Although our feline friends are often seen as independent pets who enjoy lounging around the house, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to boredom. Much like us humans, cats can get bored from time to time. The signs of boredom in cats can be easy to spot when you know what to look for!
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the signs that your cat might be feeling bored and what’s causing it. By recognizing these signs, you can help bring some more excitement to their day, keeping them happy and entertained.
Their relaxed demeanour may say otherwise—but yes, cats do get bored. Especially if they are left at home for hours without interaction or stimulation. Our furry companions are intelligent and curious creatures. While they may seem overly independent at times, the truth is they need us to provide mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Without an outlet for their natural behaviours, cats can get bored indoors. This boredom can lead to them feeling frustrated and restless.
Even though cats love their sleep, they still need things to keep them entertained during the hours they’re awake. The environment a cat is in plays a big role in the way they feel. So, if you want to know how to tell if your cat is bored, see if you can spot any of the following things:
If you’re asking yourself “Is my cat bored?”, look out for these telltale signs:
Of course, these signs of boredom in cats could also be due to underlying medical conditions. It’s important to visit a vet if your cat is experiencing any of the above behaviours outside of their norm.
A great way to prevent boredom in cats is by keeping toys fresh, rotating them and putting others away out of sight. Including toys with a mix of textures, sounds, and movement can keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated.
Depending on your cat’s preferences, incorporate items such as feather wands, crinkle balls and toys with catnip into a daily playtime schedule. Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys are another great way to keep your kitty mentally engaged when you can’t be around.
It’s important to create an environment for your cat that allows them to have an outlet for their natural behaviours. Some things you can do to create the perfect home environment that limits boredom for your cat are:
Introduce new cat-safe treats or rotate between different treat flavours for some tasty variation. It’s great to use treats as part of your cat’s enrichment or training, rather than just as snacks.
It’s important to try other ways to prevent your cat’s boredom before getting them a companion, as this is a decision that should be carefully considered! Nevertheless, some cats do benefit from the company of another feline, as it can help reduce loneliness and provide more social interaction.
When introducing your cat to a companion, the process must be slow and thoughtful. You must also create a calm and comfortable environment for them. Using a FELIWAY Optimum diffuser is an effective way to support harmonious kitty relationships and create positive, happy moments between your cat and their new companion. If you’d like to learn more, we have lots of articles about multi-cat households and introductions to guide you through the process.
Would you like to know more about how to read your cat’s signals? Check out the rest of our blogs online, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to remain up to date with all the latest info!