Do cats get bored of the same food
Is My Cat Bored? 9 Signs To Watch Out For
Have you ever wondered if cats get bored? Even though we provide cats with everything they need like food, water, and shelter, cats can suffer from boredom just as we can.
Key Takeaways
Boredom is a common concern seen in cats that live indoors.
Bored cats often display undesirable behaviors, including excessive vocalization, overgrooming, and inappropriate elimination.
The best way to prevent boredom is creating a stimulating indoor environment that caters to your cat's senses and instincts.
Cats that are kept indoors without access to the outside world are more likely to become bored. There are various signs that can indicate a cat is lacking mental and physical stimulation in their day-to-day life.
Read on to find out more about these signs so that you can figure out whether your cat is bored and what to do about it.
1. Excessive Vocalization
If your cat is bored, they might vocalize more than usual. Cats do not meow to communicate with each other. Instead, their meows are directed toward people. Cats vocalize in this way as a greeting, to ask for food, or to seek attention.
A bored cat thats feeling a lack of stimulation might learn that you will pay them attention and maybe play if they meow constantly.
Also Read:7 Common Cat Vocalizations And What They Mean
2. Destructive Behavior
If your cat has begun indulging in destructive behavior, they are likely suffering from boredom. Without enough activity to release all their energy, cats will resort to finding other ways to entertain themselves.
Unfortunately, this could take the form of scratching your furniture, carpet, or rugs. They might also delight in climbing up and damaging your curtains.
Also Read:The 5 Best Cat Scratch Deterrents
3. Overgrooming
Excessive grooming can occur in cats that are feeling stressed and understimulated.
You might notice your cat grooming more if they arent receiving enough mental or physical stimulation. Overgrooming arises from feelings of stress, frustration, and boredom.
Cats will lick, chew, and pull at their fur and skin, leading to alopecia (hair loss), and irritation and inflammation of the skin. This type of compulsive and repetitive behavior should be addressed with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Also Read: 5 Visual Signs Of A Stressed Cat And How To Help
4. Aggressive Behavior
Has your cat suddenly started picking fights with or chasing after other cats or dogs in the household? If the answer is yes, you likely have a bored cat who needs more interaction and exercise to keep them happy.
Also Read:Are My Cats Playing Or Fighting?
5. Lack of Interest or Activity
When cats stop exploring or interacting with you, they might be feeling bored and depressed.
Cats are usually curious creatures, with an active interest in what is going on around them. If your cat is feeling bored, they might lose that spark and be less inclined to engage and interact with others or their surroundings.
Also Read:Lethargy in Cats: Causes, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
6. Overeating
Just as we can eat and eat and eat when we are bored, your cat may start viewing feeding time as an activity in the absence of other sources of stimulation. This can then lead to weight gain and obesity.
Being overweight will reduce their activity levels even further so we want to avoid that vicious cycle! It also increases the risk of your cat developing various medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Also Read:Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Loss Of Appetite In Cats
7. Oversleeping
When it comes to sleeping, cats are experts! They can spend 12 to 16 hours a day snoozing. But we expect them to engage in other activities during their waking hours.
If youve noticed your cat seems to be napping more than usual, then they could be doing so out of boredom. Without other activities or entertainment, they will simply resort to sleeping away the time.
Also Read:Why Do Cats Sleep So Much
8. Toileting Outside the Litter Box
When a cat is under-stimulated, they first experience boredom, which can then result in stress. Because of this, they may be inclined to pee or poo outside their litter box.
So, if you start to find waste on your floor or furniture, its time to start taking notice and figure out whether your cat could be bored. This is worth a trip to the veterinarian for a checkup as inappropriate elimination can also be a sign of a health problem.
9. Pacing
Aimless pacing is not typical cat behavior and could be a sign of boredom.
A bored cat that is not provided with enough opportunities to play and exercise might turn to pacing relentlessly back and forth. They might do so at the same time as meowing excessively to try and get your attention.
How To Prevent Your Cat From Getting Bored
1. Give Them Plenty of Toys
There are many different types of cat toys available to buy. You might have to figure out what your cat likes best. Always rotate the toys that your cat has access to. Otherwise, they will get bored of them quickly.
Set aside time for a couple of play sessions with your cat throughout the day. These should last around 10 to 15 minutes. Wand toys are great for this purpose and will get your cat up and moving. If you choose to use a laser pointer, make sure to end the session by pointing it at a toy that your cat can catch and kill. If you dont do this, it can make your cat feel frustrated. Also remember to never shine the light from a laser pointer in your cats eyes.
