‘Can’t imagine a cat not having this toy’: Your indoor cat is bored. Here’s how to fix it

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. From ‘cat crack’ to cardboard boxes, these are the toys and tools that cat experts recommend to enrich the life of your favorite feline 10 must-have items to pet-proof your home and the best tools for cat hair removal Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things If you’ve ever watched your cat spend a day wreaking havoc in your home, you already know indoor cats face a battle with boredom. I remember one instance in which my cat, Tux, caused a Zoom meeting to be abruptly cut short when he discovered a new pastime: hooking his paw through the handles of coffee mugs that sat in an open cabinet and shattering them on the countertop below. “Things like knocking items off tables, scratching furniture, chewing on objects, or persistently seeking attention can all be a cat’s way of saying, ‘I’m bored and I need more to do,’” said Stephanie Merlin, certified cat behavior specialist and founder of The Fulfilled Feline, a private practice offering behavioral consultations for cat owners. Excessive sleeping, she adds, is just as telling

May 24, 2026 → May 24, 2026