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Cat Behavior: Can Your Cat’s Boredom Cause Illness?

Imagine being a cat sitting at home all day with the curtains drawn with nothing to do and no one to interact with. If you lived in the wild, your natural feline behavior would lead you to observe birds and insects, wander, chase, jump, hide, jump, and spend half a day happily looking for a mouse to eat. You could also defend your territory and flex your muscles. However, indoor cats that don’t get exercise, stimulation, and healthy food can suffer. Your boredom can lead to depression or illness.

Watch for signs of boredom

If your cat’s behavior isn’t what you expected, it could be because he’s bored or lonely. Here are some common cat behavior signs that you may notice.

1. Moving small items or clothing objects around the house while you are away.

2. Pulling strands of hair or obsessively grooming excessively.

3. Remove things from countertops.

4. Spray or squat to mark the territory with deposits of urine or feces.

5. Express yourself with excessive vocalization, most likely it will let you know that you are bored or lonely.

6. Show aggressive behavior or act, especially when leaving.

7. Overeating when there is nothing else to do to make you feel comforting.

Boredom and depression can be serious

Boredom can lead to depression in cats. If it is left to go for too long, it can also lead to illness and other cat health problems. Lack of exercise and stimulation can lead to unhappiness, weak muscles, a sluggish immune system, and eventually depression or stress and adrenal disease. In fact, behavioral problems in cats are also reportedly the most common reason for euthanasia and abandonment of otherwise healthy animals. DO NOT let your cat get bored or bored!

Try these healthy behavior solutions for cats

  • If you only have one cat, consider getting him a feline companion. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by ARM & HAMMER Multi-Cat Strength Cat Litter, animal experts now agree that cats are by nature social animals, not solitary. When asked, more than 8 in 10 vets agree that cats do NOT prefer to be left alone. (Two cats are almost as easy to care for as one.)
  • Offer to play with your cat at around the same time every day. Cats love routine. Buy or make toys that simulate the fun of hunting, chasing, jumping, jumping, and hiding. Spend 20-30 minutes playing once or twice a day with your cats.
  • Establish a regular grooming schedule several days a week. Have some brushes, combs, and polishers handy. A good time to do this is after your cat has played and has expended some of his frustrated energy because he is ready to be soft and cuddly.
  • Before you leave the house each day, hide some of your favorite toys and treats. Turn your favorite toys to different places every day. Get yourself a plastic ball and pop in some healthy treats that take a bit of work to get out of the slots. This provides exercise and challenge, and the reward for good cat behavior is welcome.
  • Give your cat some freedom to roam. Minimize containment as much as possible. If you don’t already have one, get a climbing tree or tower. Vertical space is as important to a cat’s health as horizontal space for exercise and dexterity. You may also want to get a cat harness and leash and take your cat outside to explore, get some fresh air, and sunshine.
  • Make a comfortable place near a window. Cats love to look out of windows and observe birds, insects, and any number of interesting things. If you can place a bird feeder outside a window, where the birds are safe and your cat can watch, it will provide hours of entertainment, mental stimulation, and emotional satisfaction for your cat.
  • Give your cat a scratching post. This gives them a place to remove old nail pods, plus it allows them to exercise and tone their muscles to stay strong. Scratching also relieves stress, frustration, and boredom or helps them “warm up” to play. But best of all, it gives them a convenient way to mark their territory with the paw pads. (This is so much better than improper spraying or other marks or damage to furniture!)
  • Most important of all, you feed your cat high-quality food with real meat, NOT meat by-products. It may cost more, but it can help prevent disease and promote better health, so it will save you in the long run. Also, cats will eat less and get better nutrition. Do all of these things and your cat’s health and behavior will transform into calm and happiness. In all likelihood, the two of you will develop a closer bond as well. SOURCES: Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, MSc, DACVB (a veterinary behavioral leader and author) plus ARM & HAMMER Multi-Cat Strength Litter experts who commissioned a CAT-PANION Crusade Study.

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