Keeping Indoor Cats Active

Indoor living keeps cats safe from traffic, fights parasites, and many infectious diseases. In Victoria, keeping cats contained is also an important way to protect local wildlife and comply with council regulations. While an indoor lifestyle offers many benefits, it does mean cat owners need to be more intentional about providing exercise and enrichment.

Cats who live exclusively indoors rely entirely on their environment and routine to meet their physical and mental needs. Without enough stimulation, boredom, weight gain and behavioural problems can develop. The good news is that with some simple strategies, indoor cats can live active, enriched and deeply satisfying lives.

Why Activity Matters for Indoor Cats

Although cats are known for sleeping long hours, they are natural hunters designed for short bursts of intense activity. Stalking, chasing, pouncing, climbing and problem-solving are all instinctive behaviours.

When these instincts aren’t given an outlet, indoor cats may:

• Gain excess weight

• Lose muscle tone or joint flexibility

• Overgroom, vocalise excessively, or appear restless

• Become destructive or withdrawn

Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight, supports joint and muscle health, reduces stress and improves overall wellbeing — particularly as cats age.

Create Vertical Space

Vertical space is one of the most effective ways to encourage movement indoors. Cats feel safer and more confident when they can observe their surroundings from above.

Consider:

• Multi-level cat trees or towers

• Wall-mounted shelves or steps

• Sturdy furniture that allows safe climbing and jumping

Vertical exploration encourages climbing, balance and jumping, all of which provide excellent low-impact exercise. It can also help reduce tension in multi-cat households by giving cats more personal space.

Schedule Daily Play Sessions

Daily interactive play is essential for indoor cats. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than one long session.

Aim for 2–3 play sessions each day, even if they’re only 5–10 minutes long. Wand toys, feathers, fabric prey, soft balls and chase-style toys are all excellent options.

Try to mimic a natural hunt by allowing your cat to stalk, chase and finally “catch” the toy. Ending play successfully helps prevent frustration and leaves your cat feeling satisfied.

Use Food as Enrichment

Mealtimes are a valuable opportunity to encourage movement and mental stimulation. Rather than serving all food in a bowl, make your cat work for their meals.

Options include:

• Puzzle feeders

• Treat balls that dispense kibble

• Hiding small food portions around the house

This approach mimics natural hunting behaviour, slows eating and is especially helpful for food-motivated cats or those prone to weight gain.

Rotate Toys to Keep Things Interesting

Cats quickly lose interest in toys that are always available. Rotating toys helps maintain novelty and engagement.

Keep a small selection out at any one time and swap them every few days. Even familiar toys can feel exciting again after a short break.

Provide Visual and Sensory Stimulation

Visual enrichment is highly stimulating for indoor cats. Watching the outside world provides entertainment and mental engagement.

Helpful ideas include:

• Window perches overlooking the garden or street

• Bird-safe window feeders placed outside and out of reach

• Enclosed balconies or purpose-built cat runs (catios)

Victoria’s variable weather means sheltered viewing spots allow cats to enjoy sunshine, rain and passing activity safely throughout the year.

Supporting Older or Less Active Cats

Senior cats still benefit from activity, but their environment may need to be adjusted. Lower platforms, ramps, gentler play and warm resting areas near activity zones can help keep older cats mobile and comfortable.

If your cat seems reluctant to jump, play or move, speak with our veterinarians. Pain management, weight control and mobility support can significantly improve quality of life.

Monitoring Weight and Health

Indoor cats are more prone to weight gain, particularly if activity levels drop. Regularly monitoring your cat’s body condition and adjusting food portions is important.

Our veterinary team can help assess whether your cat is a healthy weight and recommend appropriate nutrition and enrichment strategies tailored to their age and lifestyle.

Helping Indoor Cats Thrive

An indoor lifestyle doesn’t mean a boring one. With daily play, thoughtful enrichment and opportunities to move, indoor cats can thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

A small amount of daily effort makes a big difference — keeping your cat curious, confident and content throughout their life.

If you’d like personalised advice on enrichment, weight management or mobility support, our veterinary team is always happy to help.