Playtime is an important and instinctive activity for our feline friends and it’s something we owners love to watch them engage in. But what exactly does play mean for cats? Let’s explore the world of feline play and learn how to make the most of it.
Kittens typically begin exploring objects and playing around the age of five weeks. This period marks a crucial stage in their development, where they must start preparing themselves to become proficient hunters, despite their undeniable cuteness. They need to strengthen their muscles, refine their eye-to-paw coordination, and practice essential skills like running and climbing in preparation for the day they venture out to search for prey.
During this time, mother cats often bring live prey back to the nest for their kittens to “practice” on. If you were to observe this, you would notice that the movements the kittens employ with their prey are strikingly similar to the ones they use when playing with toys we provide, such as pouncing, chasing, batting, and tossing. This seemingly cruel behaviour serves a purpose: it ensures that potential prey, some of which possess sharp teeth, are disoriented before the kittens attempt a “death bite.”
Play not only helps kittens develop their hunting skills but throughout a cat’s life it’s an excellent way to prevent boredom, challenge their minds, release physical tension, and raise their mood, something which is particularly important for anxious cats. It can also aid in weight management for indoor cats.
Now, let’s talk about cat toys. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as each cat usually has his own preferences. Some may enjoy jumping at dangly feathers, while others prefer chasing balls whilst others love nothing more than to roll around with toys scented with catnip, valerian, silvervine, or Tatarian honeysuckle.
This means that buying your cat a new toy (which, let’s be honest, often excites us more than them) can be a a bit of a gamble. Even when you find toys that your cat initially enjoys playing with, they may lose interest after just a couple of sessions. Cats have short attention spans, and from their perspective, once they have “captured and killed” their saliva-covered, furry catnip mouse, it becomes lifeless and no longer interesting.
To avoid spending excessive amounts of money on an ever-growing stockpile of toys, consider storing them in a sealed plastic bag with a pinch of catnip and/or valerian leaves. Then, rotate the toys by selecting one or two each day for your cat to play with.
Here are some additional tips for creating quality playtime for your cat:
When playing with your cat, focus on predatory games using toys that mimic natural feline behaviour. Examples include chasing toys with feathers attached to laces or strings, or fishing-rod type toys with various attachments.
If using a cat laser toy, always end the chase by throwing an object for your cat to physically catch (and “kill”).
When manipulating toys for your cat to chase, mimic the movements of their natural prey.
Keep play sessions short, no longer than 5 minutes, you can always keep going if your cat wants to!
Avoid using your hands or any other part of your body during play sessions with your cat.
Leave two or three toys out each day for your cat to amuse themselves with. Ensure these toys are safe and have no parts that can be chewed off and ingested.
If your cat is playing with toys containing natural stimulants such as catnip, refrain from touching him as he may be highly aroused.
Consider the use of moving or motion-activated toys to keep your cat entertained while you’re out of the house.
Occasionally, incorporate exciting exploratory games using paper bags (with handles removed) or boxes that contain treats, a pinch of catnip, or a favorite toy. Just like with rotating toys, keep the contents of the boxes a surprise by switching them around. Some boxes can even be upturned with a “door” cut into them for your cat to hide under.
Some cats may enjoy short sessions of “Cat TV.” There are plenty of examples available online. Those that incorporate the sounds and movement of natural wildlife usually go down well! However, if your cat starts to show any signs of frustration at not being able to get to his prey, remove the screen and throw a toy for him to catch.
Remember to include elderly cats in playtime. Gentle and regular play in short intervals can help prevent weight gain, slow down cognitive decline, and improve their overall quality of life.
Always supervise your cat’s playtime, regardless of the toy being used. Each cat has a unique personality, and a toy that one cat may not chew, another may find irresistible.
Once a play session is over, ensure all toys are safely stored away and out of reach from curious paws.
I hope you’ve found these tips for maximizing cat playtime enjoyable and that they add even more fun to your play sessions with your feline companion.
Clare Hemington DipCAPBT
Cat Behaviourist & Owner of Honeysuckle Cat Toys
