Did you know that cats, like humans, can become bored? It might seem that Fluffy has picked boredom as a life ambition. After all, kitties love lying around and doing as little as possible. Even the laziest furball requires some enrichment, though. Continue reading for advice from a local Middletown, DE veterinarian on how to keep your feline overlord happy and purring.

Why Should You Keep Your Cat Indoors?

While we will usually adapt our cat care advice based on Fluffy’s age, temperament, and health, there is one thing we virtually always recommend: keep your cat indoors. We know, your pet may enjoy going outside and engaging in popular kitty pastimes, such as creating paw art on your car and refusing to come inside when you call her. However, the world presents some major threats to an inquisitive tiny ball of fur. Fluffy is exposed to a wide range of risks the moment she steps outside, including automobiles, weather, wild animals, parasites, chemicals, loose canines, and, unfortunately, some people.

Why Do Kitties Need Entertainment?

We understand that boredom may not seem like a severe issue for cats. After all, Fluffy spends a tremendous amount of time snoozing. (Fun fact: cats can sleep up to 20 hours per day, more than nearly any other animal on the globe.) Even the best napper cannot sleep all the time, though. Your pet will be awake for at least a few hours each day. She may spend some of that time grooming herself, eating, playing, and planning world dominance, but there will still be some empty spaces in her schedule.

Cats, like us, need enrichment to thrive. If your kitty companion has nothing to do but look at the walls, she may become unhappy.

Why Is Boredom Bad for Cats?

It’s easy to forget how crucial mental stimulation is for pets. While our primary focus will be on Fluffy’s physical health and well-being, we recognize that an animal’s emotional well-being is inextricably linked to their health. Kitties are extremely emotional, and their dissatisfaction can appear in a variety of ways.

Here are some of the potential repercussions:

Bad Behavior: If Fluffy is bored, she may try to soothe herself by engaging in unwanted behaviors. She may scratch your carpet, chew items, or spray improperly. You may also hear your pet meow or howl.

Depression: Did you know that cats, like humans, can get depressed? Fluffy may seem morose and sullen, and maybe a bit prone to attacking.

Poor Appetite: If your pet is unhappy, she may stop eating. While skipping one meal may not seem like a big deal, if your feline friend goes without food for an extended period of time, she may quickly become ill. This is horrible for your pet’s metabolism.

Escape Attempts: We said earlier that we always suggest keeping cats indoors. If your pet dislikes being indoors, she may attempt to escape. This puts Fluffy at risk of becoming lost, injured, or possibly killed.

Aggression: Another probable result of cat boredom? Fluffy may try to vent her unhappiness on you. If you have more than one cat, they may fight.

Entertaining Your Feline Pal

Now for the fun part! We all know Fluffy adores catnip mice. However, this is not the only way to keep cats entertained. There are quite a few things that can get that motor going.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Playtime: While it is vital for your pet to have toys that she can use independently, she should also have toys that you can use to play with her. Some examples of interactive toys include wand toys, laser pointers, and remote-control toys. Try to set aside at least 10 minutes per day to play with your cat. This will not only entertain your adorable pet, but it will also promote bonding. Furthermore, it will offer Fluffy a feline workout, boost her confidence, and make her feel loved.

Window Seats: Did you realize that a window seat could be one of Fluffy’s preferred forms of entertainment? Your kitty companion could spend hours lounging and daydreaming about hunting while observing birds and squirrels. Put a bird feeder in your cat’s line of sight, so there’s always something entertaining going on.

Cat TV: Yes, there are programs designed specifically for Fluffy. As one might assume, many of these include birds, squirrels, and other small critters that your feline companion would hunt in the wild. Some cats appear to enjoy this! If nothing else, the background noise will provide stimulation.

Smart Toys: Modern technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few decades, yet our feline friends have not been forgotten or left behind. There are plenty of cute and exciting new toys for our feline friends to push beneath the couch! You can get your pet a mouse that responds to her movements or a laser pointer that you can operate via an app.

Things to Climb: Have you ever noticed how cats enjoy climbing up to high places? Fluffy can’t see very far from the ground, so it’s no surprise she prefers climbing to higher elevations. Cat towers are ideal for this. They also include resting areas and jungle gyms.

Kitty Gardens: Many of our kitty friends like nibbling on green leaves and sniffing plants. Set out some pet-friendly plants for Fluffy! You can also make her a small cat garden. One solution is to plant cat grass in a litterbox. Just make sure you stick to items you know are safe. You may view a complete list on the ASPCA website here.

Boxes: We may never understand Fluffy’s box fixation, but giving your pet an empty box is bound to score you some purrs.

Games: Did you know that there are now games made just for Fluffy to play on a smartphone or tablet? Results may vary.

Ask your Middletown, DE veterinarians for more information. 

Book An Appointment At Our Middletown, DE Pet Hospital

Is your kitty companion due for an exam? Contact us, your Middletown, DE animal clinic, at any time!