Do you ever come home to find your feline friend lounging around, looking like they’ve got nothing to do?
As much as we adore our kitties, it can be tough to keep them entertained all the time.
That’s why we’ve put together this short and sweet blog post on how to entertain a bored cat.
We’ll share some fun and easy ways to engage your fur baby and keep them happy and occupied.
How does boredom affect cats
Boredom can have a negative impact on cats, both mentally and physically.
Cats that are bored may engage in repetitive behaviors like overgrooming or repetitive scratching, which can result in skin irritation or even injury.
Destructive behavior like scratching furniture or pulling out rolls of toilet paper can also be a sign of boredom in cats.
Furthermore, boredom in cats can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression, which can affect their overall health and well-being.
It’s important for cat owners to provide their feline friends with adequate mental and physical stimulation, as well as opportunities for play and exploration, to prevent boredom and promote a healthy, happy cat.
How To Entertain A Bored Cat
The following are some common ways to entertain your bored cat:
1. Let your cat watch bird videos on TV
Many cats enjoy watching videos of birds and other animals on TV or YouTube as a form of entertainment when they are bored.
This can be especially helpful for indoor cats who may not have access to actual wildlife.
There are many videos and channels available specifically designed for cats, featuring footage of birds, squirrels, and other small animals that are sure to capture their attention.
However, it’s important to limit the amount of time your cat spends watching videos and provide them with other forms of enrichment and exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Consider using bird feeders or toys as an alternative to video stimulation.
Additionally, be careful not to let your cat become too obsessed with videos as it can interfere with their natural instincts to hunt and play.
2. Provide a water fountain
Yes, providing your cat with a water fountain can be a great way to entertain them while also providing them with fresh, moving water to stay hydrated.
Cats are known to prefer moving water, as it mimics water found in the wild and can be more enticing for them to drink.
A water fountain can also provide a fun and interactive element for your cat, as they can play with the stream of water and drink at the same time.
This can be especially helpful for indoor cats who may not have access to running water outdoors.
Additionally, keeping cats hydrated is important for their overall health and can prevent urinary tract problems and other health issues.
3. Playing hide and seek with your cat
Playing hide and seek with your cat is a fun way to entertain your bored cat at home.
This technique involves hiding your cat’s treats or toys around the house and letting them find them.
Cats enjoy searching for and discovering things, and this can help provide them with mental stimulation and exercise.
You can start by hiding your cat’s favorite treats or toys in easy-to-find locations and gradually increasing the difficulty level as your cat gets better at the game.
In addition, you can rotate the hiding places and change the items you hide to keep the game interesting and engaging for your cat.
It’s important to supervise your cat during playtime to ensure their safety and avoid potential accidents.
4. Provide a small fish water tank for your cat
Providing a small fish water tank for your cat can be a good way to entertain them when they are bored.
Watching fish can be fascinating and stimulating for cats and can provide them with behavioral and environmental enrichment.
However, it’s important to note that not all cats are interested in watching fish and some may become overly fixated on them, which can lead to cat stress or anxiety.
Additionally, you must make sure that the fish tank is securely placed, so the cat cannot access it or knock it over, which can create a hazardous environment for both the cat and the fish.
Therefore, if you decide to provide a fish tank for your cat, it is important to closely monitor their behavior around it and make sure that they are not exhibiting any aggressive or dangerous behavior towards the fish or the tank.
5. Use a laser pointer
Using a laser pointer to entertain your bored cat at home can be a fun and effective way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation.
Cats are natural hunters and enjoy chasing moving objects, so the movement of the laser pointer can be highly engaging for them.
It’s a simple and convenient way to help your cat burn off some energy, and it can be done in a small space without requiring a lot of equipment.
While using a laser pointer can be an effective way to entertain your cat, it’s important to keep in mind that laser pointers should never be shined directly into a cat’s eyes as this can cause eye damage or vision problems.
Always use a laser pointer appropriately during playtime, and make sure to provide your cat with other types of interactive toys and activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
6. Create a maze
Creating a maze for your cat can be a fun and entertaining way to keep your furry friend mentally stimulated and engaged while at home.
To get started, gather various household items such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and blankets to use as building materials.
Begin by creating a simple layout for your maze, taking care to include plenty of twists and turns to keep your cat on its toes.
Use the boxes and other items to construct walls and pillars within the maze, creating different pathways and dead-ends for your cat to explore.
You can also add toys and treats at various points throughout the maze to incentivize your cat to continue its exploration.
Overall, creating a maze is a great way to provide your cat with a mentally stimulating and exciting environment to explore, and can help to keep your furry friend entertained and engaged while at home.
