Do Cats Get Bored in the House?
If you think about it, life indoors is vastly different from the world cats were biologically designed for. Their instincts urge them to hunt, climb, explore, and solve problems, yet they’re often confined to a predictable, repetitive environment. For some, that might be okay for a while. But for others? Cats get bored for many reasons: not having enough things to do in the house, doing the same things every day, or feeling lonely when they’re home alone at night. They need different activities to keep their minds busy. And a lack of stimulation can lead to restlessness, boredom, or even mischief (yes, your shredded couch is probably a symptom).
The good news is that you can make their indoor lives infinitely more interesting with a little work. There are countless ways to enhance their surroundings, including letting them explore safely outside, making their meals more exciting, or getting into some engaging playing. Let’s walk you through some options!
Do Cats Get Bored Easily?
Of course. Cats may appear to be content to sleep all day, but in reality, their keen minds require stimulation to remain active. Their attention spans quickly deteriorate without it. At that point, you begin to notice actions such as knocking your water glass off the counter or running about the house. It’s boredom expressing itself in erratic (and occasionally comical) ways, not just random silliness.
What About Nighttime Boredom?
Boredom can really set in for cats at night. Because they are most active at night and first thing in the morning, their pent-up energy is typically saved for, well, the exact moment you’re trying to fall asleep. And this can be even more so if they haven’t had anything entertaining to do all day. Have you ever woken up at two in the morning by a flying cat paw? It’s not just you.
Here, a play session before bed might be quite beneficial. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes for vigorous play; anything that resembles hunting prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers, is ideal. It fulfills their hunting instincts in addition to helping them expel energy. A contented, tired cat will be ready to sleep if you end the session with a soothing catnip toy (and perhaps a more restful night for you, too).
Food Can Be Fun
Let’s talk about mealtime, which is one of the simplest ways to add excitement to your cat’s day. Felines must work for their food in the wild; they hunt, pounce, and stalk. But at home; do cats get bored of their food? Absolutely! Cat food in our homes is merely sitting boringly in a bowl. It lacks originality and is predictable. That can be completely changed by introducing a challenge!
DIY Food Challenges
Get imaginative instead of worrying about purchasing expensive toys. For instance, make holes in an old water bottle or cardboard box, put some dry food inside, and let your cat figure out how to get the pieces out. It’s affordable, efficient, and, to be honest, entertaining to watch.
Hunting for Treats
Another simple fix is to conceal treats or little pieces of kibble about the house. Put them on top of their preferred perch, beneath furniture, or inside crumpled paper. The result? Their dinner becomes an involved treasure hunt.
Puzzle Feeders
These ingenious gadgets are a great way to stimulate your cat’s cognitive abilities. Watch them become amused and stimulated while earning their meal. There are many to choose from but we love this treat dispenser with a teasing wand and a glowing ball that will keep any cat entertained for hours:
Do Cats Get Lonely?
Research suggests felines can form attachment bonds with their caregivers (just like humans and dogs). Although cats are frequently stereotyped as solitary beings, they genuinely value company from both people and other animals. When left alone, they can experience separation distress, which we might translate into loneliness.
What can happen if you leave them alone for an extended period of time? They may start overly meowing, following you around, or even engaging in destructive activities (like chewing cords or scratching your furniture).
Of course, you can keep your cat happy without being at home all the time. The secret is to make sure they feel safe and enriched while you’re not there. This could be accomplished by providing a range of toys and perhaps even a companion cat if you think your buddy would enjoy some company.
How to Entertain Your Cat While You’re at Work
It might be really upsetting to leave your cat at home for the whole workday, especially if you know they get bored easily. However, with a little planning, you can make the space feel less like a waiting area and more like a fun experience.
Window Perches
Being observant by nature, cats love to watch birds, squirrels, or even just the movement of a from a window perch (check out this cat hammock). Why not try setting up a bird feeder right outside the window to add even more entertainment value?
Automated Toys
Robotic mice, flapping fish, and even motion-activated balls can imitate prey movements to keep your cat entertained while you’re away. See also: Cats Go Wild for This Smart Interactive Toy
Play Background Sounds
You may create a relaxing background noise using nature sounds, gentle music, or even a tranquil audiobook. Try different birdcall playlists to see what appeals to your cats; some of them truly love them.
Vertical Play Areas
Cats love to get up high. With the help of a cat tree, they can remain active and inquisitive all day long. You might also put shelves up on the wall, or set up even furniture to make interesting climbing routes.
Fun Activities for Bored Cats
1. Create an Obstacle Course
The most straightforward concepts can often be the most powerful. Make a small maze for your cat with cardboard boxes, tunnels, or even a few paper bags. They will be rushing through it at extra speed if you add a treat or toy!
2. Bubbles with a Twist
Now is the perfect moment to try cat-safe bubbles if you haven’t already done so. Catnip-infused bubble solutions are widely available at pet stores and can be quite entertaining. Both you and your kitty will find it endlessly entertaining. Watch them jump, swat, and chase bubbles.
3. The Laser Pointer (Classic)
It may sound cliché, but the laser pointer is always a reliable trick to alert cats and snap them out of a bored state of mind. Instead of moving the prey in regular circles, the trick is to make it dart, pause, and “hide” to replicate the motions of real prey. If you’re pressed for time, automatic laser toys are also a fantastic choice.
4. Rotate Their Toys
This technique is so easy to use, but it works so well. Store half of your cat’s toys away and replace them once a week rather than leaving them all out. It’s like giving your kitty a fresh set of toys every time!
Common Signs of Boredom in Cats
Boredom isn’t often evident right away. You’ll need to search for hints because cats are experts at being subtle. Typical indicators include:
Too Much Meowing
A bored cat may make more noise to attract your attention.
Destructive Behavior
Cries for additional stimulation may include kicking over objects, chewing on random objects, or scratching furniture.
Changes in Eating Habits
Boredom can lead to overeating or a lack of interest in food.
Sleeping Too Much
It’s true that cats sleep a lot, but if they seem really sluggish the cat may be bored or even sad.
Do Cats Get Bored Being Inside All Day?
Yes, but allowing them to wander freely outside isn’t the answer. There are real risks associated with outside hazards including traffic, predators, and illnesses. For indoor kitties, there are many ways to introduce outdoor adventure into their life safely:
Many cats may be trained to walk on a leash if they are patient. Reward them for remaining composed while they explore, and start slowly and indoors.
Catio Enclosures
These safe outdoor areas allow your cat to enjoy the sights and fresh air without the dangers of roaming.
Stroller or Backpack Rides
A comfortable and safe way to let cats who aren’t leash-friendly enjoy the outdoors is by popping them in a pet stroller or cat-friendly backpack carrier.
Final Thoughts
Giving your cat entertainment can do more than just keep them occupied; it makes their life richer and happier! The possibilities are unlimited, whether it’s introducing safe outdoor activities, creating a do-it-yourself obstacle course, or transforming lunch into a puzzle. And to be honest, one of the best things about caring for any cat is witnessing their joy and curiosity come to life.
Why not give something new a try today? Your cat will appreciate it, and you could even enjoy yourself as a result.
References:
- Vitale, K. R., Behnke, A. C., & Udell, M. A. R. (2019). Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans. Current biology : CB, 29(18), R864–R865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.036
- What to Know About Separation Anxiety in Cats – WebMD
