Tips for Playing with Your Cat

As a dog, I do not know a lot about cats, but I’ve had some interactions with them and this is what I have found out.

Much like humans and dogs, cats become bored if they do not have enough stimulating activities in their life. Boredom can sometimes be the root of feline behavior problems such as neurotic chewing, compulsive grooming, over eating and in some cases aggression.

As little as 15 minutes of quality play with your cat will prove to be beneficial when it comes to improving your cat's mental health and physical well-being. In addition, playing with your cat regularly will help to strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Following are some simple fun ideas to add a bit of excitement to your cat's every day routine.

FIND THE TREASURE GAME

Stuff one of your cat’s favorite toys in between the cushions of the couch, or under a pillow. Your kitty will enjoy this hunting game. Once the toy has been retrieved, try another hiding place.

PAPER BAGS (without handles as kitty could get the handles tangled around her neck)

Cats love little places where they think nobody can see them. Get out a paper bag open it up and watch how much fun your cat has with it. Your cat will love playing inside it, running in and out of it and jumping on top of it. As a variation, you can even cut a few holes in the bag and put in a favorite toy. This is sure to keep him or her busy.

THE SWATTING GAME

If you don't have a cat toy which you can dangle in front of your cat, create one. Simply tie a string to the end of a stick and attach an object to the string. You can try a rolled up piece of paper, a feather or a small toy. Cats love this swatting game.

THE TOILET PAPER ROLL GAME

Make sure the toilet paper roll has no toilet paper on it. Your cat will bat it around, pick it up and carry it, claw it and possibly even chew it a little (make sure your cat doesn’t ingest the paper as it could make him sick). As a variation, you could also put an object in it, such as a solid ball that has a bit of weight to it and then tape up both ends of the roll. This gives it a wobble when it is batted around.

TISSUE IN A BOX GAME

Your cat will enjoy taking the tissues out. This could make quite a mess, but your cat will have great fun doing it.

CHASE THE LIGHT GAME

Take CAUTION if using a laser light. You should NEVER SHINE IT IN THE EYES!!! A flashlight is a much safer light and it will provide hours of fun for your cat.

Your cat will love to chase the light around the floors and walls; it's a great challenge for kitty and gives your cat a workout too.

BOUNCY BALLS GAME

They are always BIG fun for your cat! Use a small ball, about one inch in diameter. This will allow your cat to pick it up.

SOCKS GAME

Your cat will surely enjoy a stuffed sock! Stuff an old sock with different sized cotton balls or wads of crumpled newspaper and a bit of catnip, and watch your cat go "wild" chasing it around. Some cats even "wrestle" with it by holding it in their front paws and kicking it with their back paws.

PING PONG BALLS GAME

A couple of ping pong balls dropped in your empty bathtub is another great way to keep your cat entertained. Only do this if you have a non slip coating on the bottom of your tub. You wouldn’t want kitty to slip and suffer an injury.

ICE CUBES GAME
Slide an ice cube back and forth across your kitchen floor. Your cat will chase it and begin to swat at the ice cube. You now have a game of feline ice hockey. This game gets messy because the ice will start to melt and leave little bits of water on your floor, so make sure that you have a floor that is not damaged by water.

These are games you and your can enjoy together. One session a day is a necessity, but two or three play sessions a day, preferably at times when your cat tends to be most active, will keep him or her happy and fit.

Note! These homemade toys and games should only be played by kitty when you are there. Don’t leave these toys around when you are not home as kitty could tear them up and ingest the pieces with possible disastrous results.

Have fun!

Until next time,

Teia