Signs Your Cat is Bored (and How to Keep Them Entertained)

• Signs your cat is bored can include low energy, compulsive grooming, and restlessness.
• Your cat may be experiencing bored cat symptoms because they’re not getting enough exercise or playtime, they lack social interaction, or because their living environment lacks vertical space for climbing.
• Enrich your cat with a boredom buster like interactive playtime or by hiding treats around the home and in their Cozy Comfort Carrier.

Cats are known for their love of sleeping and lounging, spending most of their day (12 to 16 hours!) catching some z’s. So, it may come as a surprise to hear that your feline can get bored. It’s because cats have a range of natural behaviors – hunting, climbing, exploring – that they need an outlet for. If they lack this mental and physical stimulation, they get bored, which unfortunately, can lead to a slew of behavioral issues. The good news: you can help them beat the boredom with a little love and attention. Learn the tell-tale signs your cat is bored and what you can do to help with Cat-in-the-Bag!

Destructive Behavior

Has your precious kitty been scratching your furniture and shredding the curtains? Then they may be bored! Destructive behavior such as scratching and chewing on household items is their way of relieving boredom and crying out for attention.

Increased Vocalizations

Your cat may also literally cry out for attention if they’re bored. Excessive meowing and howling is them expressing their frustration and trying to get you to entertain them.

Low Energy or Sleeping More Than Usual

While cats love their naps, they shouldn’t quite sleep all day. They’re likely sleeping because they’re bored and want to pass the time. Similarly, your cat might be lethargic due to lack of mental and physical stimulation.

Overgrooming

Compulsive grooming is a big sign your cat is bored. Not to be confused with their regular hygiene habits, bored felines may lick themselves to the point they experience skin irritation or even bald spots. This happens when they’re understimulated and must self-soothe.

Zoomies or Restlessness

“Zoomies” are normal for cats, especially for kittens and younger cats. But if they’re experiencing them more than usual or multiple times a day, it’s likely the symptom of a bored cat. They’re trying to release all of that pent-up energy! Excessive pacing is also a sign your cat is bored.

Changes in Appetite

Boredom can affect cats’ eating habits – just like us. Some cats may eat more than usual to combat the boredom, while others may lose their appetites altogether. Be careful, though – changes in appetite could also be a sign of other underlying medical issues. Grab your soft cat carrier and head to the vet to rule out any health problems.

Lack of Interest in Toys

A lack of interest in their toys is another sign your cat is bored. Cats require a variety of toys to keep them engaged and may get tired of playing with the same toys over and over again. You may also notice they’re not interested in playtime at all. This means they’re understimulated with their normal play.

Why is My Cat Bored?

Understanding the causes of bored cat symptoms can help you address the issue quickly and effectively. Common reasons include:

• Lack of social interaction
• Boring environment
• No mental stimulation
• Limited exercise and play
• Loneliness or lack of attention

How to Keep Your Cat Entertained

You know the common signs your cat is bored…so now what? Prevent and fix cat boredom with these boredom busters:

Create an Enriched Environment

Bored environments create bored cats. Liven up their environment with scratching posts, hiding places, and places to climb like tall cat trees and towers. This will give your kitty opportunities to climb and observe their surroundings, providing both visual and mental stimulation.

Have a Food Scavenger Hunt

Kick bored cat symptoms to the curb by creating a food scavenger hunt! Hide a handful of treats in a few spots around the home, such as under a bed, on their cat tree, in an empty box, and in their Cat-in-the-Bag cat carrier. Try to be clever with your hiding spots. This will stimulate their natural hunting instincts – and love of treats!

Play With Them!

Contrary to popular belief, cats are social and need interaction with other cats or humans to stay happy and healthy. Set aside a little time every day to play with your feline so they can socialize and feel mentally stimulated. It’ll also help strengthen you and your cat’s relationship.

Provide Interactive Toys

Lack of interest in their current toys is a common sign your cat is bored. Getting new toys is the easiest fix! They should have a range of toys that appeal to their hunting instincts and stimulate their minds, such as:

• Puzzle toys
• Feather wands
• Treat dispensers
• Fishing rod toys
• Kicker toys

Spend Quality Time With Your Cat

Cats often get lonely or bored when they’re left alone for long periods. Give them some extra love and attention with these ideas:

• Play with your cat
• Grooming, especially brushing your cat
• Give them cuddles
• Go for a walk (if they’re comfortable) with your kitty in their Cat-in-the-Bag cat carrier, designed to be heads-out so they can see where they’re headed!

Create the Purr-fect Window View

If your cat is showing signs of boredom, place a cat tree by the window. It provides hours of fun, allowing them to people-watch (or bird-watch if you’re on a high apartment floor!) every day. Think of the window like cat TV!

Don’t Miss the Signs Your Cat is Bored

Whether you believe your feline is exhibiting cat boredom symptoms or you’re still unsure, it’s best to provide them with regular mental and physical stimulation. It’s the smart way to ensure your kitty is happy, healthy, and entertained – even when you’re not home.

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