Social and environmental factors and indoor cat welfare: a systematic review

Foreman-Worsley and Farnworth systematically reviewed the literature on how social and environmental conditions affect the welfare of indoor-housed cats. Surveying studies of housing density, resource provision, social grouping, human interaction and enrichment, they identified factors that promote or undermine welfare, such as access to vertical space, hiding places, predictable routines and adequate separation of resources in multi-cat homes. The review highlighted that indoor living can protect cats from outdoor hazards but risks boredom, stress and behaviour problems if environments are barren or socially fraught, and that individual differences and early experience modulate how cats cope. The authors emphasized evidence gaps and the need for better-designed studies, providing a structured evidence base to guide enrichment and housing recommendations aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the growing population of indoor cats.