If your indoor cat is wreaking havoc, knocking items off tables, or scratching furniture, it may be a sign of boredom, according to certified cat behavior specialist Stephanie Merlin. She notes that excessive sleeping can also indicate a lack of stimulation, as owners often misread cats' low-energy behaviour.
Dr Amy Smith, a veterinarian in Tennessee, warns that insufficient enrichment can lead to obesity and diabetes. A 2025 study in Preventive Veterinary Medicine found 40% of US cats seen at primary practices were overweight or obese as young adults.
Experts suggest simple ways to introduce outdoor elements indoors, such as bringing in sticks, leaves, dirt, or junk mail for cats to sniff and explore. Setting up a window perch or cat tower with a view of a bird feeder provides live wildlife entertainment. A cat tree with multiple levels, like the PETEPELA 61” Cat Tree, allows cats to choose vantage points.
Puzzle feeders tap into movement and problem-solving, says Merlin. Recommended options include Cat Amazing and Melon Madness for dry food, and The Lickimat for wet food. DIY feeders can be made from paper towel rolls or egg cartons. A scavenger hunt with Doc and Phoebe’s Hunting Mice can keep cats engaged when alone.
Water fountains made of stainless steel or ceramic attract cats to moving water, which is less likely to be contaminated. Screen time with cat-specific YouTube videos featuring birds and squirrels is recommended, especially for senior cats or those with respiratory issues.
