Is my cat bored? 5 signs of boredom in cats

Updated 28/11/2023

Being bored is boring, and while we have loads of activities to shake off that jaded feeling, sometimes our feline friends need a little help from us. Whether you’re a devoted pet parent or a loving cat sitter, we’ll help you figure out “is my cat bored?” by uncovering the telltale signs of cat boredom, before giving you some tips to turn that (furry) frown upside down! 

Do cats get bored?

Just like us, life can get pretty dull for our feline friends if they haven’t got enough mental and physical stimulation. But how do you know if your cat is bored? 

How do I know if my cat is bored?

There are a number of clues that will answer your question “is my cat bored?”, but boredom isn’t always the only explanation for each of these “symptoms”. If your fur baby is exhibiting any of these signs of boredom, it’s always worth speaking to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. 

Signs that your cat is bored

Overeating

If your feline friend is finding solace in their food, it may be a sign they’re not being sufficiently stimulated in other areas. Overeating can lead to health issues such as obesity, so speak to the vet if you notice a change in your furry friend’s appetite. 

Repetitive or excessive behavior

If your feline friend treats every day as Groundhog Day, this may be a sign they’re bored. Whether you notice your cat going overboard on their grooming routine or pacing up and down like a caged animal, repetitive behaviors like these may indicate your cat’s bored of the same old thing. 

Fighting with other furry friends

Boredom can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, and being annoying or aggressive towards you or towards other animals could be a sign your furry feline’s not happy.

Destructive behavior

Some kitties let out their pent-up frustration on their environment rather than other pet pals. Shredding curtains, scratching on furniture, or going to the toilet outside of their litter tray all hint towards your furry feline feeling bored and anxious. 

Disinterest

Bored cats might spend a lot of time catnapping or slinking around like grumpy teenagers. If they can’t be bothered to get up, it might be that there’s nothing stimulating or exciting enough for them to do. Bear in mind that this could also be a sign of illness or cat depression, so watch out for any other changes in behavior.

How to entertain a bored cat

Whether you’ve noticed any of these signs of boredom or not, enriching your feline friend’s life with a variety of stimulating activities is essential for their happiness. From interactive toys to spending more time with their pet parents, take a look at these boredom busters for kitties.  

Cat toys

The most exciting toys for bored cats keep them active and engaged, plus they’re a great opportunity for you to bond with your fur baby. If your cat loves hunting, squeaking mice, laser pens, and wand toys are sure to spark their interest, while scratching posts and cat trees are often decorated with an array of tantalizing toys for a bored cat to play with. Variety is the spice of life, so get a few different cat toys and switch them up if you think your feline friend’s getting bored. 

Treats and training

If the problem you’ve got is “my cat is bored but won’t play”, it’s time to get the treats out. Stimulating your kitty with reward-based training can help stave off boredom and enhance their well-being overall. Although they might not learn to “fetch”, kitties can be trained to hop in their travel bag or (most importantly) use their litter box, and treats can also be used to correct unwanted behavior. Training isn’t the only time to use treats, they can also be used to test your kitty’s natural hunting instinct in puzzle feeders and toys, or they can be hidden around the house for a stimulating game of cat and mouse. Ensure you do not overfeed your cat when giving treats as this can lead to unwanted weight gain.

Company

While they might not always show it, it’s nice for your feline friend to know there’s someone around (even if you’re just there to feed them). You can’t just bank all your bonding hours at the weekend, find time to spend with them daily to keep them happy and stimulated. For times when you can’t be at home, having a cat sitter look after your furry baby is the next best thing, and meeting new people can be extra stimulating for felines. You might also consider getting your fur baby a cat companion for some company when you’re not around. 

New environments

My cat is bored in my apartment - what should I do? Going outside might not be for every kitty, but finding new environments to explore can prevent them from getting cabin fever after staring at the same four walls all day. If you don’t have a safe outdoor space, you might try taking your kitty for a walk or even building them their own little “catio”. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Worried your cat might be overstimulated?

Not to worry - overstimulating your cat isn't recommended, naturally, but it's easy to avoid. Explore our blog on overstimulated cats for the signs, causes and ways to make sure you're not overstimulating your kitty.