Cats are fascinating creatures known for their independent nature and innate curiosity. As a pet parent, one of the most crucial aspects of caring for your feline companion is providing them with sufficient playtime. Kittens and cats need to play so it is important that you provide an appropriate outlet for play either by playing interactive games or by providing suitable toys. Playing with your cat regularly will teach you about your cat’s personality and strengthen the bond and trust between you.
Not sure how to play with your cat? All cats are unique, so it’s all about finding what style of play makes them tick!
Why cats want to play?
Play promotes physical development and coordination in young kittens. Playing with their siblings also improves and refines their social and communication skills. As kittens grow older, their play changes, and by 14 weeks of age, their play is primarily directed at objects, which they stalk, pounce on, strike, grab, and bite. These are the skills they will need to hunt. Play provides an outlet for your cat's predatory instincts and also relieves boredom, prevents behavioral problems and provides exercise, which reduces weight gain and future health problems. This is especially important for cats without access to the outdoors.
There are many toys available at pet stores, including fishing-rod-type toys, balls, and fake mice. But you don't have to spend a lot of money. Feathers, balls, cotton balls, paper shopping bags (not plastic), and cardboard boxes can all be great fun. Whatever you use, make sure it is suitable for your cat - avoid items with small attachments that could break off and be swallowed.
How to use cat toys?
Cats like movement, so the toy should be one that moves quickly and unpredictably, like a mouse or bird. Toys that reflect light or seem to change in some way are especially attractive. Cats also like toys with different textures that are about the size of their natural prey (such as mice). Many cats love squeaky toys, but some cats are startled by them, so introduce them carefully.
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What should you do instead?
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to play with cats is dangling a toy right in front of their face. While this may seem like a way to get them engaged, it doesn't mimic the hunting cycle, as prey would not normally run right up to a cat and jump in its face. Perhaps a bigger problem is that cats have terrible near vision and probably can't see the toy well.
Move the toy either to the side or away from the cat. This is more like what a cute (but soon to be eaten) mouse would do in nature. Moving the toy around objects or into a corner can also engage a cat, as it may decide that the prey is in an easier position to attack.
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Vary your play
During a play session, you'll want to keep things interesting for your cat. Move the toy at different speeds. Start fast and then slow down. Speed up a bit and then slow down again. If you're using a feathered toy like the Fukumaru Feathered Wand Toy or Da Bird (two excellent cat toys that are Poutine and Prozac approved!), you'll want to keep the toy in the air for part of the play session, but eventually the "bird" should land.
As the play session continues, think about what can happen to something a cat is chasing: the prey will eventually get tired. They may also be maimed or injured. Your cat is looking for signals that the prey will be easy to catch and thus a successful kill.
To get at this, you can try moving the toy erratically. Make some lurching movements or move the toy in a jerky way over time. This may signal to your cat that the "prey" is weakened and now is the time to strike.
Cats can become bored with the same toys so be sure to swap the toys every few days to keep your cat interested.
- New Holiday Themed Toys: Nothing says Christmas like gifts! Treat your special friend who has been good all year with a Santa Hat Crinkle Bag or these Time for Joy holiday plush toys.
How to Play with Your Cat in 11 Fun Ways?
- Play hide-and-seek
Hide one of your kitty's toys under a blanket and watch her try to find the hidden treasure. Try attaching the toy to a string so you can wiggle it under the blanket.
- Have a singing contest
When she meows, try responding with the same sound. She'll probably meow back. Continue to echo her as she meows back and forth with you.
- Spend time brushing your cat
Most cats enjoy being brushed, and it allows you to spend time with your kitty. Brushing your cat removes dirt and dead hair from her coat and improves her skin by helping to remove dander and improving circulation.
- Teach her a trick
Cats really do learn tricks! Get some treats, let her sniff them, and give her a command (like shake). When your cat does what you ask, give her a treat. Repeat. If she is still interested, try to get your cat to do the trick 5-10 times in a row to reinforce the behavior.
- Make her work for her food
Place a treat under an upside-down plastic cup. Your kitty has to figure out how to knock over the cup to get to the treat.
