Let’s go back to the year of COVID. You were home, maybe alone, stuck with the same routine, eating the same things, tired of being indoors all day. You felt exhausted, and you did things you’re probably ashamed of now. Your cat is showing the same behaviours as you did then, and now you’re asking everyone and everything that could give you answers: Do cats get bored?
This article answers everything you need to know.
Do Cats Get Bored?
Cats are very paradoxical animals- they enjoy solitude, at the same time, god forbid they don’t get the attention and play time they crave when they want it. So, a very big yes, cats do get bored.
Your instincts are right when you notice your cat showing signs of boredom and seeking more activities, especially if your cat is always indoors. Cats are very playful, and most, especially kittens, only have one job in their lifetime- to play. When they don’t get a sufficient amount of play time to exercise their natural instinct whenever they please, it can become a throbbing headache for you as a pet owner.
Also, because of their domineering characteristics, when they lack options for activity, boredom can lead to frustration, and they might begin exhibiting uncontrollable behaviours that could, in fact, trigger a tantrum for you as well.
Nevertheless, the signs you’ve perceived as boredom might be a sign of illness, so it’s best you pay close attention to monitoring your cat.
Why Do Cats Get Bored?
The reason cats get bored is not far-fetched. Some of the most common ones include:
- Inactivity: As with humans, being idle can lead to boredom for cats. When nothing stimulates them, they become bored. However, cats differ from one another, so the amount of energy one has might differ from another’s. So, even if you’ve engaged your cat in an activity, it might not be enough for them, especially with kittens and young adult cats.
- Lack of Attention: With cats, no amount of attention is too much. They always want to be in and engage with the things you do, every day, every time, and with any chance they get. Therefore, if your attention doesn’t satisfy them, or if you ignore their numerous ways to communicate, boredom would set in.
- Restrictions on Natural Instincts: Naturally, when cats are indoors, they have little room to explore as they were born to. A cat’s natural instinct is to explore, climb trees, follow scents, and always occupy itself. When there’s no room for that, they won’t know what to do with themselves anymore.
- Health Issues: Boredom doesn’t always mean your cat wants to play. Sometimes, they might be experiencing discomfort or an underlying ailment that pushes them to sleep all day or to retreat to a quiet corner. Their actions during this period can signal boredom; however, it’s best to monitor your cat closely to ensure the signs aren’t a symptom of something more serious.
5 Signs of a Bored Cat
There are certain signs that your cat is bored. Even though cats are not necessarily an open book, they show signs when boredom hits them to a fault. And most of the time, these signs can be annoying and excessive if you don’t resolve them immediately.
1. Excessive Meowing
Cats only know one word to communicate their needs- meow. Like a baby’s cry, a cat’s meow signals different things. Sometimes it can indicate their call to help them quench boredom. You should get up and get moving when they start doing it excessively.
However, some cats with discomfort or illnesses also meow excessively. If you’ve tried to engage them, and they still seem bored, it might be that they’re sick.
2. Excessive Sleeping
Cats do not leave themselves behind when it comes to play, so if you do not engage them, they will spend their time napping and sleeping. You might engage them in activities, yet they may still feel unstimulated, so it is best to identify the kind of activity your cat enjoys. This way, it will be a win on both sides: a happy cat, a happy cat owner.
3. Destructive Behaviour
Cats can be a nightmare when they’re bored. They begin to scratch, claw, and climb on anything they see fit. It is not a sight you always want to accommodate. So, if you find them scratching your couch or throwing items off the table as a form of self-entertainment, that is your cue to find something interesting that would entertain them.
4. Restless Behaviour
Have you ever noticed your cat with excessive energy that seems uneasy to manage? If you have noticed this, it clearly shows that your cat is bored. Although this behaviour is healthy and fun to watch, when it happens several times a day, every day, it means your cat has run out of entertainment options.
5. Overgrooming
Cats are clean animals, and they groom themselves naturally. But this natural behaviour should not be so frequent that with every glance at them, they’re grooming themselves. It means they are bored and have nothing else to keep them busy.
What Should You Do When Your Cat Is Bored?
1. Give them plenty of attention
The next best thing after Salmon for cats is attention. The easiest way to drive out your cat’s boredom is to give them as much attention as they want, when they want it. However, the playtime shouldn’t be excessive or of the same nature. As much as cats enjoy play, they prefer it in short successions and in varieties. So, put on your creative hat and DIY fun activities to enjoy with your cat. This will increase your bonding and eliminate boredom.
2. Provide them with toys
Toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained at all times. Different textures, types, shapes, and sizes would satisfy their curious eyes without bothering you for a while.
3. Supervised outdoor activity
Taking your cat outdoors might be a risky act for you, because who doesn’t want a healthy pet? However, it is something to consider when you run out of indoor entertainment options. You can supervise them as they play outdoors, maybe on your porch, or in a little play tent. The most important thing is to give them enough room to climb, jump, and run around, and to let them release natural dopamine.
You can also train your cat to wear a harness so they can accompany you on walks, run errands, or go hiking. This would not only entertain your cat but also provide you with perfect company.
Notwithstanding, you should understand your cat’s needs. Some cats do not enjoy being outdoors, or they might be too shy to be out, especially kittens.
4. Feed their natural behaviours
Climbing, hunting, scratching, and playing are things cats enjoy. You can build climbing platforms, create hunting activities, scratching spots, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders. When play options are plentiful, it would be hard to find your cat bored.
This doesn’t mean you should take out spending time with them. Cats need a little of everything, and your attention is a priority, too
Conclusion
Cats can become bored when they lack enough activities to keep them engaged. They express their boredom in different ways; understanding their needs and knowing the kind of entertainment that suits their personality is the first step to eliminating their boredom.
Boredom symptoms could also indicate underlying issues, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’ve engaged them enough but still have concerns about their behaviour.
Do Cats Get Bored? FAQ
Do cats get bored when alone?
Yes. Cats crave attention a lot, contrary to what you might think.
Do cats get bored of their food?
Yes, cats get bored when they eat the same food every time. They enjoy variety.
Do cats get bored staying inside all day?
Keeping your cats indoors is a good thing; however, when their environment becomes predictable and typical, they can get bored or anxious.
