The US-based Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) has released a Position Statement about how to meet the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats.
Originally published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, “Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Indoor Cats” outlines a comprehensive framework to support the wellbeing of cats living exclusively indoors.
While indoor living reduces exposure to many physical dangers, the statement emphasises that safety alone is not enough — emotional and behavioral needs must be prioritised equally.
Meeting the essential environmental needs of each cat will reduce their distress and the likelihood of behavioural disorders and stress-related medical issues. Central to a cat’s needs are five essential pillars:
- Provide a safe place
- Provide multiple and separated key environmental resources
- Provide opportunity for play and predatory behavior
- Provide positive, consistent, and predictable human-cat social interaction
- Provide an environment that respects the cat’s sense of smell and other senses
The Position Statement serves as a resource for veterinarians to guide client conversations, behaviour consultations, and environmental enrichment plans. For cat caregivers, it offers an accessible way to evaluate whether their indoor cat’s needs are truly being met.
“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 behaviour,” said Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), AdvCertFB, Chair of the FelineVMA Feline Welfare Committee. “This Position Statement helps caregivers and veterinary practices recognise the essential daily needs of cats who are often physically and emotionally underserved.”
– Source: FelineVMA