Bored cat might need games, toys, changes

Is your cat one of the millions of bored kitties in this country?

A 2006 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates there are more than 88 million cats in the United States, with about 34 percent of American homes having at least one. Experts think many of them are bored out of their kitty minds.

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Kelly L. Stone

Charcoal, one of Ingrid Johnson’s cats, is showing off one of several cat trees in her home. Charcoal likes the height as well as the bird feeder outside the window for his entertainment.

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“Most people think cats are these little self-contained miracles who can entertain themselves, but just like dogs they can get very bored in a non-changing environment,” said Steve Duno, author of the book “Be the Cat.”

And this boredom, Duno said, can lead to problems like obsession with food or grooming, destroying property, and litter box issues. But curing the boredom of indoor-only cats isn’t hard.

“Cats don’t like radical change, but small changes can stimulate them,” he said.

So what does he suggest? Move the food bowl across the kitchen. Open a curtain that’s normally closed. Put up mobiles they can play with. Leave the television or radio on, or play a tape of nature sounds or bird calls.

And, of course, there are toys. But Ingrid Johnson, a feline behavior consultant who works at Paws Whiskers and Claws, the Feline Hospital in Marietta, said many people buy the wrong toys or let their cats get bored with their toys.

“A lot of people say their cat won’t play with anything, but that just means they haven’t found the thing they like to play with yet,” Johnson said. “And even if they like that catnip mouse, of course they’ll quit playing with it. They’ve killed it a hundred times over and they’re bored with it.”

Johnson, who answers questions as an expert on ajcpets.com, recommends rotating toys, putting out three new ones a week. Clean up the rest and store them in an airtight container with catnip, something she calls “catnip marinating.”

Johnson also sells a line of cat foraging toys that she invented. She recommends people put food and treats in different shaped containers with holes cut in them and let the cat figure out how to get the food out.

“Other than sleeping and grooming, cats would spend the majority of their time hunting if they were in the wild,” Johnson said. “This encourages that behavior.”

Arden Moore, author of “Happy Cat, Happy You,” suggests hiding three to five treats in a room for your cat to find (just remember to pick them up each night). Other games she likes: a pingpong ball or soda bottle cap in an empty bathtub, a wad of crumpled paper on a long string tied to a doorknob and a cardboard box with holes cut in it.

For those who want to take it up a notch, Moore recommends screened-in porches or some of the outdoor enclosures now being made for cats, like the Purr…fect Cat Fence.

Johnson recommends buying a tall cat tree and putting it in front of a window. Then put a bird feeder and birdbath outside the window — it’s like reality TV for the cat set.

Johnson said people also can appeal to their cats’ need for height with a “catwalk” near the ceiling of a porch or room. Add steps along one wall to access it.

Duno said people also need to play with their cats, like using cat wands or even just string. Cats also can be taught tricks, despite what some people think, and many enjoy a good game of fetch. Others love chasing a laser beam, although the toys aren’t recommended for children, who might shine them in a pet’s eyes.

Of course, a playmate can be a big boost to breaking boredom. But experts agree it’s easier to adopt cats together, especially a bonded pair, because introducing new cats into a home can be time-consuming.

“Cats aren’t these solitary creatures people think they are,” Johnson said. “They need a little entertainment and company, too.”

Low-cost pet clinic

A new animal hospital for people who otherwise probably couldn’t afford to treat their pets has opened in Chamblee. The WellPet Humane clinic was set up to treat the pets of the poor, elderly and pets in nonprofit shelters and animal rescue groups. Bob Christiansen, who also founded CatSnip, a low-cost, mobile spay/neuter clinic for cats, said the new clinic will charge 30 percent to 50 percent of what vets normally charge for services like vaccinations, spay/neutering and treating common illnesses such as respiratory infections, skin or ear infections. The clinic is at 5342 Peachtree Road. For information: www.wellpethumane.com or 770-455-1011.

If your dog is a good kisser, best dressed or has the best smile, then high-tail it over to Chicago’s restaurant in Marietta this afternoon for a dog-centric contest. With host Razzle Dazzle Doggies, the event is a fund-raiser for PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill animal shelter in DeKalb County. The $20 donation includes a prize for each dog. There are about 10 categories to enter. 4 p.m. at 990 Whitlock Ave. Information: 770-423-0637.

Speaking of PAWS Atlanta, the fourth annual Beer & Whiskey Fest on Aug. 31 will donate a percentage of proceeds to the DeKalb shelter. The event includes a number of cover bands, including Talk Journey to Me and VanHeineken, as well as specials on food, beer and whiskey. 2-11 p.m. at Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta. Tickets $15 at the door, $10 in advance at www.beerandwhiskeyfest.com.