Games for bored cats

Is your cat bored? Seven signs and playful ways to help

Boredom does not always look dramatic. It can appear as repeated attention-seeking, restless pacing or a cat that sleeps because there is simply nothing interesting to investigate.

Possible signs of boredom

1. Repeatedly attacking hands, feet or another pet.
2. Persistent attention-seeking at the same times each day.
3. Overeating when food is freely available.
4. Knocking objects down to create activity.
5. Pacing between windows or doors.
6. Loss of interest in toys that never change.
7. Restlessness followed by long inactive periods.

These signs are not proof of boredom. Pain, anxiety and medical conditions can change behaviour, so consult a veterinarian when behaviour is new, intense or accompanied by physical symptoms.

Games that create a hunting sequence

Move a wand toy like prey: let it hide, pause, escape and eventually be caught. Scatter feeding and puzzle feeders add searching and problem-solving. Boxes with safe openings create ambush locations. A mouse or bug screen game can provide an additional short hunt.

Make familiar rooms interesting again

Move a box, open access to a safe shelf or change which window has a perch. Cats notice small environmental changes. You do not need to fill the home with permanent equipment.

Keep it achievable

A difficult game that never permits success can create frustration. PawPlay’s Gentle and Normal modes let owners match speed to the cat, while catch effects provide immediate feedback.