Are Indoor Cats Happy? Pros, Cons & How to Enrich Their World

Is your cat living the high life... or just highly bored?

It’s the age-old feline conundrum: should your whiskered companion be frolicking outdoors like a miniature panther, or reclining indoors on velvet cushions like the aristocat they were born to be? While indoor life promises safety, snuggles, and a dramatically lower chance of injury, some argue it robs cats of their wild instincts and joie de vivre. So are indoor cats actually happy? Or are they secretly plotting their escape behind those soulful, unblinking eyes? In this article, we look at the pros, cons, and tips for creating a life so luxurious and enriching, your cat wouldn’t trade it for all the birds in the garden.

The Pros of Indoor Life

For many modern cat owners, keeping cats indoors is a carefully considered choice. A thoughtfully enriched indoor life can offer cats safety, longevity, and a standard of care and wellbeing far beyond what nature can provide.

Protection from Harm

Indoor cats are shielded from some of the most heart-breaking hazards of outdoor life. According to  Cats Protection’s 2024 Annual Report, 28% of cat owners reported that their cat had been injured during their lifetime, with fights with other cats outside the household being the most common cause. Specifically, 12% of injuries were due to fights with unfamiliar cats, 8% from encounters with other animals, and 4% were related to road traffic accidents. 

No Mystery Meals, No Hidden Dangers

A positive advantage of indoor life is control over your cat's diet. Free-roaming cats often indulge in mystery meals from neighbours, raid bins, or nibble on prey that may carry parasites or pesticides. This is especially crucial for cats on prescription or veterinary diets, where even a single unsupervised snack could undermine their treatment. Outdoors, they’re also at risk of encountering toxic substances like antifreeze, slug pellets, and rat poison - dangers that can be fatal even in small amounts. 

The Cons: Is Something Missing?

Despite the perks, indoor life can fall short of fulfilling a cat’s primal instincts to hunt in and explore their environment. This can lead to boredom, anxiety, or destructive behaviour.

Obesity & Health Issues 

Without opportunities to exercise or burn off energy, some indoor cats gain weight which can lead to long-term health conditions. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, obese cats are up to four times more likely to develop diabetes than ideal weight cats. 

The Solution: Create an exciting and fulfilling indoor environment

Create a Vertical Playground

Cats love to climb and survey their kingdom, so consider installing cat trees, floating shelves, or even luxe modular wall units so they have varied vantage points around the house. 

Hunt, Stalk & Pounce 

Food puzzles and interactive toys let your cat exercise their natural predator instincts in the safety of your home. Cat toys that mimic prey are always a popular choice, as well as toys that contain catnip and other kitty-stimulating herbs, like valerian. 

Cheshire & Wain's Valerian Cat Cloud Toy is made from faux fur and organic valerian root for added enrichment.

Let Them Watch the World Go By

A perch by the window can be a cat’s version of Netflix, especially if there are birds and other interesting animals outside. To make sure your cat doesn't feel frustrated, offer them interactive play using teaser toys or even a game of fetch (which some cats love just as much as dogs!) 

Cheshire & Wain's Chief Mouser Training Kits  mimic the size and shape of real mice for hours of play.

Rotate Toys & Scents

Keep things fresh by rotating toys weekly and introducing new textures and smells. Try valerian, silvervine, or catnip blends. Variety is key for keeping your cat entertained and stimulated. 

Train Their Brain

Talking buttons are a fun and fascinating way to encourage your cat to express themselves. Combine this with trick training for a clever and confident kitty. 

Hydrate Like a Wild Cat

Cats instinctively prefer to drink away from their food, mimicking the behaviour of wild felines foraging for clean water sources. Encourage this natural behaviour by placing multiple water stations throughout your home, always at a distance from food bowls. Opt for extra-large ceramic bowls to reduce whisker fatigue. We recommend the Large Stoneware Bowls from our Kate Welton collaboration. Change the water at least once daily (more frequently in warm weather), and wash bowls with soap and warm water or pop them in the dishwasher to prevent a build up of bacteria. 

Cheshire & Wain x Kate Welton Large Stoneware Koi Carp Water Bowl

While cat fountains may look enticing, even the high-end models require frequent, thorough cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. For many households, a beautifully curated set of large bowls may offer a more practical and equally enriching hydration solution.

Exercise Wheel: The Indoor Cats Treadmill

High-energy cats, especially younger or active breeds, thrive with an exercise wheel. It’s a brilliant way to burn off excess energy and it looks striking in a modern cat-friendly home.

Build a Catio: The Best of Both Worlds

If you have outdoor space, a secure catio (cat patio) offers the thrill of fresh air, sunbeams, and bird chatter without the danger of free-roaming. Add shelves, tunnels, and plants to make it an outdoor oasis.

Quality Time

Your companionship matters. Play, cuddle, or even train your cat. Yes, they can learn tricks too - to keep the bond strong and the mind sharp.

Cheshire & Wain founder, Sonja, with her cat, Percy.

The Verdict

Indoor cats can be happy - gloriously so - but it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires care, creativity, and dedication. With the right enrichment, your cat’s indoor life can be not just safe, but supremely satisfying.

After all, isn’t that what every regal feline deserves?