Finally, bored cats might just look extra sleepy. Cats already nap a lot, but if yours sleeps excessively and shows little interest in play or exploration, it may be due to “limited opportunities for play or exploring,” says Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Veterinary Behavior Consultations in Asheville, North Carolina.

In some cases, bored cats turn to food for stimulation and over-eat, which can lead to obesity, arthritis, and diabetes.

Breed and personality matter too. Active breeds like Bengals, Savannahs, and Ocicats typically need more outlets than more laid-back cats. And while some cats are perfectly content with solitude, others crave companionship and quality time with their favorite human.

“Try saving your Chewy boxes and set one out periodically for the cat to investigate,” says Dr. Gibson. “These boxes pass through a lot of places and hands during shipping, which means each one is unique in odor.”

Or try sprinkling safe herbs like dried basil or cinnamon around the house for an added layer of stimulation (without letting your cat eat them).

A: Yes, but enrichment can make indoor life stimulating and safe.

Q: Are cats fine doing nothing all day?

A: No—while they sleep up to 16 hours, they need activity during waking hours.

Should I let my indoor cat outside?

A: Not unsupervised. Outdoor risks are high; harness walks or catios are safer.

Q: Is my cat hungry or bored?

A: If begging follows a meal, they’re likely seeking play, not food.

Q: Are solo cats bored?

A: Some enjoy feline company, but many thrive alone with proper enrichment and attention.

Initial treatment from your veterinarian may involve administering enemas or manually extracting feces, says Ernie Ward, DVM, author and chief veterinary officer at VerticalVet in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Removal of feces from the colon requires an anesthetic or sedative. Intravenous fluid therapy is usually needed to correct fluid imbalances and dehydration.

If constipation recurs or becomes a long-term problem, then medications, environmental changes (adding water fountains, adding litter boxes, moving the litter box’s location, or cleaning the litter box more often) and/or dietary changes may also be recommended. See more specific advice below in the home remedies section.

Several treatments are available to soften the feces and promote regular bowel movements. In mildly affected cats, lubricating laxatives or stool

If the constipation is caused by an obstruction, such as a colonic tumor or a foreign body, surgery may be required.

If your cat’s constipation is caused by a health condition, treatment depends on the condition itself. Your vet will come up with the best treatment plan for your cat based on their diagnosis and may include the following:

• Megacolon: High fiber or low-residue diet change, colon-wall stimulants, enemas, or surgery.
• Hyperthyroidism: Medication, radioactive iodine treatment, diet change, or surgery.
• Diabetes: Diet change; weight loss, if your cat is overweight; oral medications; or insulin may be recommended.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease is managed mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration. .
• Arthritis: Weight loss, if your cat is overweight; medicines; supplements; therapies; and surgery may be recommended.

But if you know your cat’s occasional straining isn’t caused by something else, or just want to help your cat maintain a healthy digestive tract, there are some things you can do yourself. (Always talk to your veterinarian first about any at-home remedies you’re thinking of trying.)

• Keep your cat well-hydrated. Water helps move things along, so make sure your cat gets enough water by providing water bowls or fountains.

• Reevaluate your cat’s litter box setup. Cats can be picky about their “bathroom.” If they don’t like the location, if the box isn’t cleaned enough, or if several cats are using the same box, they might avoid using it altogether. You should have one litter box for every cat plus one extra. Keep them in different locations of the home, scoop twice a day, and do a deep cleaning every two to four weeks.
• Consider probiotic supplements. They contain “good bacteria” that support

• Brush your cat regularly. Hairballs are a common cause of constipation in cats, so removing excess hair before your cat grooms on their own can cut down on the hair they might swallow.

Additionally, your vet may recommend feeding your cat canned wet food, as the increased water content helps improve hydration and soften the feces. Also give your cat access to plenty of fresh, clean water.

Below are a few highly rated therapeutic diets formulated with more fiber to help with constipation. Before switching to a new diet, be sure to speak with your vet as they are in the best position to recommend the most appropriate food for your pet. And remember, these therapeutic diets require a vet’s authorization.

• Never attempt to give your cat an enema or suppository yourself, especially those not specifically formulated for cats. Some ingredients can be toxic or even fatal for your cat. You could also accidentally damage the sensitive tissue of the colon if you’re dealing with a fidgety cat. These treatments should be done by a veterinarian.
• Don’t give your cat milk for constipation or anything else. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk could cause further tummy issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain.
• Don’t use oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, or even butter) for a constipated cat—it’s not recommended. The high fat content isn’t healthy for your cat.

As with adult cats, take your kitten to the veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions. The remedies used in adult cats can also be used for kittens, but check with your veterinarian before you start any of them.

• Controlled mineral levels: High levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are the building blocks of crystals, says Elliott Garber, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Creatures, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Foods with controlled levels of these minerals help prevent stone formation. 
• Moisture content: Ensuring your kitty gets enough water is critical to their urinary health. “Wet foods or formulas designed to increase water intake help dilute urine and flush the bladder regularly,” says Dr. Garber. 
• Urine-acidifying agents: Certain prescription or urinary-support formulas include ingredients that help maintain a slightly acidic urine pH, Dr. Guilfoyle says. This discourages the formation of struvite crystals, which tend to develop in more alkaline environments. Balanced acidity supports a healthier bladder environment overall.

Ultimately, the most effective options are veterinary prescription diets specifically formulated for urinary health. Dr. Garber explains that these have undergone clinical testing to prove they can dissolve existing struvite stones and prevent both struvite and calcium oxalate formation. (Calcium oxalate crystals are another type of bladder stones in cats.)