Just like people, cats can also be bored and discouraged. When a cat is bored, it is for a reason and is usually related to a lack of enrichment, socialization and play.
If you think your cat is bored, it is essential to review his behavior at home and the symptoms that may indicate discomfort, disinterest or lack of motivation for his daily routine. We must point out that it usually happens on many more occasions between cats that live alone in a house, than when two cats live together.
So that we know how to discern correctly if our cat is bored, in this post on our site we will point out the main 5 symptoms of a bored cat. Find out why and act immediately by following our advice:
1. Grooming routines are increased
When a cat licks compulsively its coat, and even produces bald spots on its fur, it is a very clear sign that the poor cat is bored to exasperation. When licking is so excessive, it can lead to a skin lesion called an acral granuloma, a serious he alth problem that must be treated as soon as possible.
Apart from the damage to its fur, this behavior is very stressful for the cat. This can affect you mentally and lead to depression. It is also a dangerous activity, as it can lead to dangerous and annoying trichobezoars (stomach hairballs).
two. Start eating more
A consequence of feline boredom is specified in an excessive food intake Very "human" attitude, since many people due to the anguish, depression, or stress suffer from this same harmful behavior. Boredom in the cat produces enormous stress. A nice but unhe althy way to relieve boredom is to eat.
Check carefully the amounts of food you offer your cat to avoid obesity in your feline. Don't forget that it is harmful to your he alth!
3. Sleep at all hours
Cats normally sleep a lot. It is estimated that sleep between 16 and 17 hours daily. A cat that does not enjoy any stimulating activity may sleep much more.
This, in principle, could be considered harmless, but it is not. Sleepy cats can stop grooming and quickly degenerate in appearance. They may also become dehydrated or have poor appetite.
4. Behavior problems appear
Sometimes there are cats that, in order to get away from the enormous boredom they suffer, take to become destructive. They climb up the curtains destroying them when doing so, for example.
They can also engage in knocking objects off shelves or stalking small pets such as canaries, parakeets or hamsters.
We must not confuse the usual damage that cats do to the corners of sofas and armchairs, with the multiple acts of vandalism driven by boredom.
5. Social relationships are affected
Sometimes there are cats that live with another cat or another pet; but still they get bored. If the dominant cat is very dynamic and the other is excessively passive, it may happen that to entertain himself he performs a kind of "bullying" or abuse against the other cat, tormenting him and making his life difficult.
It is not very frequent, but it can also bother a small dog. Cats unleash their ancient hunting instincts and prey on smaller creatures in the home.
Solutions for a bored cat:
To begin with, it will be essential to rule out that our companion suffers from depression, a common problem in animals that have undergone a drastic change in their lives, a major loss, or a shock. If you think you may be experiencing depression, you should go to the vet, but in the meantime, we recommend the following:
- Play with your cat daily. The best toy for cats is undoubtedly the fishing rod as it makes you you also participate in the game, something essential for your cat to have fun too. The truth is that toys and scratchers can distract your cat for a long time, but in the long run they will get bored if there is no real interaction.
- Enrich your day to day with stimuli that you have not known before: music, activities, food, other people… Enrichment will help you get out of your boring routine. Contact with the sun will also provide you with extra energy, a better synthesis of vitamins and happiness.
- Give him massages, caresses and many kisses, cats love to feel loved and loved, that will make him feel that he is part of a group united family, strong and full of affection.
- Use catnip to promote psychological stimulation.
Finally, and if your cat is one of those who spends many hours alone, we recommend you go to a shelter and adopt a companion who will help your cat spend the hours with company and fun. They'll both thank you.
