You may have heard questions or rumors such as, "Doesn't keeping a cat strictly indoors cause stress?", "Is it true that in some countries it's illegal not to let them see outside?", or "Is the rumor true that many indoor cats are depressed?"

In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything from the strict animal welfare regulations in advanced European countries, the truth behind the "70% depression" theory, the stress signs your cat may be showing, and practical tips for creating an indoor environment you can start today

In European countries, the behavior of cats "looking outside" or "basking in the sun" is not seen as mere whim or preference, but rather as "an essential instinctual need for mental health and stress reduction," such as monitoring territory and mental stimulation (environmental enrichment). Therefore, ensuring windows and safety in residential environments is not just a goal, but is explicitly stated as a legal requirement for pet ownership

In Austria, based on the national "Animal Protection Act (Tierschutzgesetz)," owners are legally obligated to maintain an environment that meets the physiological and behavioral needs of their pets

Ensuring access to sunlight and opportunities to observe the outside (window bird-watching) Even for indoor cats, providing window areas with moderate sunlight and places where they can safely observe the outside s