How to cure your cat’s boredom in the home
Do you ever wonder what do cats do all day? Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, there are periods of the day when we’re not around to observe. While you’ll often find your cat snoozing peacefully around the house, if they miss out on some valuable playtime, it can cause health problems.
Do cats get bored?
While cats are known for their love of napping, they also need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated when they’re awake, otherwise, they can get bored – just like us humans.
To ensure a happy and healthy life for your cat, it’s important that you provide them with a fun environment they can thrive in. This is especially true if you have an indoor cat who perhaps doesn’t get the chance to explore the outdoors as an outdoor cat would.
How to tell if your cat is bored?
If you’re wondering ‘is my cat bored?’, there are several signs to look for. These include:
- Increased or loss of appetite
- Sleeping more than usual
- Over-grooming
- Destructive or aggressive behaviour
- Signs of depression
Increased or loss of appetite
Have you noticed your cat has suddenly become either more interested or lost all interest in their food?
An increased appetite could be a sign that your cat is bored and is just eating for the sake of it, rather than because they are hungry.
If you think your cat is starting to eat more than usual, don’t give them any extra. You should continue to give them their usual amount of food to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
While an increased appetite is one of the signs of boredom, it could also indicate a more serious condition, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
On the other hand, if your cat has a lack of appetite, this can also be a sign of boredom. It could be that your cat is tired of eating the same meal and needs some variety.
If your cat shows any extreme changes in appetite, you should speak to a vet to rule out any more serious problems.
Sleeping more than usual
According to Purina, cats tend to sleep an average of 15 hours a day. However, if you notice that your cat is sleeping more than they usually do, they may be bored.
There are other reasons why your cat may be napping for longer. For example, older cats are more likely to sleep for longer periods.
However, your cat sleeping more than usual could also be an indication of another problem, such as depression or an infection. Speak to a vet if you’re concerned about the amount of sleep your cat is getting.
Over-grooming
Have your cat’s self-grooming habits changed? Are they licking themselves more than usual? Both are signs that your feline friend could be bored.
While cats do love to groom themselves, if your cat is excessively licking or grooming themselves, it could result in a trip to the vets. Over-grooming can cause hair loss, bald patches, skin inflammation and could even lead to hairballs.
Sometimes over-grooming can also be an indication of stress and depression.
Destructive or Aggressive Behaviour
Have you noticed a change in the way your cat behaves? For example, have they become overly aggressive towards you or other members of your family or are they suddenly destroying items of furniture they previously hadn’t touched?
Aggressive behaviour could include stalking you like you’re prey or throwing themselves at your feet for attention. Signs of destructive behaviour could include scratching items such as table legs or other items of furniture.
Another form of destructive behaviour your cat may show as a result of boredom is not using their litter box correctly.
How to entertain a bored cat?
There are plenty of ways that you can provide entertainment for your cat. Best of all, keeping your cat entertained doesn’t have to break the bank.
Even if they’re an indoor cat, they can still enjoy the great outdoors. You could try repositioning your furniture so that your cat can easily sit near a window and watch the world go by.
Another option to bring the outdoors inside is to grow cat grass in your home. It’s easy to maintain and your kitty will love to chew on it and rub its face against it.
Activities to cure cat boredom
If you’re looking for the ultimate cat entertainment, the obvious answer is cat toys and pet-friendly games that you can play around the house.
An affordable way to keep your cat entertained is playing with an old cardboard box. Cats love boxes and they provide endless opportunities for fun and games.
You could also use a piece of paper, roll it up into a ball and throw it on the floor. Your cat will love playing with it, and of course, will love the interaction playing with you.
Alternatively, if you have a piece of string, you could use this to play a teasing game with your cat. Your furry friend will love trying to outwit you and grab it before you pull it away.
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