Also Read:The 5 Best Interactive Cat Toys
2. Make Them Work for Their Food
Most cats are simply given their food bowls each day, without any need to work for their food. For mental stimulation, you can hide some of their food around the house, for example under furniture and rugs. You can also use treat balls that dispense kibble as your cat rolls them around. Puzzle feeders also make it more challenging for your cat to access food.
Also Read:The 10 Best Cat Slow Feeders & Puzzle Feeders
3. Give Them Vertical Space
Cats need vertical spaces so that they can climb, jump, and explore, as well as plenty of floor space to run around. You can provide them with access to shelves or other tall furniture. A cat tree will offer various levels and platforms.
4. Offer Window Access
Cats enjoy watching the world go by, even if they arent allowed to go outside. You can buy a specially designed window perch. Or, if you already have a cat tree, consider positioning it near a window instead.
Also Read:Is Your Cat Lonely? These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out
5. Provide Catnip and/or Cat Grass
Catnip can be used occasionally to encourage activity and playing behavior. Sprinkle onto toys, scratching posts, and cat trees. Some cats also enjoy cat grass to fulfill their desire to chew.
Also Read:The 5 Best Catnip Products For Cats (Spray & Toys and More Surprises)
Final Words
If you notice your cat displaying undesirable behaviors, consider whether they are getting enough daily stimulation, interaction, exercise, and play.
Cats are often happy to be left alone, but we still need to make sure that their home environment is offering them enough stimulationmentally and physically. A bored cat will end up displaying undesirable behaviors, including excessive vocalization, overgrooming, and inappropriate elimination.
The best way is to prevent boredom from setting in at all. This can be achieved by making some changes in the home so that your cats senses and instincts are catered for. Finally, its important to keep in mind that unwell cats can also show some of the above signs. Speak to your veterinarian if you are concerned your cat has potential health issues.
Also Read:How Do Cats Communicate With Each Other? A Veterinarian Explains
Frequently Asked Questions
Do indoor cats get bored?
Yes, indoor cats can get bored. Having a cat isnt just about providing them with food, water, and shelter. Cats with access to the outdoors can roam, exercise and hunt as much as they want. Indoor cats do not have this opportunity, so it is up to us to make sure they are stimulated both mentally and physically within the home environment.
Do cats get bored doing nothing all day?
Yes, just as we would if we had nothing to do all day! Cats spend a lot of time sleeping but they need ways to release all that saved-up energy when they are awake. This should be done in a positive way, such as engaging in playtime with interactive toys. If there are no opportunities to do so, they will resort to undesirable behaviors.
How much playtime does a cat need?
This will vary with each cat. Generally, you should initiate a couple of play sessions throughout the day and aim to engage them for around 10 to 15 minutes. If they seem uninterested at any point, dont force them to continue. You might have to try different toys to see which one captivates your cat most. Leave toys and puzzles around the house so that they can entertain themselves when they arent playing with you.
Cats.com uses high-quality, credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the claims in our articles. This content is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Visit our
About Uspage to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
Atkinson, T. (2018). Practical Feline Behaviour. Oxfordshire, UK: CAB International.
Radosta, L. (2014). Environmental Enrichment for Cats. Retrieved 19 September 2022, from https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/environmental-enrichment-cats.
Do Cats Get Bored? 6 Signs & How to Fix It
Just like us, cats need to switch up their routines, the toys they play with, and the things they look at from time to time to avoid boredom and burnout. Follow the tips in this guide to figure out why your cat is bored and some solutions for preventing cat inactivity.
Do Cats Get Bored?
Yes, cats can quickly become bored, which can lead to destructive or disruptive behavior. Providing regular playtime, rotating toys, and creating new environmental stimulation can help keep cats mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Well discuss cat boredom, the top signs your cat is bored, and what you can do about it. Get empowered with new ideas to keep your cat happy and engaged.
Signs Your Cat is Bored
It's important for cat parents to recognize the signs of boredom, which can range from excessive sleeping to destructive behavior. By understanding these signs, cat owners can provide appropriate outlets for their cat's energy and help prevent boredom-related issues. Here are some common signs that your cat may be bored:
- Excessive sleeping or low energy: Although any pet parent knows how sleepy our kitties are, excessive lethargy can be due to a lack of stimulation.
- Excessive bursts of energy:This could be a sign of normal cat zoomies. Alternatively, it may be due to a lack of exercise.
