Cats are known to sleep for around 70% of their lives.
Do they have time to be bored with all of that snooze time?
Well, unfortunately, the answer is yes. Cats can get bored pretty easily, especially if you have a house cat.
How do I know if my cat is bored?
Cats may not always communicate their boredom to you but there are signs that you can look out for.
Here are 5 signs to look out for…
Over-Grooming
A cat with boredom may lick themselves excessively and may even chew or bite their skin. Bored cats may pull out their fur too.
This can be an irritating loop that can become frustrating for the cat as the more they over-groom, the more likely they are to do it.
Fighting with other Animals
A bored feline may chase and fight with other animals as a way to release its frustrations.
Seeing your cat chasing other pets in the home may be a sign that your kitty needs something that is mentally and physically stimulating.
Lack of Curiosity
There are usually moments in a cat’s day where it’s time to do engaging things.
If your cat isn’t interested in doing anything other than sleeping or snacking, your cat may be bored.
Being Down in the Dumps
If your cat seems uninterested in most of the usual things and is walking around with less enthusiasm than normal, this may be a sign of boredom too.
This may also be a sign of illness too so always seek professional advice.
Over-eating
We all know the feeling when we’ve been bored and we have a little snack for something to do.
This can apply to our cats too and just like us, this can lead to obesity and then depression.
These 5 signs may be signs of boredom but they may also be signs of other health-related issues. Always seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out illness.
Getting over Boredom
Once you’ve established that your cat does not have a health issue, it’s time to get to work when it comes to stimulating your furry friend.
You may want to provide an environment for your cat that encourages play, problem-solving, and physical activity.
Toys, scratching posts, high places to climb, and perches may help.
A window ledge with a view of the outside world may help to relieve the boredom.
My Thoughts
We have a black cat called Coco and I’m pretty certain that he lets us know when he’s bored.
He’s a very vocal cat and when he’s meowing it’s usually for food, to be picked up, or to play.
We do a process of elimination and if it’s not food or cuddles, he wants a bit of playtime.
I have a thick piece of rope that Coco loves and I keep it hidden away because I’ve learned that if toys are left lying around then they lose their appeal to the cat.
I dangle the rope and he bites it frantically sinking his claws into it too.
When the rope is stuck on his hook-like claws, he gently allows me to remove it.
I once read that you should aim to play with your cat for at least ten minutes a day to prevent boredom.
I don’t really have to do this as Coco regularly invites me into a game of hide and seek which I find just as fun as he does…
How well do you know your cat? Want to do a quick quiz about cats? Click here…
Lee Harris
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