If you have an indoor cat, boredom is one of the most overlooked challenges you'll face as a pet parent. Unlike dogs, cats are subtle about their feelings - but the signs are there if you know what to look for. Here are five telltale signs your cat is bored, and exactly what you can do to fix it.
1. Excessive sleeping (more than usual) Cats sleep a lot - up to 16 hours a day - but if your cat seems to be sleeping even more than that and shows little interest in anything around them, boredom could be the culprit. A mentally stimulated cat will have natural peaks of energy and curiosity throughout the day.
2. Destructive behaviour Scratching furniture, knocking things off shelves, or chewing on items they shouldn't - these are classic signs of a cat looking for stimulation. They're not being naughty; they're telling you they need more to do.
3. Over-grooming If your cat is grooming themselves to the point of creating bald patches, it may be a stress or boredom response. This is worth a vet check too, but enrichment often helps significantly.
4. Following you everywhere A bored cat may become overly clingy, shadowing your every move. While it's flattering, it usually means they're looking to you to provide the entertainment they're missing.
5. Aggressive play behaviour Pouncing on your ankles, biting hands, or ambushing you from behind furniture - this is redirected hunting energy. Your cat needs an outlet.
What to do about it The good news: boredom is easy to fix with the right toys and enrichment. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement - like wand toys, puzzle feeders, and motion-activated toys - are the gold standard for indoor cats. Rotate toys regularly so they stay novel, and aim for at least two 10-minute play sessions per day.
Explore our Cat Toys collection and Cat Accessories & Toys to find enrichment options your cat will love.
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