If you are going to have your cat inside, it is important to make its environment as stimulating as possible. If you don't, cats can quickly become bored, stressed and even depressed, resulting in detrimental and destructive behaviours.
It is a common misconception that cats cannot possibly be bored, after all, they often lead a leisurely life. However, they do experience boredom from time to time. Much like dogs, cats tend to develop bad habits if they become bored and they can express their boredom in rather destructive ways.
The primary issue is boredom, which can lead to a variety of problems like inappropriate urination, scratching, aggression, depression, lethargy, over-vocalization/crying, increased or decreased appetite, and excessive sleeping.
Even with the convenience of a litter box and an endless supply of food, cats left alone for long stretches of time, day after day, can suffer from loneliness, boredom and even separation anxiety. Indoor cats left alone with no stimulation or environmental enrichment are more likely to become bored or lonely.
Repetitive behaviors, overeating, terrorizing other pets, or even becoming destructive are all potential signs that your cat is bored. Cats are home all the time and, depending on their parents' lifestyle, sometimes by themselves.
Sleep, sleep, sleep
It was no surprise to find my cats spend a lot of time sleeping. It's estimated that cats spend 12 – 16 hours a day sleeping, and as indoor cats, my two love lounging around. They have several different preferred snoozing spots depending on the time of day.
Cats, while often independent creatures, still crave attention and love, in addition to their obvious nutritional needs of fresh water, clean litter, and food. If you decide to bring a cat or kitten into your home, you should be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a day giving your cat loving one-on-one attention.
While cats are known for their love of napping, they also need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated when they're awake, otherwise, they can get bored – just like us humans. To ensure a happy and healthy life for your cat, it's important that you provide them with a fun environment they can thrive in.
How often should you play? Two play sessions a day would be fantastic for both you and your cat. You might find having a playtime just before bed (or even adding a third one) will help settle down a cat that usually gets into trouble at night. If your cat doesn't feel like playing the first time, don't get discouraged.
Other cat health and behavior experts offer similar recommendations, with the total amount of playtime ranging from 20 to 60 minutes daily. Playtime should be split into multiple 10- to 15-minute segments as cats are naturally active in short bursts.
While some cats go nuts for on-screen antics, others are content to watch the activity with an air of calm, and still others may not be interested in TV at all. Depending on their temperament and the depth of their hunting instinct, your cat may or may not engage with television or other electronic screens.
Never force attention on your cat.
Though cats enjoy human attention, they like it in smaller doses than dogs, and on their own terms. Owners should respect this basic need of their feline friends and never force attention on them, such as holding them against their will," said Hauser.
Ragdoll. They may be quite big, but they are known for being the most laid-back cat there is and one that craves the most attention. They are renowned for their gentle, affectionate nature and will put up with almost anything if it means they can have all the attention on them.
Skimp on the play sessions, and your furniture may suffer. "If cats aren't getting enough play, it can affect their wholemodus operandi, and their usual habits can change," says Wilbourn. "They can become destructive and aggressive because they have all of this bottled-up energy."
Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe!
Make your cat as comfortable as possible, give special treats, and spend time doing what you both enjoy to make your cat's final day particularly special. These include playing with toys, letting your cats sleep anywhere they like, and taking pictures to remember the moment.
Lack of normal curiosity – Cats spend a large portion of their day sleeping, but they do have times of the day where they engage in activity and play. If you notice that your cat isn't doing much else except napping and snacking at the food bowl, you could very well have a bored cat on your hands.
Mental Issues: Boredom is known to lead to depression and indoor cats are prone to it. While not as obvious as the other signs listed above, depression can be seen in cats that lack the impetus to play, are picky eaters, sleep all the time or who do little more than live on the bed.
One of the most common causes of boredom in cats is a lack of physical stimulation. If your cat is an indoor-only pet, they likely don't get much of a chance to run, jump, and play like outdoor cats might. They may also not get to hunt or chase prey, which can be detrimental to the physical stimulation needed, too.
Conclusion. Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.