![]() This does not necessarily mean that the cat is bored. IfĪ cat is sufficiently entertained, it is unlikely to shadow you from room toĬats will often follow humans when lookingįor attention. Little effort, and an understanding of feline needs. Is comparatively simple to prevent a cat from growing bored. This table explains a cat’s core instinct: Climbing:Ĭat trees. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian explains how deprivation of these instincts can lead to behavioral issues. Sufficient entertainment at other times will keep your cat calm, minimizing the desire to follow you.Įnvironmental enrichment means meeting all of your cat’s natural instincts. Your cat will still need to be played with when you return. Scents that cats love include:Įxercising your cat’s mind will keep your pet happy while you cannot actively provide amusement. Essential oils can provide this stimulation, as long as you use them safely. Cats have powerful noses, so pleasant smells will attract attention. Applied Animal Behavior Science confirms that cats enjoy music designed especially for felines. At worst, it will be frightened by loud noises from outside. Sound can also be key to keeping a cat entertained. You could also create treat-centric treasure hunts for your cat. Oftentimes, the cat will need to learn a series of actions to obtain a treat. Any reputable pet store will stock a range of these. Taste and touch can be stimulated through Restrict this viewing if the cat grows over-excited. Your cat will pass countless happy hours watching birds through the window. Mental stimulus involves provoking your cat’s senses. Combat this by ensuring your cat has plenty to think about. Senior cats cannot physically exercise as muchĪs they may like. Mental StimulationĮspecially when they grow older. Your cat will relax and doze, unencumbered by boredom. Playtime will leave a cat profoundly sated. The anticipation that accompanies the hunt is matched only by the joy of capturing prey. ![]() This is because hunting floods a cat’s brain with dopamine. As a result, play provides similar mental satisfaction. Cats stalk favored toys in the same way they would hunt wild mice or birds. In addition, it satisfies the feline instinct to hunt. The obvious benefit of play is that it tires out your cat and strengthens your bond. Consider reducing this time and increasing the frequency of play for senior cats. Many experts say that two play sessions of twenty minutes are ideal. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior recommends play sessions of five minutes or longer. Sate a cat’s wild instincts by making time for play. ![]() Of all a cat’s instincts, the desire to stalk and capture prey is This is especially important if you cannot physically be withĬannot hunt. Keep your cat stimulated before it has the opportunity to Aside from following you around, warning signs that your cat is bored include: ![]() This will lead to stress and anxiety, which places strain on a cat’s heart. Bored cats often become depressed and withdrawn. The cat is following you as it hopes you will provide entertainment.īoredom is not just a frustrating experience for a cat, but it can be dangerous. Keeping a cat inside all day is safer than allowing it to roam outdoors unattended. A cat that follows its owner around may be bored.
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