New Guidelines Reimagine Life for Indoor Cats: What Veterinarians Need to Know
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) has released a groundbreaking Position Statement designed to help veterinary teams and cat caregivers meet the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats.
Published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the statement, titled “Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Indoor Cats,” emphasizes that while indoor living reduces exposure to outdoor hazards, safety alone is not enough. Emotional wellbeing, mental stimulation, and behavior management are equally important for a cat’s overall health.
“Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs,” said Dr. Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Chair of the FelineVMA Feline Welfare Committee. “This Position Statement helps caregivers and veterinary practices recognize the essential daily needs of cats who are often physically and emotionally underserved.”
The Five Pillars of Indoor Cat Wellbeing
The FelineVMA outlines five essential areas that support healthy indoor living:
Safe Spaces: Cats need secure, quiet areas where they can retreat.
Multiple and Separated Resources: Food, water, litter boxes, and resting spots should be available in multiple locations to reduce stress, especially in multi-cat households.
Play and Predatory Opportunities: Toys, climbing structures, and interactive play allow cats to express natural behaviors.
Positive Human Interaction: Consistent and predictable social engagement improves trust and reduces stress.
Respecting the Cat’s Senses: Environments should honor a cat’s sense of smell, vision, and hearing to support comfort and exploration.
Why This Matters for Veterinary Practices
Veterinarians can use the Position Statement to guide:
Client education on indoor cat enrichment
Behavior consultations
Environmental enrichment planning
For caregivers, it provides a practical framework to evaluate and improve their indoor cats’ daily experiences, helping reduce stress-related medical and behavioral issues.
By applying these principles, veterinary teams can improve pet welfare, strengthen client relationships, and help owners better understand the connection between environment, behavior, and health in indoor cats.
The full FelineVMA Position Statement is available for download and serves as a resource for both clinics and cat caregivers seeking to optimize indoor cat wellbeing. Download here: https://catvets.com/resource/2025-meeting-the-physical-and-emotional-needs-of-indoor-cats/
