Buzz
Cats are elegant, solitary, and mysterious creatures. Occasionally, they bring a lot of laughter to our lives. Many of their habits are bound to make anyone who loves cats burst into laughter. By spending time playing with them, you'll have the chance to discover their unique traits and natural instincts. Playing with cats is the best way to strengthen your bond with them while also alleviating boredom and stress. You'll find plenty of joy and might even begin wondering if they're laughing with you.
Steps
Create an entertaining environment for your cat
Prepare a private space for your cat. You can arrange a cozy bed or a corner of the room for your pet. However, cats are known for claiming their own territory, such as your chair, computer, or favorite pillow. You might feel frustrated by this, but it's all part of the fun of owning a cat!
Prepare a scratching post for your cat. You can use a variety of rough materials (cardboard, rope, carpet, etc.) to allow your cat to scratch freely and have fun. Scratching posts are also available for purchase at pet stores.
Buy or build a cat tree for your pet to climb. A cat tree consists of various levels and surfaces for scratching, as well as areas to hang toys, hide, or climb through. These can be purchased at pet stores.
Place a cat grass container inside your home. Some cats enjoy a natural touch indoors. This type of grass is safe and edible for your pet, and it’s available at pet stores. Plant a small amount in a pot and place it around the house for your cat to explore. You'll get the chance to watch them nibble on the fresh grass.
Allow your cat access to a window. Cats love to watch birds fly, squirrels jump, and other wildlife, as well as observe outdoor activities. A window can be a great source of entertainment, especially if you keep your cat indoors full-time.
Explore safe outdoor spaces where your cat can play. You can let them explore the surroundings in a secure, enclosed outdoor area. For instance, if your home has a glassed-in space like a balcony or rooftop, you might allow your cat to enjoy those areas.
Take your cat for a walk on a leash. Leashes for cats are available at pet stores. These are thin leashes that allow you to walk your cat just like a dog. Not all cats are keen on wearing a leash, so it's important to spend time training them to walk on one. Begin training your pet when they are young for easier adaptation.
Allow your cat to play outside if it's safe. When outside, cats enjoy exploring, hiding, and chasing small animals.
- If you want to keep a feral cat indoors, do so gradually. Spend time helping your pet adjust to the enclosed environment. Additionally, you'll need plenty of patience when training them to use the litter box, scratch posts, and other household items.
Play with your cat more frequently. Cats are playful creatures, but they typically engage in short play sessions, lasting around 5-15 minutes. Cats enjoy regular play, so try to schedule a few short playtimes throughout the day.
Play games with your cat
Buy toys for your cat. Many cats love having their own toys. Choose toys that help your cat recreate natural hunting behaviors, such as items they can chase, pounce on, or catch. Each cat has different preferences, so offer a variety of toys to see which ones they enjoy most. Occasionally, you can swap out toys (daily or every other day) to keep them from getting bored. Ideal toys include:
- A string with an object attached at one end
- Rubber balls or toys made of soft or bouncy materials. Cats love using their paws to hit objects.
- Catnip toys
- Crunchy toys, such as bubble wrap or paper bags
- Laser pointers can be fun, but may also frustrate your cat.
Play hide and seek with your cat. Find a hiding spot and grab your pet's attention so they can try to find you, or let the cat hide while you attempt to discover where they are. You can use a box or a bag as a hiding place for your cat. In fact, cats can play on their own if you leave them to their own devices.
Buy catnip for your pet. This plant is part of the mint family, and while the exact reason isn't clear, most cats respond enthusiastically to catnip. They might roll around, wag their tails, or even show intense excitement or satisfaction. You can offer your catnip in a safe manner in the following ways:
- Purchase toys that hold catnip.
- Make your own catnip toy. Place some catnip inside a plastic egg (which you can buy from pet stores) and watch your cat enjoy playing with it by sniffing and pawing at the egg.
- Sprinkle catnip on your cat's belongings, such as their toys or scratching posts.
Entice your pet with rewards. Take an empty cardboard tube and fill it with paper scraps and treats, perhaps adding some catnip for extra fun. Then you can watch your pet figure out how to get the reward inside.
Monitor your cat's activity and health.
Play with your cat regularly, but set limits. Each cat has unique play preferences and different amounts of energy, so you need to understand their individual needs. Here are some tips to keep your pet entertained and satisfied:
- Don’t let your cat win or lose every time during play.
- Never force your cat to play with you. If they’re not interested, try again later. If they remain uninterested, wait and try again another time.
- Stop playing if your cat becomes unusually aggressive. They may need a short break or want to play in a different way.
Play with the cat, but ensure that it does not experience any pain. If you notice signs that the cat doesn't want to play, or if it seems to struggle with engaging in activities, do not force it. You should consult a veterinarian if you observe signs indicating the cat might be in pain, such as:
- Hesitation before jumping
- Climbing stairs or overcoming obstacles at a slow pace
- Landing awkwardly when jumping down
Keep the house tidy. If the cat lives indoors or occasionally enters from the outside, you need to make sure it can play freely while remaining safe. For example:
- Store cleaning supplies and other chemicals in a secure container out of the cat's reach.
- Some common houseplants (like ivy and mistletoe) are toxic to cats, so it's best to remove them.
- Sometimes, cats enjoy crawling into tight or dark spaces like drawers and closets. Ensure they can't get trapped in these areas, especially if the cat has a habit of squeezing into such spots.
Organize outdoor belongings. If your cat spends most of its time outdoors, you can watch it pounce, sneak after something, and hide. You might want to give it toys or items found outdoors. Just remember to attach an ID tag to your cat in case it goes missing, and protect it from potential hazards (such as poisonous plants, predators, vehicles, etc.).