7. Set up a cat tree
Setting up a cat tree for your bored cat to explore is a great way to keep them entertained at home.
Cats love to climb and perch, and having a cat tree can provide them with a dedicated place to play and relax.
There are a variety of cat trees available, including tall ones with multiple levels and features like scratching posts and hanging toys.
By providing your cat with a cat tree, you can help prevent them from becoming bored and engaging in destructive behavior.
Additionally, having a cat tree can also help your cat exercise and maintain the cat’s physical health.
So if you have a bored cat at home, consider investing in a cat tree to provide them with hours of entertainment and playtime.
8. Make a DIY puzzle feeder
Making a DIY puzzle feeder for your cat is a fun and affordable way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated.
Puzzle feeders require cats to use their natural hunting and problem-solving instincts to access their food, which can help reduce behavior problems and keep cats more active.
To make a simple puzzle feeder, start with an empty cardboard box or even a plastic bottle.
Cut a few holes in the box and fill it with dry cat food or treats.
Your cat will have to reach in and fish out the food using their paws or even their tongue.
You can make the puzzle harder by adding more holes or creating compartments within the box.
There are also a variety of other DIY puzzle feeder designs available online, such as the ones made from PVC pipes or toilet paper rolls.
These can be made with a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity.
Overall, puzzle feeders can be a great way to keep your cat entertained while simultaneously providing them with a mental workout.
9. Make a DIY cat bed
Making a DIY cat bed can be a fun project that also provides a cozy spot for your cat to nap and relax and can also help to entertain your cat at home.
You can use a variety of materials such as cardboard, fabric, or even an old sweater to create a bed that your cat will love.
A popular idea is to make a simple, soft bed by stuffing a pillowcase with soft materials like cotton or wool.
You can even add a few cat toys or a scratching post to make the bed a fun and interactive space that your cat will enjoy exploring.
Be sure to place the bed in a comfortable, sunny spot where your cat can sleep and relax, and incorporate some plants or other vegetation to create a cat-friendly garden.
By providing your cat with a cozy and enjoyable space, you can help to alleviate boredom and improve your cat’s overall well-being.
Learn more about why cats run away from home, and boredom is one reason.
10. Provide catnip for your cat
One way to entertain a bored cat at home is to provide catnip for them to explore.
Catnip is a plant that produces a chemical called nepetalactone, which has a euphoric effect on many cats, making them more active and playful.
You can find catnip products in pet stores, such as dried leaves or toys filled with catnip.
Allow your cat to play with and explore the catnip. However, it’s important to use catnip sparingly since some cats can be sensitive to it, and too much can make them anxious or agitated.
You can sprinkle a small amount of dried catnip on a toy or scratcher, or rub fresh catnip leaves on it.
This can create an exciting and playful experience for your cat, giving them something to focus on and helping ward off boredom.
11. Create a sunbathing spot
Creating a sunbathing spot for your cat can be a great way to keep them entertained and happy.
Cats love to sunbathe, and by providing a comfortable spot for them to do so, you can help them relax and enjoy their time indoors.
To create a sunbathing spot, you can start by finding a location in your home that receives plenty of natural sunlight.
This can be a window sill, a balcony, or any other location that your cat can access.
You should also make sure that the spot is comfortable and safe for your cat by providing a soft cushion or blanket for them to lie on.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding some toys or treats to the area to further keep your cat entertained while they soak up the sun.
With a little bit of effort and attention, you can create a great sunbathing spot for your cat that will help keep them happy and entertained at home.
Learn more about important cat care tips.
Signs of a bored cat
Here are some common signs of a bored cat at home:
- Excessive sleeping: Cats might tend to sleep a lot when they get bored.
- Non-stop meowing: If your cat is feeling bored or seeking attention, the cat may engage in excessive meowing.
- Destructiveness: Cats may become destructive if they don’t have enough outlets for their energy and stimulation.
- Over-grooming: Your cat may begin to excessively groom itself, which can lead to hairballs and other health issues.
- Overeating: Some bored cats may eat more than they need to, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Terrorizing other pets: Bored cats may bother their other furry housemates in order to entertain themselves.
- Lack of appetite: If a cat is feeling especially bored or upset, it may lose interest in food.
- Hiding or avoidance: Cats that are bored may begin to hide away or avoid people and other pets.
- Urinating outside the litter box: This can be a sign of anxiety and stress caused by boredom.
Learn more about the behavior concerns in cats
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your feline friend entertained is a win-win situation.
Not only will they be happier and healthier for it, but you’ll also get to enjoy their playful antics and snuggles.
Remember to provide a variety of toys, playtime options, and interactive experiences to keep your cat stimulated and happy.
And most importantly, enjoy the time you spend with your beloved pet!
