Mary Allen
Cats like to sleep a lot. When they are awake, they need something to do to stay physically and mentally fit. If your cat is allowed to go outside, it can roam around, lurk or climb in nature – this provides variety. Do you have pure house tigers? Entertainment at home is particularly important for these velvet paws. We give you tips and tricks on how to keep your cats occupied in a way that is appropriate to their species – even those who are outdoors are happy about that.
Even the most cuddly cats are originally predators. When they play, they are processes they use to hunt, fight, and overcome obstacles such as climbing, lurking, and jumping. Outdoor cats can live out their natural instinct to play and hunt outdoors and are often less playful at home. Of course, you too are happy about entertainment, but especially indoor cats need regular and species-appropriate activity as a balance. Playing keeps them fit and mentally healthy – and strengthens their bond with their loved ones.
When and How Long Do Cats Want to Play?
Wondering if your cats get bored occasionally or just want something to do? Cats often clearly signal that it is time to play together: This happens, for example, when the four-legged friend runs past you, overtakes you, gets in your way, or demonstratively begins to work on the scratching post. Some cats even bring toys. Quieter conspecifics need more animation.
The age of the animals also plays a role in play behavior: young animals mostly like wild action games, while adult, experienced animals show enjoyment of skill games and intelligence toys for cats.
For older animals, on the other hand, calmer contact games with their owner are in the foreground. A senior should also show interest when his person asks him to play – even if he doesn’t play it.
Watching your pet when they seem alert and lively is the ideal time for some playtime in the living room. For many cats, this is the evening and early morning. Make the game varied – your cat will show you what it likes anyway and how long it wants to play. If she doesn’t feel like it anymore, she will simply turn away or even articulate with hissing or a slap of the paw. Gaming mood is usually lower immediately after a meal. Important: sleeping cats should not be awakened – not even to encourage them to play
What Toys Do Cats Need?
As pet owners, we sometimes mean well. If there are always too many toys in the cat’s field of vision without being played with, the oversupply can frustrate and bore the cat. Better: Use a maximum of two different toys at the same time and put the rest out of reach. This keeps the appeal of the new.
In general, cats also appreciate variety when it comes to toys. So offer your velvet paws a new toy every now and then. Over time, you’ll find that your cat is obsessed with certain toys while not responding well to others. Tip: Find out if your animal is more of an action type or a tinkerer and choose toys accordingly.
How Do Cats Play?
The play behavior of young cats serves to learn skills for their later everyday life as predators. These are processes they use to hunt, fight, and overcome obstacles such as climbing and jumping. Since cats train these movements throughout their lives, but as well-cared-for house cats are no longer dependent on hunting, they need a balance.
The play instinct of the velvet paw naturally also extends to living objects. Cats are not squeamish about prey. And so it can also happen when playing together with your cat that she shows rough manners and stretches out her claws. This is perfectly normal behavior. So don’t play with your hands, otherwise, you could get painful scratches and bites. You can only turn your hand into a mouse and “sneak up” on the cat if your cat has a very gentle disposition and you can take a playful swipe of your paw well. A worn-out sock can serve as “protective clothing” for your hand.