Cats are natural hunters, climbers and scratchers, and a home can sometimes feel a bit too tame for those instincts. Indoor cats can live happy, comfortable lives, but they rely on us to bring a little of the outdoors to them. That is where enrichment comes in.
Enrichment simply means giving your cat things to do, explore and sniff that suit their natural behaviour. Here are indoor cat enrichment ideas you can use in any UK home, from a flat to a house, whether you spend a lot or almost nothing.
Why enrichment matters for indoor cats
In the wild, cats stalk, pounce, climb and scratch. Indoors, those instincts do not vanish. A cat with nothing to do may sleep more, get restless in the evening or find their own entertainment, such as your curtains. Offering regular play, places to climb and surfaces to scratch gives those instincts a happy outlet.
Every cat is an individual, and what delights one may bore another. Watch what yours enjoys and build from there. If you ever notice a sudden change in your cat's behaviour, such as hiding, eating differently or scratching in new places, talk to your vet.
1. Interactive play: be the prey
The best type of play for most cats is the kind that copies hunting. A wand toy lets you move the "prey" like a bird or a mouse, making your cat stalk, chase and pounce.
- The Cat Teaser Wand with Bell (£8.99) adds a little jingle to attract attention.
- The Cat Feather Stick Toys (£8.99) give you a flutter of feathers to flick and dart across the floor.
Make the movements realistic: skitter along the ground, hide behind furniture, pause, then dart. Let your cat catch the toy now and then so the game feels rewarding. Always put wand toys away after playing, as strings and feathers can be dangerous if a cat chews and swallows them. Supervise every session.
Play little and often
Two or three short sessions a day, of about five to ten minutes, often suit cats better than one long one. Many cats enjoy a game before meals, since it mimics the hunt, catch and eat pattern. Finish with something calm, like a small meal or a cuddle.
2. Toys for solo play
You will not always be around, so it helps to have a few toys your cat can bat around alone. Small, soft toys are good for batting, carrying and kicking.
- The Corduroy Cat Mouse Toys, set of 3 (£9.99) are a classic: three mice to bat, chase and carry.
Rotate toys every few days instead of leaving them all out. A toy that has been tucked away can feel brand new when it reappears. Check toys regularly for damage, and throw away any that are coming apart.
3. Scratching: a need, not a naughty habit
Cats scratch to stretch, mark territory and keep claws in good condition. The trick is giving them something better than your sofa.
- The Foldable Accordion Cat Scratcher in khaki (£12.99) is a handy scratcher that can be placed where your cat likes to stretch.
- The Self-Adhesive Cat Scratch Mat, 30 x 100 cm (£12.99) can be cut to size, so you can protect a specific corner or spot.
Where to put scratchers
Put them where your cat already scratches, or near where they sleep, since many cats like to stretch and scratch after a nap. Offer both horizontal and vertical options, as cats have preferences. If you use a self-adhesive mat, think about the surface it is going on to. Test a small, hidden area first, and avoid delicate paintwork, wallpaper or valuable furniture. A reward when your cat uses it will encourage them to repeat it.
4. Go vertical
Cats feel safer and more confident with a high vantage point. You do not need a huge cat tree to do this.
- Clear a spot on a shelf or the top of a sturdy bookcase.
- Put a stable chair or stool next to a window.
- Add a cat tree if you have the space.
Make sure anything your cat climbs on is stable and cannot tip, and remove anything breakable nearby.
5. A room with a view
Bird-watching is a favourite pastime for many indoor cats. Set up a comfy perch by a window where your cat can watch the world go by. A soft blanket, such as our Paw Print Fleece Pet Blanket, makes a cosy spot for it. If you have a bird feeder outside, place it where your cat can see it, but beyond their reach.
Make sure windows are secure and any open ones are safely screened or restricted, as cats can slip through small gaps.
6. Food as enrichment
Cats are hunters, and eating in the wild takes effort. You can add a little challenge to mealtimes:
- Scatter a few dry biscuits around a room so your cat has to search.
- Hide a few small portions in different spots around the house.
- Use a puzzle feeder or a homemade alternative, such as a cardboard tube with the ends folded, containing a few pieces of biscuit.
Take care not to overfeed. Count enrichment treats as part of your cat's daily food allowance. If your cat has any dietary needs, ask your vet for advice.
7. Cardboard: the free favourite
It is a cliché for a reason. A cardboard box, with a few holes or a side cut open, is an instant hideout. Cats love squeezing into them. Remove any tape, staples or plastic first. A paper bag with the handles removed is another popular choice. Supervise, and take away any cardboard being chewed and eaten.
8. Smells and safe sensory fun
Smell is hugely important to cats. Safe ways to offer variety include:
- Letting your cat sniff a clean, dry leaf or a handful of safe grass brought in from the garden (wash your hands, and check it has not been treated with chemicals).
- Rubbing a toy against a clean cloth that smells of home.
- Offering catnip or silvervine if your cat enjoys it, in moderation.
Many plants and flowers are toxic to cats, including lilies, so never bring them into the home without checking. If you are not sure, leave it out.
9. Rest, comfort and quiet places
Enrichment is not just activity. Cats need quiet, cosy spots to rest and feel safe. Offer a few options in different rooms: a soft bed, a blanket on a chair, a box with a cushion. Our beds and comfort collection has plenty of ideas, and the Round Pet Bed, 60 cm, grey is a snug round shape that suits curled-up sleepers. Pets are individuals, so watch where your cat chooses to snooze before deciding where to place it.
10. Keep things fresh and watch your cat
Variety keeps things interesting. Move scratchers around occasionally, introduce a new box, change your play routine and rotate toys. But some cats dislike big changes, so introduce new things gradually.
Pay attention to body language. Flattened ears, a swishing tail or hissing mean your cat has had enough. Stop the game, give them space and try again later.
A simple daily enrichment plan
- Morning: a short wand play session, followed by breakfast.
- Daytime: a scattered snack, a window perch and a rotated toy or two.
- Evening: another play session with a feather or teaser wand, then a quiet cuddle or rest.
Have a multi-pet home?
If you share your home with a dog as well as a cat, make sure each has their own safe space and toys. Cat toys are often small and should be kept out of a dog's reach, and the other way round. If you have a dog, you may enjoy our guide to keeping a dog busy indoors in winter.
Wrapping up
Good cat enrichment does not need to be complicated or expensive. A few well-chosen toys, a decent scratcher, a high spot and a little time each day can make a real difference to an indoor cat's day. Browse our enrichment collection for more inspiration, and look in our Christmas gifts collection if you are shopping for a four-legged friend this winter.