
Cats are often thought of as independent and aloof, but they do need companionship and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Boredom and loneliness can lead to destructive behaviour, over-grooming, and even health issues like loss of appetite and lethargy. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your cat entertained and stimulated, such as providing interactive toys, cat furniture, and puzzle feeders. You can also try leaving the TV or radio on, or getting another pet to keep them company. Read on to find out more about how to help your lonely cat.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Keep them occupied | Provide cat-safe toys, scratching posts, and activity centres |
Provide entertainment | Play music or put the television on; play games with your cat |
Provide company | Get your cat a sibling or a pet sitter |
Exercise | Play with your cat before you leave the house |
Routine | Keep your cat's routine the same, where possible |
Environment | Provide a stimulating environment with hideaways and tunnels, cat trees and perches, hanging toys, and interactive toys |
What You'll Learn
Provide mental stimulation
Providing mental stimulation for your cat is important to prevent boredom and stress, and to reduce the risk of behavioural problems. Here are some ways to provide mental stimulation for your cat:
Offer a Variety of Toys
Cats get bored easily, so it's important to offer a range of different toys for them to play with. You can find various cat toys at your local pet store or online. Be sure to rotate the toys every few weeks to keep things interesting for your cat. Toys that allow cats to stalk and pounce on prey are great for mental stimulation and can help keep their hunting instincts sharp. Cat teasers and wands are also great for bonding with your cat.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys provide a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment by simulating the hunting experience. Your cat has to work for their treats! There are many puzzle toys available, such as the Cat Amazing puzzle toy, which has beginner and advanced options.
Play "Hide the Food"
Instead of feeding your cat at regular times from a bowl, you can hide pieces of kibble or treats around the house to appeal to your cat's inner hunter. You can also hide treats in an interactive puzzle feeder, which challenges your cat to figure out how to get the food out. This keeps their minds sharp and slows down their eating.
Create an Obstacle Course
You can create an obstacle course for your cat using furniture, boxes, or special cat obstacles from your local pet store. This provides mental stimulation and allows them to get exercise.
Use a Cat Tree or Cat Ladder
Cat trees and ladders offer places for cats to climb, jump, scratch, rest, and hide. They provide mental and physical stimulation and a safe place for cats to perch and watch the world go by.
Provide a View
Indoor cats love to watch the world outside. Providing a window perch will allow your cat to observe birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Window perches also help relieve stress and anxiety and provide a safe and secure place to hang out.
Indoor Cats and Distemper Shots: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Give them a window view
If your cat is lonely, giving them a window view can be a great way to keep them entertained and feeling connected to the world. Cats are intelligent creatures and need mental stimulation and engagement. A window view can provide them with a front-row seat to the great outdoors, offering visual stimulation and a sense of interaction with the outside world.
To enhance your cat's window-viewing experience, consider investing in a cat window perch. A window perch will provide your cat with a comfortable and dedicated space to enjoy the outdoors. It can be placed on a windowsill or attached to the window, ensuring your cat has a stable and secure platform to relax on. Perches like the Oster Sunny Seat offer an elevated vantage point for your cat to observe their surroundings.
In addition to a perch, you can further enrich your cat's window view by placing a bird or squirrel feeder outside the window. This will create a busy environment, keeping your cat entertained for hours as they observe the wildlife outside. The combination of a comfortable perch and interesting activity will provide your cat with a sense of engagement and reduce their loneliness.
If your cat enjoys watching the outdoors, you can also try moving their bed or condo next to the window. This will create a cosy space for them to relax and feel connected to nature. You can also add some visual stimulation by placing toys or scratchers near the window, encouraging your cat to stay active and engaged while enjoying the view.
By providing your cat with a window view, you are not only offering them a form of entertainment but also a way to stimulate their minds and satisfy their natural curiosity. This simple change can make a significant difference in the life of a lonely cat, helping them feel more content and engaged in their daily lives.
Understanding the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Cats
You may want to see also
Play music or TV for company
Playing music or putting the TV on for your cat can be a great way to make them feel less lonely. The familiar background noise can make your kitty feel like they're not alone in a quiet, empty house.
If you're going to play music, it should be at a low volume as a cat's hearing is more sensitive than a human's. There is music created specifically for cats, with simple, soothing piano riffs. Alternatively, you could try some calming background music.
If you're going to put the TV on for your cat, try to find something with human voices, or, alternatively, try bird videos or aquariums, which cats enjoy watching. Again, make sure the volume is low.
There are also apps and YouTube channels with content designed to keep cats occupied and entertained.
Catnip: Is It Harmful or Fatal for Cats?
You may want to see also
Get them a companion
If you're considering getting a companion for your cat, it's important to know that cats are territorial and may initially bristle at a new feline's presence. It's also important to note that cats can be very particular about who they share their space with. If your cat doesn't like other cats coming into their space, it could be a sign that they wouldn't accept sharing their home with another cat.
However, cats are social creatures and can benefit from having a feline buddy. If your cat is displaying signs of loneliness, such as excessive meowing, following you around, or unusual sleeping, eating, or grooming habits, it could be a sign that they need more social interaction.
- Keep the new cat in a separate room at first, and then gradually introduce them to your resident cat.
- Choose a new cat with a similar temperament and energy level to your resident cat.
- Provide enough resources for both cats, such as separate litter trays and food bowls.
- Make sure your home is set up in a way that will keep both cats happy, with enough space for each cat to have their own retreat.
- Take things slow and be patient during the introduction process.
It's also worth noting that cats can form close bonds with other types of animals, such as dogs, rabbits, goats, and even rats. If you're considering getting a different type of pet as a companion for your cat, just be sure to supervise their initial interactions and give them plenty of time to adjust to each other.
Royal Canin Cat Food: Nutrition Fit for Felines
You may want to see also
Exercise them before you leave
Exercise your cat before you leave
Cats can get bored and lonely if they don't have enough stimulation and company. This can lead to destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture or knocking things over. One way to prevent this is to ensure your cat gets enough exercise.
If you're going to be out of the house for a long period of time, it's a good idea to tire your cat out beforehand so they're less likely to get restless and destructive. You can do this by playing with them using cat toys, such as balls, catnip-filled mice, or a fishing pole with feathers or other toys on the end of an elastic string.
You can also create scavenger hunts for your cat, by hiding treats around the house for them to find. This can be a fun activity for them to do while you're gone and will help distract them from the fact that you're not there.
Daily play sessions are crucial for your cat's wellbeing, and you should try to fit them into your routine where possible. If you're going to be away for a full day, you can add an extra play session before you leave to help your cat settle down while you're gone.
If you're going to be away for a long period of time, it's also a good idea to give your cat plenty of interactive toys to play with while you're gone. This will help keep them entertained and stimulated in your absence.
Why Does My Cat Dig in the Water Bowl? Common Reasons Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Signs of loneliness in cats include destructiveness, excessive vocalization, aggressive behaviour, over-grooming, and spraying/squatting.
Try to keep your cat occupied with new toys, or play music or put on the television for them. You could also get them a companion, or hire a pet sitter to come by during the day.
Signs of anxiety in cats include excessive grooming, missing patches of hair, refusal to eat or eating too fast, going outside the litter box, vomiting, and destructive behaviour.
Leave the TV or radio on while you're gone, or try a Wi-Fi camera that you can talk through so your cat can hear your voice. Leave an article of clothing with your scent for them to snuggle with, and provide stimulating interactive toys for them to play with.
Try interactive cat toys, such as laser pointers or feather wand toys. You can also turn on the faucet for them to play with, or provide toys with fish or birds on a moving screen.