- Destructive repetitive behavior: Has your cat been scratching your couch and gnawing on your chair legs every time you leave the house? They may be bored. Providing appropriate scratching posts and other outlets for her energy can help redirect this cat's behavior.
- Inappropriate elimination: Cats may begin peeing or pooping outside the litter box when they're bored.
- Attention-seeking behavior: Cats may become more vocal or demanding of attention when they get bored. They may follow you around the house, meow excessively, or even resort to nipping or biting.
- Aggression or irritability: A bored cat likely has pent-up energy that will cause them to become aggressive and lash out at other pets or family members. Learning to read your cats body language can help you to gauge better how they are feeling.
- Lack of interest in toys or play: Cats may get tired of playing with the same toys over and over again and may need new forms of stimulation.
Causes of Cat Boredom
Cats are beloved companions that bring joy and entertainment to their owners. However, as independent creatures, they require attention and stimulation to prevent boredom. Here are some common causes of cat boredom to keep in mind:
Lack of environmental stimulation
Cats need different things to play with, watch, and smell to stay engaged and entertained. When they lack these different types of stimulation, they can grow bored. Enrich your cats environment with new toys, scratching posts, hiding places, and access to outdoor areas.
Lack of physical exercise
Cats were born to move and hunt. Cats have incredible physical abilities that allow them to jump 5-7 times their height and walk on their toes for speed and stealth. They are also very flexible and can perform quick directional changes with ease. However, these amazing physical attributes mean cats require exercise to maintain their physical health and prevent boredom in cats.
To make sure your cat gets enough exercise, provide them with plenty of toys and opportunities to play, such as climbing structures, scratching posts, and interactive toys. Play regularly with your cat, and try to incorporate activities that encourage running and jumping.
Lack of mental stimulation
Cats are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation to stay engaged. Consider providing your cat with puzzle feeders or hiding treats around the house to encourage them to use their problem-solving skills.
Lack of socialization
Although they may hide when your friends come over, cats love socialization with the humans and other animals they love.
Socializing your cat can help keep them mentally and emotionally stimulated. This can be done through playtime with other cats or interactive playtime with you. This will help prevent boredom.
Related reading: How to Introduce a New Kitten to a Cat: 4 Easy Tips
Separation from owners or other pets
Cats are often attached to their owners and other pets in the household. Separation from loved ones for long periods of time can lead to boredom and loneliness.
Consider enlisting the help of a friend or pet sitter to visit your cat while you're away, or even consider adopting a second cat to keep your furry friend company. With a little extra effort and attention, you can help your cat stay mentally and emotionally stimulated, even when youre not at home.
Medical conditions or pain
Pain and/or medical issues are another cause of cat boredom, especially if movement is restricted. Its important to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your cat may be experiencing pain or discomfort.
How to Fix Cat Boredom
Cats are curious and intelligent animals, but they can quickly become bored if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. To prevent or fix cat boredom, consider the following:- Enrich their environment with scratching posts, cat trees, and other items for climbing, hiding, and exploring.
- Make sure your cat gets enough physical exercise. Use feather wands and laser pointers to encourage them to run and hunt.
- Cats are social animals that need interaction with other cats and humans to stay happy and healthy. Playtime with owners and other cats can provide important socialization and mental stimulation.
- Introducing new cat toys, changing up the feeding schedule, or even just rearranging furniture can provide cats with new and stimulating experiences.
BetterVet Can Help
At BetterVet, we believe in providing comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care for cats of all ages. Whether youre concerned about your cats boredom or any other health issues, our team of experienced, dedicated veterinarians is here to help. Contact us today for a behavioral consultation or a kitten check-up to keep your feline friend healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats get bored when alone?
Yes, indoor cats may experience boredom and loneliness when left alone without enough environmental enrichment or stimulation. This is especially true for cats that spend a lot of time alone, as they can become restless and anxious. Providing toys, scratching posts, and other forms of stimulation can help keep cats entertained and prevent boredom-related issues.
My cat is bored but won't play. What should I do?
Your cat may have an underlying health issue if it is showing signs of boredom but won't play. It's crucial to set up an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems and discuss potential solutions. Your vet can also offer advice on how to encourage your cat to play and provide appropriate environmental enrichment.
My cat gets bored of toys quickly. What should I do?
Cats are intelligent creatures that can quickly lose interest in their toys. If your cat gets bored with their toys quickly, they may need more interaction and attention from you. Try playing with your cat using different types of toys or engage in interactive playtime with them. This will help to provide your cat with the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy and entertained.
