For indoor cats, wellbeing requires more than physical safety
By R. Scott Nolen
Ensuring feline health requires meeting both physical and emotional needs through thoughtful environmental design and caregiver awareness, according to the Feline Veterinary Medical Association’s (FelineVMA) updated policy on the physical and emotional wellbeing of cats living exclusively indoors.
"Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Indoor Cats" emphasizes that while an indoor lifestyle may protect cats from many physical dangers, safety alone does not guarantee good overall health and welfare.
Originally published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the position statement underscores that indoor cats face unique challenges. Without adequate enrichment, they may experience distress, defined as an inability to cope, that can lead to behavioral disorders and stress-related medical diseases.
A version of this story appears in the November 2025 print issue of JAVMA.
In 2024, approximately 32% of U.S. households owned at least one domestic cat, totaling roughly 73.8 million pets, according to the 2024 AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook.
"Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs, impacting their physical and emotional health and resulting in more caregiver concerns about behavior," Dr. Ilona Rodan, chair of the FelineVMA’s Feline Welfare Committee, said in a press release.
"This position statement helps caregivers and veterinary practices recognize the essential daily needs of cats who are often physically and emotionally underserved," she added.
Central to the updated position are five pillars that support a healthy feline environment by providing the following:
- A safe place
- Multiple and separated key environmental resources
- Opportunity for play and predatory behavior
- Positive, consistent, and predictable human-cat social interaction
- An environment that respects the cat’s sense of smell and other senses
The statement notes that many behavioral and medical conditions seen in feline patients are linked to the failure to meet these essential needs. By implementing the five pillars, veterinarians and caregivers can reduce distress and promote long-term wellbeing.
The FelineVMA emphasizes that veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to guide cat owners in creating species-appropriate home environments. From routine wellness visits to behavior consultations, veterinarians can integrate environmental assessments into care recommendations.
The updated position replaces the organization’s 2019 policy on the same topic and reflects the growing recognition of the impact of environmental factors on feline health. For instance, it highlights the need to address additional complexities of multi-cat households where competition for resources can exacerbate stress and behavioral problems.
Additionally, the statement provides a structured framework for veterinary professionals to support discussions with clients about enrichment, environmental management, and stress prevention. For caregivers, it offers practical, accessible strategies to evaluate and improve the indoor environment for their cats.