How Often Do You Play with Your Cat or Do you Play at All?
Cats are natural predators and you should never forget about that. Providing regular play will make them happier, calmer and keep them healthier. Playing with them is a simulation of hunting. This way, you can remove their energy and urge to hunt (you or the things in the house). It will also help you to not face behavioural problems such as:
– Scratching your hand, legs, guests or the furniture
– Waking you up in the night
– Energy explosions
– Attention anxiety problems
– Stress or overweight-related health issues.
1) NEVER Use Your Hands to Play with Cats.
It might be cute to see a little kitten batting at your fingers and trying to bite you with it’s tiny teeth, but when the kitty is a full-grown cat it won’t be cute at all. It will be very unpleasant. If you teach your cat (adult or kitten) to bite your hand or fingers as a game, you will face serious problems. This is one of the most common reasons for abandoning cats or creating disharmony in the home with family members. You should instruct all family members and the guests as well to use a TOY and not their fingers or toes for gaming.
2) Active Playtime with Your Cat
This type of playing requires your full attention and a little energy. You can use the mouse on a string, butterfly on a stick, or simple balls and threads to simulate prey moves for your cat to hunt and kill. During playtime, let your cat catch the prey or otherwise your cat may get frustrated or lose interest in the toy and playtime won’t be so long. Active playing will also increase your communication level and bond with your cats. Play with your cat for at least 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour the night per day. If you see that you are not managing to pay enough attention to the cat, then consider adopting or temporary fostering a second cat for the two cats to keep each other company and play together.
3) Single Cat Play
Single play is the cat playing on its own with toys around, such as fake mice, balls, toys, springs and etc. We highly recommend you to provide plenty and different types of toys. You can also use some electronic automaticly moving toys and lasers, which will drive the attention of your cat to play. Single playtime is not a replacement for Active Playtime with the human owner. This gaming is for the time, when you are busy, at work or not at home.
4) Don’t Push Your Cat to Play with You
If your cat is sleeping, resting, or not interested to play, please don’t push or wake it up to play with you. Each cat has their own individual preference regarding how much human interaction and play they prefer.
5) Don’t use sharp or very small objects to play with your cat.
6) You can provide cat towers, tunnels, balls and use catnip on the toys for attraction.
7) Playing is a good exercise for cats. Exercise is critical in maintaining healthy body weight and preventing your cat from becoming overweight or obese.
8) If you have more than one cat, remember to play with them individually for special attention.
9) Choosetoys, which your cat likes to play with.
10) If your cat is not playing with you or toys for a long time and feels weak, you must visit your veterinary immediately.
Thank you for reading and have a nice time with your cat!
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