Indoor cats are safer than outdoor cats, but they have a lot less to do. A cat that would spend hours stalking outside has to put that energy somewhere, and without an outlet it usually ends up somewhere you don't want it.
A quick note first: sudden changes in behavior, grooming, appetite or weight can have medical causes. If something has changed suddenly, check with your vet before assuming it's boredom.
6 common signs of a bored cat
- Night zoomies. Racing around the house at 3 a.m., or waking you up to play.
- Knocking things over. Pushing items off counters and tables, often while watching you.
- Ankle ambushes. Pouncing on your feet as you walk by.
- Destructive scratching or chewing. Going after furniture, cords or plants.
- Constant meowing or following you around, especially when you're busy.
- Sleeping more and moving less. Some bored cats get loud, and others just switch off.
Simple fixes
1. Two short play sessions a day
Five to ten minutes with a wand toy, twice a day, is the biggest single change for most indoor cats. Move the toy like prey and let your cat catch it at the end. Our guide on how to play with a cat wand toy shows how.
2. Something to do while you're out
A ball track gives your cat something to bat at when you're not home. The Catstages Twist-A-Ball Track suits one cat, and the 4-Level Ball Track Tower has room for two or more. See more in our guide to toys for cats home alone.
3. Rotate toys every week
Cats lose interest in toys that are always lying around. Keep a few out, put the rest away and swap them every week. A toy your cat hasn't seen for a while can feel new again.
4. Try silvervine if catnip does nothing
Not every cat reacts to catnip. In a 2017 study of 100 cats, about a third didn't respond to it, and most of those did respond to silvervine. Our silvervine vs. catnip guide explains the difference, and the Silvervine Chew Sticks, 6-Pack is an easy way to test it.
5. Make food part of the hunt
Instead of putting the whole meal in a bowl, hide a few pieces of kibble or treats around a room, or use a food puzzle like the Cat Puzzle Toy with Sisal Scratching Post. Working for food keeps your cat's mind busy and slows down fast eaters.
6. Give them a view
A window perch or a chair by a window that faces birds or a busy street gives your cat something to watch during the day.
Start with one change
You don't need to do everything at once. Add two short wand sessions a day this week and see what changes. The Feather Teaser Wand is a good place to start.