Cats are super territorial creatures by nature, and they see us humans as part of their territory. They attach themselves to us not only because of the bond we create but also because of their survival instinct. To them, we're like their giant protectors.

Now, let's be real here, cats aren't pack animals like dogs, but they do need some social interaction. They like to meet new people and even other furry friends.

But we all know life can get pretty hectic sometimes, and we can't always be home to keep our feline friends company. And unfortunately, if you have an indoor cat that's left alone for too long, they can get bored and lonely.

According to Dr. Arnold Plotnick, a veterinarian, cats can experience anxiety when separated from their favorite human and left alone for extended periods of time.

I know sometimes it may seem like our cats don't care when we leave or come back home, but trust me, they notice. They definitely miss us when we're not around for a while.

Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue with some awesome interactive cat toys that can keep our furry friends entertained and prevent them from getting too bored. But it's still important to make time to play with them when we can.

Since cats are such expressive little creatures, they'll usually tell us how they feel. 

So watch out for any warning signs that your cat might feel bored or lonely.

Cats meow for various reasons, but if you notice your cat constantly meowing in a low pitch, it may indicate that they are in distress. According to WebMD, cats may excessively meow for various reasons, including loneliness. Nonstop meowing is often their way of seeking attention and indicating their loneliness.

While cats can sometimes be aloof, they also enjoy snuggling with their humans from time to time. However, if you notice that your cat is constantly by your side and won't leave you alone, it could be a sign that they are feeling lonely.

Cats are meticulous about their hygiene and love to keep themselves clean by grooming. However, if you notice that your cat is over-grooming and coughing up more hairballs than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling lonely. If you take your cat to the vet and rule out any underlying medical condition, loneliness and boredom may be the reason for their excessive grooming.

If you notice that your cat is destroying things that they normally wouldn't when you're not around, it may indicate that they are feeling lonely and bored.

Cats usually have a consistent personality, so any sudden change in their behavior may be a cause for concern. If your cat is acting aggressively towards you, it could indicate that they are feeling lonely.

If your cat starts to spray outside of their litter box, it may be a sign that they are feeling lonely and bored. This is their way of telling you that they need more stimulation and attention.

Cats usually have a healthy appetite, so if you notice that your cat is not eating as usual, it may be a sign that they are feeling lonely. If you're leaving your cat alone frequently, they may become disinterested in food as a result of their loneliness.

Keep your feline entertained with these budget-friendly ideas:

• Leave out some of their favorite toys.
• Ensure there's a window sill or perch for your cat to relax and look outside.
• Set up a bird feeder outside the window for your cat to observe birds, but be sure to keep the window shut to prevent any unwanted escapes or attacks.
• When you're out, try leaving on the TV, radio, or some music to keep your cat company and alleviate boredom.
• Make it a daily routine to spend some playtime with your cat, even if they seem a bit grumpy or older.
• Lastly, consider adopting a playmate for your cat, so they have company during the day while you're away.

Setting aside time every day to play with your feline friend is important. Even as cats age, they still enjoy interacting with their human companions, even if they seem a bit more irritable.

Additionally, you may want to think about adopting a playmate for your cat so that they have someone to keep them company during the day while you're away.