Veterinarians recommend incorporating play, varied routines and interactive environments to prevent dogs, cats, birds and other pets from developing stress and illness Boredom in pets can cause everything from destructive behaviour to health problems such as obesity and self-mutilation.
Veterinarians and experts warn that boredom in pets is having negative effects on both their well-being and their coexistence with their families. Dogs that develop strange behaviours, cats that are more destructive than before, birds that scream incessantly, and even apathetic fish may all be indicating the same cause: a lack of mental and sensory stimulation. You may be interested in: The happiest couples share these five keys, according to a new psychological study
. The situation not only affects the physical and emotional health of animals; it can also alter family dynamics and deteriorate emotional bonds. ‘Boredom, stemming from a lack of mental stimulation or opportunities to control aspects of their environment, causes frustration or stress in pets, which can lead to health problems,’ says Ragen McGowan, a scientist specialising in animal behaviour and welfare at Purina, in an interview with The Washington Post.
The signs vary depending on the species. In dogs, signs of lack of enrichment include destructive or repetitive behaviours such as chewing furniture, digging, chasing their tails, walking in circles or excessive licking. They may also seek attention through excessive barking, escape attempts, or a persistent need for companionship. ‘They persistently seek attention and display behaviours such as licking your legs,’ adds McGowan. Varying routines and spaces, and including daily games and activities, helps prevent stress and anxiety in all domestic species.
In cats, boredom can present itself in a more aggressive manner: scratching furniture, pulling out their fur, licking an area insistently, showing aggression, or exaggerating their search for attention. ‘Another sign of stress from boredom is elimination outside the litter box, such as urinating or defecating in inappropriate places,’ explains veterinarian Antje Beth-Joslin, a consultant for Dogtopia, to The Washington Post. She also points out that excessive sleep can indicate boredom, although cats usually sleep between twelve and sixteen hours a day.
Birds are not exempt either. ‘Parrots and other birds, being highly intelligent, suffer greatly from boredom,’ says Beth-Joslin. Symptoms include feather plucking, intense screaming, and repetitive behaviours such as rocking or walking in circles. ‘Bored birds can develop aggression if they don’t have an enriched environment,’ she warns.
Even smaller animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and sugar gliders, as well as reptiles and amphibians, need stimulation: ‘Although their cognitive needs are different, enrichment is still important,’ says Erin Tate, vice president of clinical development at CityVet. For fish, for example, an aquarium without stimulation can induce lethargy or stress. Interactive toys and food-dispensing puzzles activate the natural hunting and problem-solving instincts in cats and dogs.
How to keep pets safe from boredom
There are several alternatives for providing mental and sensory stimulation appropriate for each species. Tate recommends a variety of activities and tools for cats: ‘Interactive feeders and treat dispensing toys encourage problem solving and stimulate their hunting instinct.’ He also suggests installing hangers by windows or observation stations to stimulate their curiosity, hiding food around the house, and playing cat-specific videos with images of birds or fish.
McGowan differentiates between decorating with objects and offering true enrichment: ‘It’s not enough to add pretty things; to be enriching, they must be objects, activities, scents, or sounds that the animal actually interacts with.’ For dogs, according to Tate, ‘activities such as snuffle mats, Kong toys, and food-dispensing puzzles activate their sense of smell and cognitive abilities.’ Recommendations include regular walks, search games, water activities, and even short play training sessions: ‘Play sessions combined with training are essential for physical exercise and mental stimulation when exploring new environments,’ she explains. ‘Parrots and other birds suffer greatly from boredom,’ says expert Antje Beth-Joslin on the importance of entertainment.
In the case of birds, Tate suggests introducing foraging toys, changing the design of the cage and varying the perches, as well as including music or mirrors. For fish, plants and hiding places contribute to well-being. Small mammals enjoy tunnels, chew toys, boxes to dig in and food puzzles. It is recommended that social species, such as sugar gliders and rabbits, live in pairs.
Daily engagement with the pet is essential to prevent boredom. Beth-Joslin emphasises: ‘Boredom is not benign; in addition to health problems, behavioural changes can weaken the human-animal bond.’ Shared time cannot be limited to resting on the sofa.
‘To keep dogs entertained and mentally active, a balance between playful and interactive activities is essential,’ says Tate. Cat owners are recommended to have at least two or three short play sessions per day. Adult dogs need half an hour to two hours per day, depending on breed, age, or health.
Verbal interaction and joint activities are necessary even for birds and small mammals. Experts insist that animals need active humans in their daily lives. The secret lies in recognising the signs of boredom, applying enrichment strategies and transforming the environment to ensure not only the physical health of pets, but also their emotional balance and the strengthening of the bond with their carers.
