Kitties are very playful, which is one of the best things about them. It’s always adorable seeing Fluffy running, pouncing, and jumping. While picking up a laser pointer or wand toy isn’t exactly rocket science, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to playing with your feline pal. A local Elgin, TX vet offers some advice on playing with your cat in this article.
Make A Habit Of Playing With Your Cat
Kitties are very much creatures of habit. If you pay close attention, you may notice that Fluffy sticks to a pretty consistent schedule for her naps, meals, playtime, and meditation sessions. Try to make a habit of playing with your feline pal every day. This doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Just keep a few kitty toys within easy reach of your favorite armchair or lounging spot. (Tip: hold a laser pointer as you’re watching TV.)
If possible, play with your pet at the same time every night. Don’t be surprised if your furry little friend comes to expect this! Cats don’t take long to get used to being spoiled.
Use Safe Toys
Our feline pals are hunters by nature, so they are more or less pre-loaded with the instincts to jump and pounce on anything that looks like it could possibly be prey. This is cute, but it can also be dangerous. Cats don’t know what is and is not safe for them to play with. (Actually, some kitties seem to be drawn to the things that are most dangerous.)
Only use things that were made just for Fluffy. Don’t let your pet play with anything small or sharp. Items with ropes or strings are also unsafe, as are plastic bags and ties and anything covered in varnish or dye.
Don’t Encourage Bad Behavior
If you’ve ever played with a cat, you’ve probably noticed that Fluffy has a tendency to practice her lioning skills on her humans. This is cute, but it’s also bad petiquette. This is definitely something for kitten owners to address. You don’t want your feline friend to grow up thinking that it’s fine to scratch or bite you!
Fluffy is definitely smart enough to understand what is and isn’t acceptable, but she may need some guidance on this. You don’t want to strike or yell at your cat: that may just frighten her, and leave her anxious and scared of you. Instead, you have to get the point across more gently.
One thing you can do is just sternly tell Fluffy to put her claws away. You can also tell her ‘Play nice’ or ‘Don’t bite’ or ‘Be Gentle.’ Use the same phrase each time.
If that doesn’t work, try clapping your hands or even squirting your pet with water. This won’t hurt her, but it will both startle and annoy her, which may be enough.
Then, just walk away and ignore your pet for a while. Do this every time your furry pal misbehaves. You’ll also need to reward her for playing nice. It may take a bit of time, but sooner or later, your frisky pet will sort out what is and is not acceptable. Ask your vet for more insight on this.
Avoid Playing Favorites
Do you have more than one cat? Be sure to divide your attention between Fluffy and Mittens equally. Our feline friends can get jealous and territorial over their humans, which is definitely enough to spark friction.
Keep in mind that kitties all have their own purrsonal tastes when it comes to toys. Fluffy may like chasing that laser pointer, while Mittens may prefer batting a plastic ball across the kitchen floor. Try different things, and see what your furry friends like best.
Don’t Worry About Overdoing It
With dogs, you always have to be mindful of the possibility that Fido could overexert himself. Our canine friends will drive themselves to exhaustion to please their humans. Cats? Not so much. Kitties will only push themselves to the point of being slightly tired, and then they’ll quit playing. You won’t have to be too concerned about Fluffy overdoing it. As soon as she runs out of steam, she’ll just wander off in search of her next napping spot.
That said, you shouldn’t start playtime when it’s really, really hot out.
Go High Tech With Cat Toys
Fluffy hasn’t yet tired of playing with catnip mice or feathers on a string, and it’s probably safe to say she never will. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with more modern toys. You can get your feline pal a remote-controlled mouse, an automated laser pointer, or a smart toy that will respond to her movements. You can even download games for your kitty to play on your phone or tablet! Some of our feline pals really love trying their paws at ‘catching’ digital mice, bubbles, spiders, fish, and such. (Results may vary.)
Know The Benefits
Playing with your feline pal can be very cute to watch, and it’s fun for both of you. However, it’s important for more than simple entertainment. It also helps keep your furry friend fit and in shape. That’s very important, especially as your kitty grows older. Another benefit of those regular play sessions? They will help your pet burn off her zoomies in a positive manner, rather than by knocking everything off your coffee table or by pouncing on your toes in the middle of the night.
Playing can also help with bonding. If you have recently adopted a kitty, holding out that wand toy for her can go quite a long way in helping Fluffy feel safe and loved. If you have more than one cat, it can also help them bond with each other.
Do Cats Like When You Play With Them?
Most kitties really enjoy it when their humans play with them. Fluffy will know that you are doing something to make her happy. That will definitely earn you some purrs!
Keep It Up As Fluffy Grows Older
Just like people, cats tend to lose steam as they age. However, even senior kitties like to let their inner kittens out every now and then. Playing will still be good for Fluffy when she reaches her golden years. In fact, playing can help ward off the mental decline many cats experience as they age. Kitties have to really concentrate to nail those pounces. That gives your adorable little pet’s brain a good workout. Ask your Elgin, TX vet for more information on caring for an aging cat.
Have Fun
Don’t think of playing with Fluffy as a chore. It will probably put a smile on your face as well! Kitties are never cuter than when they are hard at play. This is a fun—and adorable—way to spend quality time with your pet!
Conclusion: Playing is both fun and beneficial for our feline pals. It provides enrichment, stimulation, and exercise, and also helps with bonding. Even taking just a few minutes a day to play with your cat will help keep her happy, healthy, and purring.
Make An Appointment At Our Elgin, TX Pet Hospital
Is your cat due for an exam? Does Fluffy need vaccines or parasite control? Please reach out to us, your Elgin TX pet hospital, at any time. We are always here to help!
