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Tip
65 - Cat games - playing
with your cat
Unlike
most domestic dogs that get at least one or two walks a day,
some good petting and attention, most house cats are under stimulated.
They stay inside all day long (read the advantages here)
and do almost nothing except eat, sleep, poop and get the occasional
rub. This isn't enough mental or physical stimulation for your
cat and can affect its health and state of mind..
As
a kitten
the cat got extra attention and playtime, but sadly
adult cats are usually neglected when it comes to playtime.
We seem to think that because they are independent and low maintenance,
that they don’t need interactive play. This is false.
Even
indoor cats have a highly developed prey and (play) drive that
needs
to be exercised in order for the cat to be in top mental
shape. They want to be stimulated but they just don’t have
right playthings. The one or two toys they may have, often don’t
interest them at all especially when they are just left on the
floor for them to play with alone. Furthermore, house cats that
do nothing all day end up overweight and often obese.
We
are all busy, but 15-30 minutes a day to play with your cat will
benefit you both. The best cat toys are free but involve
YOUR interaction. Cats play by chasing, swatting and pouncing.
Try these games and you’ll both get to move around a bit.
The cat gets stimulated and you’ll be extra smiley watching
the action. One of the easiest and best games/toys is a feather
string and a stick.
Pretend
it’s
a fishing pole, and “fish” it jaggedly just over the
cat’s head
and watch him leap for it. Occasionally raise the height. Let him
actually catch and play with it from time to time, or he’ll
walk away. This is a good five minute game.
Another
classic is
the
crumpled piece
of paper. Get on the cat’s level (it’s good for you)
crumple the paper, hide it behind your back then show it to the
cat and throw it. He should chase and swat the thing
or pounce on it. Try the same thing with a cut up fuzzy pipe
cleaner.
Or
make a ball with a few pipe cleaners and watch the cat chase
it and
try
to pull it apart.
Another
easy one - Attach a feather or a piece of material to a string
and move it slowly and jaggedly along the floor until it piques
your cat’s interest. He should want to pounce on it.
Once you have his attention you can run around the house pulling
that
string. Good exercise for you both. Remember again to allow
your cat to get the feather/material once in a while or it
will get bored.
Yet
another free game is the paper grocery bag. VERY few cats can
resist
an empty paper bag. Place the bag sideways and when your
cat explores the bag, scratch and move your fingernails along on
different parts of the bag. Usually the cats will try to paw your
hand from inside the bag. Next take the bag and cut a few holes
in the top and sides of the bag take a pipe cleaner or a spoon
and pull it in and out of the holes and watch the fun.
All
these activities or any that you create to help your cat play
will be of benefit to you both. Remember
to put all toys away after you've played with them for the cat's
safety and so they don’t
get bored.
© Pets.ca
2007
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