Relieving Feline Boredom

Like us domestic cats can become bored. Feline boredom may arise from loneliness or inactivity and can lead to a variety of behavioural problems, including, aggression, depression, obsession with food and compulsive grooming. So what can we do to make life a little more exciting for our cats? Listed below are a number of behavioural and environmental enrichments which can help relieve boredom for cats.

• Socialize Your Cat

Socialize your cat from a young age. Allow your cat to become familiar with other people, for example, your friends and family, so that it knows other friendly people exist as well as its owners.

If you are getting a kitten, consider two kittens instead of one. Two cats can keep each other amused and will not need human company as much.

If you have just the one cat and decide it needs a feline companion then make sure they are compatible.

• Get an Aquarium for your House

Invest in an aquarium or goldfish bowl. Your cat will be fascinated with the fish. Make sure that the top of the tank or bowl is secured with a lid.

• View of Bird Feeder

Install a window perch with a view of the bird feeder. This will provide much entertainment for your cat.

• Leave on Radio or Television

If your cat is alone in the house during the day leave the radio or television on. This will make them think they have company.

Your cat may also enjoy a video, especially made for cats, showing wildlife and birds.

• Boxes and Paper Bags

Cats just love cardboard boxes and paper bags. Simply get a cardboard box from the supermarket and set it on the floor. Cut out some holes in the box, big enough so your cat can fit through and let him explore. You could also fill the box with some crumpled newspaper and a few treats.

A paper grocery bag will also provide plenty of entrainment. Make sure that any handles have been removed from the bag.

• Cat Furniture

Provide your feline with some cat furniture, such as, kitty trees or condos. This will give your cat a place to explore, climb and scratch.

• Food Trail

To stimulate your cat’s sense of smell leave a trail of treats throughout your home. You cat will have hours of fun looking for the treats and will also be rewarded when it finds them.

• Cat Toys

One way to relieve feline boredom, as well as keeping your cat in trim, is to provide plenty of toys. Cat toys do not have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most popular toys are home-made. Below is a list of our favorite toys.

Home-Made Toys

1. Plastic rings that hold down the lids of plastic drink bottles. Just slide these along the floor.
2. Cotton socks stuffed with cotton balls and catnip, tied at the end.
3. An old sock tied in the middle.
4. A table-tennis ball or an empty cotton-reel.
5. Make your own cat fishing rod toy. Attach a piece of string to the end of a stick and then stick some scrunched up papers to the end of the string.
6. Ping pong balls.
7. Empty plastic eggs, usually found in department store machines. Fill these with dry cat food, treats or dried beans. Alternatively put holes at the top of the lid and place something that makes noise inside the egg. Roll the egg along the floor.
8. A piece of string or wool.

Pet Store Toys

1. Wind-up or battery-operated toys.
2. Small plastic toy trains set.
3. Crinkle Play Bags.
4. Teaser Wands.
5. Mouse toys.

Never let your cat play with a toy small toy, which could be swallowed!