Why cats get bored, and what to do about it

Plenty of owners say their cat goes wild at night: a sprint down the hallway, a climb up the curtains, then an ambush on a foot under the duvet at four in the morning. This behaviour is rarely a character flaw. Far more often the cat simply did not get enough stimulation during the day.

The hunting cycle

A cat's hunting cycle has four stages: search, stalk, catch and consume. If any of them is missing, tension remains. That is why ending play with a genuine catch, followed straight away by a treat or the evening meal, works so well.

A laser dot is problematic for exactly this reason: it can never be caught. If you use one, finish by letting the dot run onto a plush mouse so there is real prey at the end.

Two short play sessions a day

This does not take hours. Two sessions of ten to twelve minutes with a wand toy make a noticeable difference for most adult cats. Vary the rhythm: a few quick movements, then a pause so the cat can stalk.

Vertical space

For a cat, a home is measured in levels rather than floor area. A run of shelves, a window perch or a tall scratching post adds more usable territory than a bigger room would. A high spot also serves as a refuge when visitors arrive.

Feeding as an activity

A portion that disappears from the bowl in two minutes provides no occupation. A treat maze, a simple foraging mat or a few pieces of food hidden around the flat will hold a cat's attention for minutes, and searching is calming in itself.

When play is not enough

If a cat suddenly starts toileting outside the tray, over-grooms to the point of bald patches, or becomes unusually aggressive, boredom is not the issue. Start with the vet, because pain and several internal conditions first show up as a change in behaviour.

Guarding against boredom is not a single purchase. A few small changes to the routine and the layout of the home usually achieve more than the most expensive interactive toy.