4 Signs Your Cat Needs More Playtime
If your cat has started scratching up the furniture and has become more clingy—or standoffish—than usual, he may be indicating.
When your Lab wants to play, he will drop his tennis ball at your feet and give you a big, goofy grin.
Cats, on the other hand, are more laid-back. Our feline companions are notoriously difficult to read and are far above (as in far, far above) begging for a feather toy. To put it another way, they're not your typical Bichon. "Dogs are more nuts and bolts, whereas cats appreciate the finer points of life.
Wilbourn, also known as "The Cat Therapist," co-founded the first feline-only veterinary practice in New York City in 1973 and has since traveled the globe educating clients about their pets. She translates our kitties' play cues here.
He's extra-requisitive:
As you read this, is your cat meowing? Is your dog pawing at your leg? Perhaps draping himself across your laptop? Some cats are outspoken about their desire for attention, which is a sign that a good play session is in order.
Although his "needy" behavior can be irritating, there's a reason he's so persistent: cats, like dogs, require engaging, interactive, energetic play. Even if a nap on the windowsill is relaxing, it doesn't make for a particularly interesting day. "Indoor cats simply do not have the same level of life and entertainment as outdoor cats," Wilbourn explains. "It is our responsibility to enrich their lives and provide the best possible environment for them."
If your cat is the rambunctious, outgoing type, any toy will suffice. "Anything can be picked up and thrown for a cat who wants to play," Wil Bourn says.
Consider adding cat tunnels, a cat tree, and cat perches to create a more stimulating environment.
He's especially aloof:
A cat who isn't getting enough playtime, on the other hand, may become scarce. "Some cats will go to the opposite extreme and sulk or appear dejected," Wilbourn says. "This is how they express their dissatisfaction with their treatment."
While it's important not to force play on your cat—perhaps he's had enough for the day or craves some alone time—your grumpy cat could simply be bored. To entice him to come around, give him a special treat, such as a game of fetch with a catnip-stuffed mouse toy.
He's putting on weight:
If your cat is overweight, he may need more playtime and fewer treats. Food is often substituted for play by cat owners, resulting in unhealthy habits. "It's much easier to just put food down than it is to play with your cat," Wilbourn says. "The cat then starts going to the food dish instead of you when he wants attention-instant it's gratification."
First and foremost: Consult your veterinarian to come up with an appropriate diet for your overweight cat and to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Then, throughout your cat's day, include more interactive play. Toys and puzzles that dispense treats are especially appealing to felines. They not only give cats a little exercise during mealtime, but they also force them to eat slowly rather than quickly.
Your furniture is being scratched by him.
There's nothing more dangerous to a couch than a hyperactive cat. If you don't play enough, your furniture will suffer.
"If cats don't get enough play, it can affect their entire mode of operation, and their habits can change," Wilbourn explains. "Because they have so much bottled-up energy, they can become destructive and aggressive."
Even the most deluxe cat toys are far less expensive than a new sectional. To keep your cat entertained, invest in a variety of furry mice, wand toys, rollerballs, and textured playthings. Also, scratching posts that are more interesting than your chairs should be provided. Your cat's natural desire to claw should be satisfied by quality, sturdy posts in a variety of sizes.
He's going after your ankles:
Your cat's wild forefathers spent much of their time hunting for food, and old habits die hard. "Our cats have wild instincts, even though they are very domesticated," Wilbourn says. "Cats in the wild are not fed, and they are all born with a desire to hunt."
If your cat's inner predator isn't entertained, he'll find something to hunt, whether it's your ankles, your dog, or a toy. Stock up on feather toys that look and move like birds to appeal to his wild side. Playing keep-away is entertaining, but don't forget to let your cat catch his "prey" now and then.
Kitten Play:
Who can say no to a cute, innocent kitten? Those sweet little innocent balls of fur frequently conceal a surprising amount of mischief. When these little angels turn into little furry balls of unstoppable energy who hang from chandeliers, bounce off of walls, and pounce on anything that moves, some new cat parents discover they are unprepared. So, how does a new kitten parent proceed? Why do kittens have to play with such vigor and zeal?
Play is critical for the development of life skills. Kittens learn important social skills, the art of hunting, and improve and hone their motor skills through play. Play is also important for mental and physical stimulation. And, let's face it, playing is simply enjoyable. A raucous play session doesn't always require an excuse.
Between the ages of 3 and 4 weeks, the desire to play emerges. This desire to play is especially strong until kittens are at least one year old; some cats play nonstop until they are two years old. Most cats play throughout their lives, though not as vigorously or as frequently as they did as kittens.
The best way to play is to use a technique that mimics hunting and satisfies predatory desires. Begin with a toy that resembles a fishing pole. Only leave these types of toys within kitten reach when you are present to supervise. By wrapping the string around their necks or ingesting the toy, cats can injure themselves. Assume that the toy at the end of the fishing pole is prey attempting to flee a predator. Drag the toy at the end of the fishing pole in such a way that the kitten is enticed to pounce, stalk, and attack it as if it were prey. Launch your toy into the air if your kitten is inspired by flying prey.
Every day, kittens require multiple play sessions. Because cats are most active in the mornings and evenings, the most intense sessions should be held during those times.
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