Play is Important

The opportunity to play is important in all stages of a cat’s life, from kittens to golden oldies.

For young cats, play is key to their physical development, fine tuning hunting skills, exploring their environment, and learning good manners.

As cats get older they still enjoy playing and it forms a vital part of a stimulating and interesting life. Even elderly cats will happily join in less active games which help maintain cognitive function as they get older.

The types of games your cat enjoys will depend on his age, lifestyle, whether he lives with other cats or on his own, and just personal preference.

Types of Play

Solo Play:

Sometimes cats may play by themselves: running up and down the stairs, or jumping on and off of objects or platforms. Although a normal and valuable part of a cat’s life, it is important that cats experience more than just playing by themselves.

Playing with Objects:

Outdoor cats have access to endless toys outside: they may chase butterflies or leaves, or watch fish and bugs in a pond.

Indoor cats will need you to provide toys, or else they’ll create their own by chasing other pets or damaging your belongings!

There are lots of types of toys available: balls, Puzzlefeeders, kickers, crinkled paper, tunnels, toy mice, and more!

Try a few different types of toy to see what your cat likes. Rotate the toys regularly so that your cat doesn’t get bored.

Playing with Other Cats:

This type of play is often more common in younger cats, such as kittens in a litter, or socially immature cats. However, adult cats in a stable social group may play together as well.

Social play is important for cats to learn how to interact with other cats and to provide mental stimulation.

Multi-cat play often involves chasing, boxing, hiding and pouncing, so providing spaces with lots of levels and platforms to sit on or under can be especially conducive to play.

Be aware that some cats will be more motivated to play than others, so it is important to provide spots for resting and time outs as well.

Playing with People:

Some cats may enjoy playing fetch, or chasing wand toys or strings.

One important aspect of play in pet cats is to simulate hunting behaviour: stalking, chasing, pouncing, catching and manipulating. Scientists think that it may be important for cats to complete this sequence on order to be satisfied.

If cats are regularly deprived of the “catch” and “manipulate” part of the sequence then it can cause anxiety and stress. So when playing with your cat it is good practice to end by allowing your cat to “catch” the toy you are playing with.

Laser pointers can prove frustrating to some cats because they can never be caught so it’s best to use these earlier and end a play session with a toy your cat can catch!

Kittens

Playing helps kittens to develop hunting skills, as well as social skills.

Always use a toy to play with your kitten, rather than letting her stalk your hands or feet. It may be cute when your tiny kitten claws your toes, but it will be less amusing when she does it as an adult!

Adult Cats

Adult cats will usually like the same sort of toys and games that kittens enjoy, but you may be able to identify your own cat’s preferences.

Does he really like to stalk and pounce? Or is a game of fetch particularly enjoyable?

Whatever your cat’s favourites are, it’s important to rotate toys regularly and change the games you play in order to keep him interested.

Mature Cats

Although senior cats may be less active and harder to engage than kittens, play is still important for older felines. You may find that your cat prefers less energetic games, or shorter bursts of play as he gets older.

Types of Toys

The choice of toys available is virtually endless, but the best toys often aren’t the most expensive ones.

Every cat owner has splurged on a fancy toy for their feline friend, only to have him spend more time playing with the box it came in than the toy itself!

Here’s some ideas for affordable cat toys that are always a hit…

• Plastic balls… even better if there’s a bell inside!
  
• Feathers.
  
• Ribbons.
  
• A cardboard box with holes poked through. Your cat can hide in the box, or you can put treats in the box for him to try and get out.
  
• Sturdy bags to hide in or pounce on.
  
• Empty yogurt pots with treats hidden inside.
  
• Treats wrapped in baking paper tied to a string: play with it with your cat, then allow him to pounce, catch and unwrap his “prey”.