Does your cat look sad and have no desire to do anything? You might think it’s a bit out of the ordinary when your cat seems bored. Pet parents often find themselves asking, is my cat bored? Yes.
Cats can become bored and need help from their human family to reignite their enthusiasm for daily life. When your cat is bored, they will behave in specific ways, such as exhibiting repetitive behaviors, changing their eating habits, and participating in destructive behaviors towards objects, other pets in the household, and family members.
These negative behaviors cause weight gain or loss, property damage, and injury to humans. A bored cat needs to find ways to become more active and entertained throughout the day.
There are actions you can take to help your cat leave boredom behind and become a happy furry part of the family again. The following information will discuss why cats get bored, signs to look for, and reveal ways you can help your cat say goodbye to boredom.
Is My Cat Bored
Why Do Cats Get Bored?
Cats become bored when they have left home alone for too long, don’t get enough attention, lack stimulation, and don’t have any environmental enrichment. Often, cats become bored and lonely because they no longer have a companion due to illness or death.
Have there been any changes in your cat’s everyday life? Did their best friend die? Did their favorite family member in the house move out? Look for causes of loneliness.
How To Tell If My Cat Is Bored?
If following signs are common behaviors cats exhibit when they are bored:
Overeating
Cats emotionally eat just like humans do. If your cat is asking for more food regularly and is overeating, chances are they are bored. Consuming tasty food they enjoy helps keep them busy for a little while before boredom sets in again. Overeating can lead to weight gain and severe health issues in cats.
Repetitive Behaviors
This sign is one of the most obvious that pet parents pick up on quickly. Cats that over-groom themselves, such as chewing at their skin, pulling out fur, and excessively licking their bodies, are bored and trying to stay busy. Unfortunately, this repetitive behavior can cause skin irritation that leads to infections.
Terrorizing Other Pets In The Household
Do you have a home filled with adorable pets? If so, keep an eye on them and your cat. Bored cats enjoy terrorizing other pets in the house, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, dogs, birds, and other pets.
Distracting your cat and finding new ways to keep them busy is the best option for keeping your other pets safe in the house.
Destructive Behaviors
Bored cats often invent ways to stay entertained. This means they will take their perfect little nails and scratch at your sofa, curtains, pillows, and other fabrics and objects around the house.
Not Using The Litter Box
Bored Cats try to entertain themselves and often decide to urinate and poop outside the litter box.
This means you will find messes throughout your entire house.
This behavior will continue until the boredom issue has been resolved.
Inactivity
Cats love to nap and enjoy it to the fullest. However, if your cat only sleeps all day, they are showing a significant sign of boredom. Cats need to use their instincts such as climbing, exploring, playing, and hunting. A variety of toys can provide all these activities and keep your cat busy.
How Can I Entertain My Indoor Cat?
Many pet cats live indoors as opposed to outdoor, which creates a challenge for pet parents. You can do a variety of things to create an enriching environment for your cat while remaining indoors.
Views Outdoors
Nature gives cats something to look at and keep their minds interested.
Think about the number of times you see that pesky squirrel run up and down the tree in the front yard or the birds eating out of the feeder hanging on the fence.
This type of activity sparks your cat’s interest for hours.
Providing them with window seats throughout the house gives them various rooms that will help prevent them from becoming bored.
Cat Towers
The pet industry and manufacturers have created cat towers that allow your furry friend to use their instincts. The buildings often have several levels and are made with various materials to keep your cat engaged.
If you are excellent at DIY projects, you can create a customized cat tower for your pet. Otherwise, you can find already built towers available to purchase online and at your local pet store.
Scratching Posts
This is one of the essential items you can give your cat. They have an instinct to scratch and need to release this energy by participating in the action. Cats tend to scratch rugs, fabrics, furniture, and other house items, which become damaged quickly.
A scratching post has unique materials that your cat enjoys catching their nails on and using their instinct to the full extent.
Cat Caves
While entertainment is the primary way to keep your cat busy, providing a place for them to rest and feel safe also helps them stay entertained. Cat caves are shaped like a ball and have one hole for your cat to crawl in and out. They like to nap in this cozy little space or spy on their surroundings from this safe place.
Toys
Popular toys that stimulate your cat’s mind and entertain them are puzzle feeders and other interactive toys. Hide a little catnip or some kibble in the toys and let them spend hours trying to reach their tasty treats.
Stocking up on your cat’s favorite toys is also helpful to ensure they have plenty around the house to keep them occupied.
Cardboard Boxes
You might have spent a lot of money on toys for your cat, but they probably seem more interested in the cardboard box that was just delivered by the mail. Empty the cardboard box, cut holes in various spots and place it on the floor.
Your cat will spend hours playing and scratching at the box. This is also a fun activity for more than one cat.
Bottom Line
Spending time with your cat by petting them, relaxing on the sofa, watching a movie, playing with toys, and feeding them tasty food and treats helps create a bond.
Many pet parents have busy lives that keep them out of the house for many hours of the day. You can keep your cat entertained and create a rich environment by providing essential items such as a cat tower and a scratching post.
Both of these items allow your cat to tap into their instincts and focus their attention on the objects instead of your furniture.
Keep an eye out for boredom symptoms such as destructive behaviors, overeating, excessive grooming, and terrorizing other pets in the household. Once you notice this behavior, act immediately to create an environment that enhances your cat’s life and keeps them interested daily.
If your cat continues showing signs of boredom after you made improvements to their environment, consult with a veterinarian for further assistance.
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