Keeping your cat safely at home protects it from cars, dog attacks and cat fights, and protects native wildlife too (RSPCA Australia). But indoor cats need things to do. RSPCA says boredom and too little exercise can lead to problems like obesity, anxiety, aggression and urinary issues.
Not vet advice. This guide is general information collected from the animal-welfare and veterinary sources listed below. Every cat is different, so please see your vet about your own cat. In an emergency, contact your nearest vet or emergency animal hospital straight away.
Set up the basics
- Give your cat separate spots for eating, drinking, the litter tray, scratching, play and rest. The more cats you have, the more of each you need (RSPCA).
- Offer high perches, like shelves or a cat tree, so your cat can watch from above, plus cosy hiding places where it can retreat and feel safe (RSPCA).
- A resting spot by a window gives your cat something to watch (RSPCA).
- Catnip or other cat-safe plants can engage their sense of smell (RSPCA). Check any plant first in our safe and toxic plants guide.
Play every day
- Wand or fishing-rod toys let your cat stalk, chase and pounce (RSPCA).
- Finish a play session by tossing a treat, so your cat completes the “hunt”. Keep high-energy games short so your cat doesn’t get over-excited (RSPCA).
- Swap toys every few days to keep them interesting (RSPCA).
- Avoid string and ribbon as toys, because they can be dangerous if swallowed (AVMA).
Make mealtimes a game
- Puzzle feeders make your cat work a little for its food (RSPCA).
- A homemade idea from RSPCA Victoria: put some dry food in a toilet roll, fold the ends in, and cut a few kibble-sized holes so your cat rolls it to get the food out.
- A box tower made from old cardboard boxes, with doorways and little windows cut in, makes a cheap hideout. Scatter a little food inside to explore (RSPCA Victoria).
- Count puzzle food as part of the daily amount so your cat doesn’t gain weight (RSPCA).
Time together and training
Cats are social animals. Time with you, whether that’s playing, brushing or just sitting together at a level your cat enjoys, is one of the best kinds of enrichment (RSPCA). Some cats also enjoy learning simple tricks like sitting or coming when called (RSPCA).
A safe taste of outdoors
If you have a balcony, courtyard or garden, RSPCA Australia highly recommends an escape-proof cat enclosure or fenced area. It gives your cat more to explore without the dangers of roaming.
Sources
- RSPCA Australia: Enrichment – make staying at home fun for your cat (PDF)
- RSPCA Australia: How to create a cat-friendly contained environment
- RSPCA Victoria: Enrichment ideas for your cat
- AVMA: Selecting a pet cat
Checked 28 October 2026.