Playing cats
Cats love to play! They are happy when chasing balls. They make the craziest jumps to get to a piece of string and they conquer a plush mouse as if their lives depend on it. Where does this playfulness come from? And which sorts of play do cats know?Playfully practicing skills
When playing, a kitten practices important skills it needs in adult life. In a playful way it practices jumping, rolling, climbing, attacking and running away. The hunt is an important part of learning to live an adult life. In nature a cat cannot survive without catching its own meal. The game the cat is playing has a clear goal.
Addressing the senses of your cat
A cat responds to its senses, so to encourage your cat to play you must try to stimulate its senses. The most important sense is the sense of sight. Cat toys should move like prey. A toy on a rope pulled across the floor resembles a mouse on the run. A feather on a stick resembles a bird that flutters through the air. Cat toys often also address a second sense: hearing. Toys that produce sounds are squeaky mice and ringing balls. The senses of smell and taste are sometimes addressed in cat toys as well. Examples are feeding balls and toys with catnip.
Indoor versus outdoor cat
An indoor cat will have a greater need for play and games than an outdoor cat. The outside world constantly creates new and challenging stimuli that satisfy the curiosity of the cat. A cat that constantly resides in familiar surroundings can get bored easily. If this is the case, new incentives in games and toys are more than welcome!
Select suitable toys
Cat toys are not necessarily expensive. You can also create your own. If you decide to do so, make sure you pay careful attention to the safety of your pet. Make sure the toy contains no sharp objects. A ball of wool with a needle still attached is not a good idea. Also pay attention to toys that are too small and to pieces that can come loose and could be swallowed. Make sure the toy contains no hazardous substances or poison. Some items simply should not be played with, even though the cat is attracted to them. Examples are tinfoil balls and rubber bands, which can cause severe stomach and intestinal problems. So what are suitable toys? Fix a feather or paper bow on a short string of wool, or roll a paper pellet. Make a variety of holes in a large cardboard box. Use your imagination!
Playing with your cat
Playing with your cat creates a bond. It is a wonderful pastime for both you and your cat (and any spectators of the show). Kittens are at the peak of their playfulness, the whole world is their playground! They may like to catch your hand and scratch or bite it. You should prevent and prohibit this behaviour. While the cat is small you may find it cute, but an adult cat that pounces on your hand is annoying and painful.Keep it challenging!
Each cat has its preferences and favourites. One cat just loves a fur mouse, while another is fond of tunnels. Provide a variety of toys and find out what makes your cat go crazy! Like children, cats need variety. Do not offer all toys at once, but store the majority of the toy and replace regularly. This keeps your cat surprised again and again!