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Between meals, playtime, cosy naps and cuddles, life for an indoor cat can seem very comfortable.
They are also protected from many of the dangers outdoor cats face, such as traffic, disease, predators and fights with other animals.
But sometimes this safety comes at a cost.
In the wild, cats spend their days hunting, patrolling their territory, climbing, observing, sniffing, listening and making countless decisions. Their minds are naturally geared towards exploring and solving problems.
This is often what cats living entirely indoors can miss.
The good news is that a few simple changes can make your cat's environment more enriching, without turning your home into a jungle.
Seeing the world from above
Cats love high vantage points. In the wild, being up high helps them spot prey and keep an eye out for danger. At home, cat trees, shelves or even carefully chosen pieces of furniture can give them a better view of their surroundings.
Having access to elevated spaces can also help cats feel more secure and in control of their environment.
Encouraging their hunting instinct
Even when well fed, cats retain a strong instinct to hunt.
Interactive toys, teaser wands and chase games allow them to express this natural behaviour in a safe and enjoyable way. Just two or three short play sessions each day can have a positive impact on both their physical and mental wellbeing.
And remember to let them catch the 'prey' from time to time. It is all part of the experience.
Keeping their mind active
In nature, finding food requires time, effort and problem solving. Puzzle feeders, treat toys and snuffle mats can recreate some of this challenge and make mealtimes far more engaging.
These activities encourage cats to think, explore and use their natural instincts.
Giving them opportunities to explore
For a cat, something new can be incredibly exciting.
A cardboard box, a different scent, a new hiding place or a view from a window can all provide valuable stimulation. Often, novelty is far more interesting to a cat than complexity.
Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.
Respecting their natural behaviour
Creating a more stimulating environment does not mean keeping your cat constantly occupied or turning every day into an adventure course.
Cats naturally spend a large part of their lives sleeping and resting. In fact, many sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. This is completely normal and an important part of their wellbeing.
The goal is simply to give them opportunities to express their natural behaviours, whether that means observing, exploring, climbing, hunting, hiding or choosing where they want to spend their time.
Living with a cat is not only about meeting their physical needs.
It is also about understanding who they are and giving them the freedom to express their instincts. Alongside love, care and good nutrition, these small opportunities can help them enjoy a richer, more fulfilling life.
Because sometimes, the best thing we can give our cats is the chance to simply be a cat.
