What are signs of cat boredom or understimulation?
Written by
Victoria Hayes
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.Identifying indications of a bored cat can help avert significant health and behavioral issues. Indoor cats in particular show good indications of being under-stimulated. I've had a lot of success assisting clients in identifying these signals in their cats early on. Knowing these signals enables early enrichment interventions.
Cats express stress through physical and behavioral changes. Sleeping excessively, beyond the normal cycle of 16 hours, is an indication of being withdrawn. Scratching destructively on inanimate objects indicates frustration at a lack of stimulation. Overgrooming to the point of getting bald patches indicates anxiety, which needs to be dealt with at once.
Sleep Pattern Changes
- Sleeping over 20 hours daily consistently
- Lethargy during normally active periods
- Lack of response to environmental stimuli
Destructive Behaviors
- Scratching furniture despite available posts
- Chewing inappropriate items like cords
- Knocking objects off surfaces repeatedly
Overgrooming Issues
- Creating bald patches on belly or legs
- Excessive licking leading to skin irritation
- Focusing on one area obsessively
Aggressive Tendencies
- Unprovoked biting during interactions
- Swatting at people passing by
- Attacking other pets without cause
Vocalization Changes
- Constant meowing without apparent reason
- Yowling at closed doors repeatedly
- Increased volume and frequency of cries
Address these signs promptly with specific enrichment. Increase interaction and play immediately. Introduce different puzzle toys and climbing structures. Change the hiding places weekly. I cured my cat's overgrooming by adding window perches and food puzzles, and saw a marked improvement within days.
Ongoing behavioral symptoms need a professional evaluation. If these behaviors persist despite your attempts to enrich the physical environment, consult your veterinarian for further guidance. Illness sometimes looks like boredom. Frequent observation of dogs helps to differentiate behavioral problems from medical ones. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent the complications that accompany long-term behavioral disorders.
Read the full article: Essential Cat Enrichment Activities Guide
