solving

Physical activity is important, but mental engagement is just as critical for a well-rounded enrichment plan. Cats are intelligent, curious animals, and when their minds aren't challenged, they can become bored, anxious, or destructive. One of the simplest ways to add mental stimulation is through food-based enrichment, and this goes well beyond simply putting kibble in a bowl.

Puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls require your cat to work for their food, which slows down eating, prevents gulping, and turns mealtime into an engaging activity. There are countless options available, from simple ball-shaped dispensers to more complex puzzle boards with multiple compartments. You can also create DIY versions using cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, or muffin tins. The goal is to make your cat think, problem-solve, and use their natural foraging instincts to access their food.

Scatter feeding is another excellent option, particularly for cats who are highly food-motivated. Instead of feeding from a bowl, scatter dry food or treats around the house or hide them in different locations. This encourages your cat to "hunt" for their meals and engages their sense of smell and their natural curiosity. It also adds an element of unpredictability to their day, which can be enriching in itself.

Training is another underutilised form of mental enrichment for cats. Yes, cats can be trained, and many of them genuinely enjoy it. Clicker training is particularly effective because it gives your cat clear communication about what behaviours earn rewards. You can teach practical skills like coming when called, entering a carrier willingly, or accepting handling for grooming and vet care. You can also teach fun tricks like high-fives, spins, or jumping through hoops. The act of learning is mentally stimulating, and the one-on-one time with you strengthens your bond. Training sessions don't need to be long. Even five minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in your cat's engagement and overall behaviour.

Rotating toys and environmental features is another simple way to keep things interesting. Cats can become habituated to their environment, meaning they stop noticing things that have been in the same place for too long. By periodically swapping out toys, rearranging furniture, or introducing new scents or textures, you create novelty that re-engages your cat's curiosity. This doesn't mean buying new things constantly. It just means putting some toys away for a few weeks and bringing them back out later, or moving a favourite blanket to a different spot.

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Building a Life Worth Living

Enrichment isn't about perfection, and it's not about filling every moment of your cat's day with activity. It's about creating an environment where your cat has choices, opportunities, and the ability to engage in behaviours that feel natural and satisfying. It's about recognising that indoor cats still have the same instincts and needs as their outdoor counterparts and finding safe, appropriate ways to meet those needs within the confines of your home.

The best enrichment plans are sustainable, meaning they fit into your life without feeling overwhelming. You don't need to spend hours each day entertaining your cat. You need to create an environment that allows your cat to entertain themselves, with periodic interactive engagement from you to strengthen your bond and provide social connection. Small, consistent efforts add up over time, and the payoff is a cat who's calmer, healthier, and more content.

If you're unsure where to start or you're dealing with specific behaviour challenges that might be rooted in under-stimulation, professional guidance can make all the difference. We work with cat guardians to identify what's missing, create practical enrichment plans, and teach skills that support a happier, more engaged life for your feline companion.

If you'd like support creating an enrichment plan that works for you and your cat, reach out to 360 Animal Training & Behaviour to book a free Discovery Call. We'll chat about your cat's behaviour, your goals, and how we can help you build a home environment where your companion animal can truly thrive.