While kitties are usually pretty good at entertaining themselves, it doesn’t mean they don’t get bored. Although they love to nap, perch, and lounge, they also need their fair share of mental and physical stimulation. They’re often solitary creatures, but they still enjoy attention and interaction with you!
If your cat starts acting unusual in any way, you should always consult your vet first. But if he gets a clean bill of health, consider whether he’s displaying one of these signs of boredom – then help him beat it! And make sure you don’t ignore these signs; if they persist, your cat could become depressed, which will negatively impact his health.
Sign #1: Over-Indulging or Under-Eating
First of all, you should notify your vet if your pet’s eating habits or weight changes. But if everything checks out, the likely cause behind her seemingly unending appetite – or lack thereof – could be boredom. Oddly enough, felines tend to either eat to pass the time away, or lose interest in food altogether.
The Solution:
Play games with your feline in order to promote mental and physical stimulation. But for those times when you’re not around, your kitty will love swatting at this adorable hanging teaser toy!
Hanging Teaser Cat Toy, $14.99. Provides a toy for a shelter cat in need.
Sign #2: Sleeping Too Much
It’s a fact that cats sleep a lot, but you know your companion better than anyone, and can probably tell if his snoozing has gotten excessive. A change in energy level should always warrant a vet visit, but if nothing is wrong, your bored cat may be choosing to snore the day away for lack of better things to do.
The Solution:
Your cat could benefit from a little excitement! Offer him a catnip toy, and he’ll be happily zooming around the room. Make sure to join in on the fun with your feline, because what he needs most is some interaction with you. Always keep an assortment of catnip toys on hand to pull out whenever your kitty is in need of stimulation.
Catnip Filled Sushi Box Cat Toys, $19.99. Provides a toy for a shelter cat in need.
Sign #3: Over-grooming and Hair Loss
While these symptoms could be signs of injury or medical conditions, over-grooming to the point of baldness may indicate that your kitty desperately needs something else to do.
The Solution:
Keep kitty’s mind and paws busy with a floaty, feathery toy! Once her mind and body are occupied, she’ll forget all about her over-grooming tendencies and will be able to release that pent-up energy.
Flexible Feather Wand With Bells Cat Toy, $5.99. Provides a toy for a shelter cat in need.
Sign #4: Scratching Like Crazy
We all know that cats love to scratch – in fact, it’s healthy! But this habit can definitely get excessive, especially when it’s at the expense of your beloved furniture.
The Solution:
Let your kitty claw to his heart’s content by giving him access to cat scratchers around the house. You can get a cat tree, but he should have multiple options to choose from, and hanging scratchers take up virtually no space.
Wild Rose Black Cat Scratcher, $9.99. Provides a toy for a shelter cat in need.
Sign #5: Destructive Behavior
Torn down curtains and overturned objects aren’t always the fault of the dogs! Cats can have destructive tendencies too, especially if they’re stressed or have separation anxiety.
The Solution:
Your kitty is probably craving more one-on-one time with her favorite human. Make sure to dedicate at least 15-20 minutes once or twice a day to your feline friend. She most likely has extra energy that needs to be released, so a rousing play session would probably do her some good!
But we all have to leave the house at some point. If you suspect your cat’s destructive behavior is the result of separation anxiety, consider getting your kitty a snuggly toy that smells like you.
“When You’re Away” Comfort Cuddler™, $14.99. Provides a toy for a shelter cat in need.
