It’s a big misconception that cats are low maintenance. And that’s why cat boredom can become such a big problem. And it’s something that anyone living with a cat should avoid.
Why Should You Care if Your Cat Is Bored?
Boredom is unhealthy, dangerous, and can destroy your relationship with your cat (and possibly some of your furniture or knickknacks).
The way cats behave out of boredom falls into two basic categories:
1. The sad cat. This is the cat that lies around all day, sleeping. Yes, cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day, but you should still see your cat having periods of being up, active, and lively. A bored cat that is just lying around is depressed and unhappy.
In addition, if a cat does nothing but nap, they are extremely understimulated, and their inactivity will cause health issues eventually, the same as it does for humans. Understimulated cats sometimes become habitual over groomers, causing hairballs and bald spots. They can gain unhealthy amounts of weight, lose muscle tone, develop heart and circulatory issues and have shorter life spans.
2. The crazy cat. This is the cat that always seems to be getting into some sort of trouble. You can kiss that pretty vase goodbye because they are bound to knock it over. Don’t congratulate yourself on how well you hid the treats because your cat will figure out how to break into that cabinet. And if they can’t because you put a lock on it, they will do something else to get your attention. They scream, they scratch furniture, often in plain sight, jump on the kitchen counter to “help” with meal prep…you name it. If you hate it, they’re doing it.
These cats are also understimulated. But instead of lying around, they go out hunting for their own fun. Often younger, more energetic and more curious than their sad siblings, these guys can be disruptive…and destructive.
Crazy cats drive their humans crazy too, and their behavioral issues may be too much to handle. But the good news is that with a few changes, you don’t have to handle it. Because the solution to cat boredom is really pretty simple.
The Number One Solution to Cat Boredom
If you are thinking, “I bet she is going to say spend more time with your cat,” you are right! But it doesn’t have to be a hefty time commitment. Even 15 minutes of interactive playtime will go a long way to alleviate boredom.
Most cats respond well to interactive play with their humans, and begin to look forward to this routine. If your cat is reluctant to play, or seems confused, it’s possible you are using the wrong toy.
Every cat has their own play preferences, and even these may change over time. One cat may like chasing after flying toys. Others may want to hunt something crawling on the ground. Some may be happy going after ping pong balls or little fuzzy mice. Maybe a catnip kicker will work. If you don’t already know your cat’s preferred play style, give them several options until you find one that works.
What If My Cat Doesn’t Want to Play?
Nearly all cats, unless they have health issues, are playful into their senior years. If your cat doesn’t want to play, and has checked out okay with your veterinarian, it’s possible they’ve forgotten how. Or you haven’t hit on the right toy yet. If they love treats, you can make a game of it by tossing treats and letting them chase after the goodies. That way, they get in exercise, get a reward, and have quality time with you, all at once.
More Ways to Excite a Bored Cat
Scheduling regular playtimes is just the start, of course. You can’t be there all the time. In fact, you probably work, and even if you work at home, you aren’t available for your cat 24/7. There are lots of ways to enhance your cat’s living environment to keep them happy and engaged. The important thing is to tailor it to your cat’s personal preferences.
Creating an Engaging Environment for Your Cat
The important part of offering your cat more stimulation is tailoring it to their personality. An older cat may not want to jump around on wall shelves, but your wild, year-old Bengal definitely needs that! Cat trees are good for just about any cat, but think about what your cat would really like it to have. Does it have a perch that would offer the perfect window view? Is it sturdy enough for a 20-lb cat? These are things to think about.
Cats can be pretty good about keeping themselves busy, as long as they have toys that engage them. A lot of cats love having treat puzzles, and it engages their mind along with keeping them active. Catnip toys (or toys filled with other cat intoxicants) are almost universally loved, but they need to be rotated so they don’t get stale. Electronic toys are getting more sophisticated all the time — just make sure they are safe for your cat.
Most importantly, make sure any toys, cat trees, or cat furniture you bring home is something that would appeal to your cat. If you have been engaging in interactive play with your cat, and observing their behavior throughout the day, you will have an idea of the types of activities they like to engage in.
Other Ways to Fight Cat Boredom
There are two ways to really keep your cat mentally and physically engaged. They are more advanced, and do require a larger time investment but they are also very rewarding.
1. Training your cat. Cats are bright, and they actually learn tricks pretty quickly. Of course, tricks like High Fives and Shake Paw are fun and good to show off to your friends. But there are also practical tricks, like sitting and staying for a treat, that are helpful if you want to keep your cat from getting underfoot. If you have regular training sessions with your cat, it’s also one of the best ways to bond with them.
2. Taking them outside on a harness and leash. This requires a learning curve for both you and your cat, but some cats really enjoy getting a chance to explore the outdoors safely with your observation.
One Last Word About Your Crazy Cat
Is your crazy cat two years old or younger? Are they male? These cats are most likely to the out-of-control crazy ones, and the good news is that they do eventually outgrow this phase. At least, most of them do! But instead of white-knuckling it through this period, use some of the methods above to bond with them and keep them focused. Harness that excess energy, figuratively, if not literally.
Have you ever had a bored cat? How have you dealt with them? Let us know in the comments.
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