Kitties Love to Play
Cats—especially kittens—like to play. It's important work, though, because that's how they learn hunting and survival skills. Here are a few reasons why playtime is vital for a kitty:
- Interactive playing (you playing with your cat) lets your cat hone his hunting skills: seeking the enemy target, making the stealthy approach, pouncing with conviction, relishing the victory.
- Exercise from playing helps your cat maintain a healthy weight.
- Playing is a positive way for your cat to release negative energy or aggression.
- Interactive playing strengthens the bond between your cat and you.
- Playing helps a shy cat gain confidence.
- A hearty play session is a good way to ease your cat's transition to a new home.
- It's fun!
Some good cat toys: wand toys, balls with bells in them, catnip mice, and crinkly things. Some great toys you already have at home: wads of paper, straws, and plastic rings from milk or juice containers. Put the toys away after playtime. If a toy is always out, it can become boring and unrealistic to kitty, like a mouse that never goes away.
Let Kitty set the pace. You can't force a cat into playing, but you can try different approaches to see what generates interest. If nothing else, your creative attempts will amuse him. You might try dimming the lights, since cats like to hunt when it's darker. Match the action intensity to your cat's interest. After a while, you'll get to know his playing style and his look that says "I'm ready to play!"
Play to strengthen a relationship or ease stress. Your cat will enjoy regular play sessions with you - you make his toys come to life. In a multiple cat household, an invigorating play session with the humans can help the cats get along.
Benefits of Interactive Play
- Maintains muscle tone and improves circulation
- Exercises overweight cats
- Displaces tension between companion cats
- Motivates sedentary cats
- Eliminates boredom
- Eases cats through traumatic events
- Helps control aggression
- Discourages depression
- Stimulates a healthier appetite for finicky eaters
- Eases introduction of new people
- Strengthens the bond between you and your cat
Published 04/04/07
