As you may have noticed, our feline buddies are rather sleepy. However, even the laziest cat can’t spend all day napping. It’s very important to make sure your pet has some ways to keep herself entertained with while you’re out. Just like people, cats can—and do—get bored. Fluffy can get quite restless and unhappy with nothing to do but stare at the walls all day! But how can you tell if your pet is bored? An Ellicott City, MD vet lists some clues below.
Change In Appetite
It’s not uncommon for people to snack when they are bored. This is also true for our furry companions. If Fluffy keeps making trips to her food bowl, she may be eating just for something to do. Of course, for some cats, the opposite is true. Your kitty may also eat less than usual if she’s bored.
Overgrooming
Cats are very fastidious about keeping their coats in good shape. However, if Fluffy doesn’t have enough entertainment options, she may start excessively grooming herself. This can cause hair thinning, bald spots, and hairballs.
Sleeping Too Much
We know, this one may be a bit confusing. Cats certainly are drowsy little furballs! However, if Fluffy is spending the majority of her time snoozing, she may be bored.
Inappropriate Soiling
Is your cat ignoring her litterbox? Boredom, stress, and anxiety can all be possible reasons for inappropriate soiling. This may be Fluffy’s way of letting you know she’s unhappy. (Note: This can also be caused by medial issues, so schedule a veterinary exam for your kitty ASAP.)
Crankiness
Boredom won’t do much for Fluffy’s mood. It isn’t uncommon for cats to take their irritation out on their humans. Your pet may start ‘ambushing’ you, or just acting grumpy.
Destructive Behavior
Boredom can also be a factor in bad kitty habits, such as scratching, climbing counters, or knocking things off shelves. If Fluffy is being naughty, boredom could be to blame!
Demanding Attention
Loneliness and boredom often go hand in hand—or paw in paw—with pets. If Fluffy is bored, she may also be lonely. As a result, your kitty may act extra cuddly and clingy when you are home.
As your Ellicott City, MD vet clinic, we are dedicated to keeping kitties content and purring. Please call us for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.
