Whoever heard of a bored cat?

Dear Fisher,

I am an older cat and I nap a lot, but the other times I’m just plain bored. I live in a high rise and am safe from bugs and other living dangers. My life is good from most points of view, but what am I supposed to do when I wake up and my peeps are gone to work all day? I love it here but the scenery never changes and it’s quiet all day long. Boring, boring, boring. Do you think my peeps think it is all OK just because I sleep a lot? I think not! What should I do?

Darryl

Dear Darryl,

Boredom happens when day after day, everything stays the same. You may all be in a rut. Your humans get up, feed the cat, go to work. They get home, pet the cat, feed the cat, and they are done for the day. When they come home and you are sleeping (again), they think you are fine. Your humans likely do not realize you are bored. “After all”, they would say, “Whoever heard of a bored cat?” But we know it happens, do we not?

Your humans must understand that a bored cat may turn to his own devices for entertainment which can lead to a roll of toilet paper strewn about the living room on the same day they bring a guest into the home after work. Or, you might think of trying alternative snacks from the garbage pail and proudly leave the evidence for them to clean up. Sometimes boredom causes one to become obsessive. For instance, cats tend to be extremely clean. You may overdo cleaning your fine long hair, and the humans come home to “here a ball, there a ball, everywhere a hairball.” Soon, everyone is unhappy.

Your task is to get your humans involved with you. Several ideas for boredom relief are:

1. They could get you a companion cat or dog depending on your personality. However, it would be very sad if you mistook it for punishment.
2. Your humans must get into the habit of controlled playtime with you. They should build 15 minutes into their morning and evening schedule. If you want less time, just act sleepy and they will move on to their daily routines.
3. Boredom can easily be relieved if you have something to watch. There are “mewvies” made especially for cats, or they could install a nice aquarium full of fish for you to watch.
4. An ordinary cardboard box with holes cut in the sides and a few toys stashed in it could inspire your imagination and keep you busy well past next nap session.

You could all have happy bonding time if you make your own toys. Take a look at this site for a ton of neat toys any kid can make. Add to the fun by hiding them around the house. Hunting is a natural cat instinct.

These are just a few ideas I have come across. Oh, one more! Drop a couple of ping pong balls in the bathtub and have a game of feline racquetball. Now, wouldn’t that just be the cat’s meow.

Your friend,
Fisher