- Blow bubbles with Kitty
Dip your bubble wand into store-bought bubbles or make your own with diluted dish soap and create a single bubble or a cascade of bubbles. Kitty will enjoy watching you blow bubbles and may try to catch any that fall or even catch in mid-air. This can be an especially fun activity to do together on the porch or in the afternoon sun, which is kitty's favorite time of day.
- Give her an empty box
You know how everyone says toddlers love the box their expensive new toy came in more than the toy itself? Cats are the same way. Open a box and put a ball inside for her to bat around.
- Set up a treasure hunt
Hide treats in safe but hard-to-reach places around your home. You can put them on a high, sturdy shelf or anywhere else your cat might look. Then watch her hunt for them!
- Take a cat nap together
Cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day and are often ready to curl up for a cat nap. If you've been sitting still or engaged in an activity for a while, your kitty may come over and meow or ask for your attention. This is a perfect opportunity to go play with your cat or head to the couch or bed for a quick snuggle.
- Start a game of fetch
Chase your kitty around the house in a fun and playful way. When you catch up with her, "tag" her and see if she'll chase you back. To make sure she enjoys the game (and doesn't run away in fear), make sure her tail stays up, not down.
- Play with your cat without toys
If you don't have any toys on hand or just want to change things up, try playing with your cat without any toys at all. You can hold out your finger and encourage your kitty to follow it by moving it behind her head or out of sight and encouraging her to "chase" it. You can also put your hands or feet under a blanket or bedding and move them for her to explore.
Always make sure that whatever you choose to do with your cat, it's an activity that she enjoys. It's not "things to do with your cat," it's "things to do with your cat. Despite some funny viral videos online, it's not a good idea to scare your cat with produce, drop your cat, or do anything your cat doesn't like.
Playing with your cat at the right time.
Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active around sunrise and sunset. You can probably guess when your cat likes to play the most: sunrise and sunset. Playing with your cat first thing in the morning and before bed can tap into when she naturally has the most energy. Similarly, if your cat gets the zoomies around a certain time, play with her then.
How Long Should We Play With Cat?
Several factors influence the ideal amount of playtime for cats, including their age, energy level, and breed.
- Kittens: Younger cats, especially kittens, have boundless energy and shorter attention spans. As a pet parent, you should aim for several short play sessions throughout the day, each lasting about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that kittens can tire easily, so watch for their cues and take breaks when needed.
- Adult cats: Adult cats tend to have more predictable energy levels. Aim for at least two play sessions per day, each lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. Remember, quality play time is key. Engage your adult cat in interactive play with a variety of toys to keep her mentally stimulated and physically active outside of her litter box.
- Older cats: As cats age, their energy levels may decrease. However, it's important to continue providing them with regular playtime to maintain their mobility and mental acuity. Keep play sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, but increase the frequency to three or four times a day.
Remember, it's not just about the quantity of playtime, but the quality as well. Cats thrive on mental stimulation, so be sure to rotate toys regularly to keep the play experience fresh and exciting for both you and your feline friend.
Don't:
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Let your cat play with interactive toys unsupervised.
They can chew things, eat string, or get tangled in wire. Always put them away between play sessions, in a drawer or cabinet that your cat can't break into.
Continue to play with your cat if she shows signs of aggression.
If your cat shows aggression during playtime, it is best to immediately stop interacting with her and leave her alone to calm down. Overstimulated cats need time out.
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End play sessions abruptly.
There are two ways to end a play session in a way that satisfies your cat. You can either let her catch the toy and enjoy it for a few minutes before taking it and praising her. Or you can end it by giving her a treat, so it looks like she's enjoying the benefits of the kill (in fact, this is the best way to end a laser pointer session). If you can do both-let them catch the toy one last time, praise them, and give them a treat-that's even better.
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Use your hand (or any part of your body) as a cat toy.
Using your hands as playthings is never okay. Especially if you have a kitten. Sure, their tiny teeth and claws won't hurt you (much), but you're training that cute little impressionable thing in a very bad way, and that kitten could grow up to be a cat that attacks your ankle.
