Bored Cat Syndrome

Yes there is such a thing!!

Keeping cats indoors increases their life spans because they don’t become victims of cars, other animals, diseases or thievery. Unfortunately many cats are left alone without stimulation or a feline friend while their human companions are at work and school. Some of these cats develop behavior problems or stress illnesses while others become dangerously obese from lack of exercise. Most of these latchkey cats suffer from Bored Cat Syndrome!

It is impossible for most people to stay home and entertain their cats all day. Enrich the home environment and give cats choices to avoid Bored Cat Syndrome:

• Stabilise cat trees with lots of shelves by adding a larger base or fastening the tree to a wall or the ceiling. Position one next to a secure window and hang a bird feeder outside the window to maximize cat fun while preserving birds’ lives.
• Carpeted shelving around walls at different heights give cats lots of opportunity for exercise and contemplation of their home comforts. Many access points to the shelves give cats choices and prevent them from being cornered without an escape route.
• Wide window perches allow cats to scope out the neighborhood from the safety of their homes.

Fight obesity and stimulate your cat by making your cat work for his food:

• Treat balls or shapes packed with healthy treats or dry food provide hours of chasing and playing fun. Make a puzzle out of a cardboard box with two to three holes in each side, just big enough for a paw to reach in for biscuits, but not big enough for a head to be caught in.
• Play hide and seek with treats or dry food. Scatter them behind sofas, up cat trees or on shelves while your cat is otherwise engaged.
• Many cats enjoy exercise wheels like these kitty treadmills

Other ways remedies for bored cats:

• Videos made for cats keep them occupied and stimulated when they are left alone. Video Catnip and The Cat Sitter feature the sights and sounds of birds, fish, mice and other animals. Some cats are fascinated by these videos; others give a passing glance and continue with their own agendas.
• Televisions talk shows or home and garden shows keep some cats fascinated
• Some cats love to play in running water like the Drinkwell Pet, available from Hall Vet Surgery.
• Many cats enjoy the company of other cats. Consider both cats' personalities before bringing a newcomer into the house. Some cats do not adjust to another cat in the household. Proper introductions can take months even when two cats are well suited.

Inner City Tiger

My daughter's cat, whoops Tiger, Isabella, known to family as Fizzy Izzie, out in the jungles of an inner Sydney terrace courtyard, keeping fit and watching out for flies.

Big-boned Cogsworth

Cogsworth

Cogsworth shows his wares

Cuddly old Cogsworth found his way into his family's hearts when they saw him at the RSPCA.  He was a thin little street waif then but quickly established his preference for  24 hour eat-in snacks and lots of sleep between.  The sorry result is a rather large belly...
Problems later in life because of that belly will include diabetes, arthritis, chronic pancreatitis and liver troubles. 
Cogsworth has bravely recognised that he needs to slim down.  His plan:

• only two meals a day
• no cat biscuits
• no cheese, no pate or liverwurst, no treats of any kind except for cuddles 
• measured amounts of canned food and roo meat
• slow weight loss over about 6 months
• weigh in every 2 weeks
• entertain staff by chasing ribbon, butterflies and mice; running through their silly cardboard tunnels; and climbing the cat tree twice a day.

We watch with interest, Cogsworth!

Workout advice for cats' eyes only

Make out you're keen on this diet and exercise stuff.  After all, fitness really should be fun. However, it is important to start any fitness program only when you feel like it.  The best time is at about 2 a.m. The house is quiet; there are no distractions. The warm-up is critical. You're already an expert at stretching, so this won't be a problem. Go on with a few wind sprints, full speed, toenails clicking on the tile or linoleum floors. A few low but loud growls will help you feel charged up.
Now add some eye-paw coordination work. Find a marble (the big steelies work even better) and roll that down the floor interspersing the rolling with more sprints. See how many times you can ricochet the marble off the wall before it disappears under the fridge.  Finally, work on that upper body strength with a bit of climbing. Use curtains blinds, plant hangers, or clothes. Backs of chairs work well, too.   Now put it all together. A speed sprint to the end of the hall! A race around the living room! Leap to the back of the rocking chair! Let the rebound launch you to the top of the swinging planter! Rock that baby! Feel those muscles work. Just as the hook pulls loose from the ceiling, dash to the bedroom and dive under the covers. Establish your alibi just in time to hear the crash of the plant to the floor below.

Have a good Work-Out!