A very Meowy cat. Boredom relief tips?

Hi all,

My indoor cat Jax is 2.5 and is constantly bored and is very vocal about it. He's home by himself (in an apartment) for a large part of the day due to my work schedule. He was recently diagnosed with FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) but they couldn't pinpoint the cause. They therefore defaulted to say it was caused by stress. I think some of his "stress" comes from boredom. (Please know that he's a frequent flyer at the vets so I'm pretty sure the vocalness is a "pay attention to me" call rather than being illness induced.) He's always been vocal but is more so lately and it's driving me NUTS!

I feel like I've done everything in my power to help alleviate this including most of the suggestions in this forum including:

- He has daily access to a screened in porch

- I hide treats for him

- He has a food ball

- I play morning and night with him with a string, da bird, etc.

- The Ipad or a bird movie only hold his attention for small periods

- He has a peek a boo box but only uses it now if there's food in it

- Toys are left out for him (Catnip toys only hold his attention for about 2 minutes)

- He doesn't play with balls in the tub at all- doesn't care about them

Any other suggestions that I could do to make him happier? The meowing is incessant and I'm worried he's disturbing the neighbors!!

Thanks!

Get him a kitten.

(I'm only half kidding.)

Why, exactly, do you think he is bored? Is he neutered?

Haha. I've been thinking about that, but he's been so expensive lately with 6 trips to the vet in 2 weeks that I don't think I can take on another cat at this point. He is neutered.

I think he's bored because he follows me around incessantly meowing everywhere I go and pouncing at me. I can tell he really just wants to play. The problem is, I can't play every minute that I am home with him. The vet also suggested some enrichment things to keep him occupied due to stress/boredom. However, when I listed everything I do for him, she laughed and said it sounds like I have it covered. I'm just wondering if there's anything else to try that I haven't yet. 

I try to ignore him when he's throwing his meow tantrums so as not to reward bad behavior but his persistence is annoying if not admirable...

Karissima said:

 
Get him a kitten.

(I'm only half kidding.)

Click to expand...

Actually, I think that is the only solution. He's bored and lonely. Of course there will be drama if a new cat is introduced to the house, but in the end I think it would be a good thing. 

How many play sessions do you have after you get home? Does he get tired after you play or us he full of energy constantly? If it's lack of play then yes, kitten, but if play is too short and just a bit more would tire him out, that is another solution.