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Cats have a reputation for being aloof – some may even say “standoffish.”
But in reality, cats are social creatures who thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds (even if some have a strange way of showing it).
In fact, recent studies have shown that cats are socially intuitive, and much like us, seek out attention from people who appear receptive and friendly.
One of the best ways to bond with your cat? Play!
Perhaps not surprisingly, cats can be a bit particular when it comes to playtime. Read on for expert tips on how to best engage your feline friend.
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Key takeaways
The importance of play: Indoor cats need play to replicate natural, outdoor behaviours. If they don’t, they can become stressed, bored and suffer from physical and behavioural health problems.
Mirror hunting for effective play: Play that mimics hunting prey engages cats best. To engage a cat, move toys like prey animals (snakes, birds, or mice), allow the cat to physically capture the toy, and conclude the session with food or a treat.
Toy selection & variety: A balanced environment includes lots of toys and enough variation. Include interactive toys for bonding (wands, lasers), independent play items (puzzles, scratching posts), and safe ball games, and strictly avoid choking hazards like golf balls. Rotating between different available toys can help keep things fresh.
Why playing with your cat is important
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Despite his fondness for warm laundry and smoked salmon, your cat is an animal with a wild side. A couch-potato lifestyle is both unnatural and unhealthy.
“When cats are in their natural environment, they spend a considerable amount of their days hunting and capturing prey,” says Dr. Michelle Burch, veterinary advisor at Catological. “Indoor cats are deprived of almost all opportunities to engage in normal predatory and foraging behaviours, which causes an increase in behavioural problems and health disorders.”
Interactive play can both strengthen your bond and allow your cat to be, well, a cat.
“Environmental enrichment with play encourages more natural behaviours, constructively occupies your cat’s time, and aids in decreasing boredom,” says Burch.
How to play with your cat: tips & tricks
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Anyone can throw a toy mouse across the room. But providing effective, engaging, sustainable play requires a bit of know-how. Karen Reese, the behaviour manager at Operation Kindness animal shelter in Texas, offers the following tips:
Think like a prey animal
Cats are natural (and relentless) predators, so assume that your cat wants to catch and kill whatever toy you're playing with. With that in mind, make the toy move like prey.
"If you are using a toy with a string, make it move like a snake slithering across the open floor," says Reese. "Mice move fast, from one hiding place to the other. Birds fly from one surface to the other and then land for a bit."
Tease the toy
Your cat may appear disinterested at first, which is normal hunting behaviour – he doesn't want to tip off his lunch. "Keep moving your toy like a prey animal as your kitty begins to warm up," says Reese. Once you detect a butt wiggle, prepare for the pounce.
Let your cat win
Chasing is fun – but eventually, you should allow your cat to go in for the kill. "After your cat has put up a good chase, give him the opportunity to catch the toy," says Reese. "Let him chew on it or kick at it with his feet and really dig in." This helps to release feel-good endorphins and prevents frustration.
End with a snack
Every good hunt results in a feast. Ending play sessions with food mimics the natural hunting sequence. "If it's not a mealtime, you can finish off with a small treat or a spoonful of wet food," says Reese.
Interactive toys for indoor cats
The best cat toys either mimic prey or simulate a hunt. Consider adding the following interactive cat toys to your collection:
Wand toys
Frequently adorned with feathers, strings, bells, and various small stuffed creatures, wand toys make it easy to engage with your cat.
Laser pointers
A classic cat tease, laser pointers can provide an intense chase. “Laser pointers are excellent tools to help engage your cat in predatory attacks while bringing up the heart rate for a good bout of exercise,” says Burch. Just make sure you let your cat have a ‘kill’ at the end. Throw a toy and shine the laser on it when you finish your play, so that your cat has something physical to catch. Without this your cat may end up feeling frustrated, which could lead to aggression.
Cat tunnels
A couple of cat tunnels can transform your living room into the wild savannah. Throw toys through the tunnels, or allow your cat to hide in them and “stalk” his prey, suggests Reese.
Robotic mice
Every cat has a different play style. If yours prefers fast and feisty chases, try battery-operated mice, says Reese. Many are programmed to move like real rodents and have adjustable speed settings.
Cat games to promote bonding
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Looking for a little variety in your cat-and-mouse game? Consider these cat games from Burch:
Hide-and-seek
For a fun DIY cat game, make a “peekaboo” box by cutting holes in an ordinary cardboard box. Toss in a few favourite toys, tape the box shut, and let your cat attempt to fish them out. (If it’s too hard and becomes frustrating for your cat, cut the holes a little larger.)
Paper bag
Like toddlers, many cats tend to prefer ordinary objects over high-tech toys. For an easy game, simply place paper bags throughout the house. Your cat will have fun trying to get inside, batting them around, and making crinkle noises. After a while, crumple the bags up and toss them around for a game of “fetch.”
Bear attack
Some cats prefer to pick on prey their own size. Sprinkle some catnip on a teddy bear and throw it across the room, allowing your cat ample time to attack.
Apps
While not as beneficial as aerobic exercise, some kitties may enjoy playing games on your tablet. Apps specially designed for cats can provide mental stimulation.
Cat toys for independent play
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Of course, there are times when you won’t be home or available for a play session. And that’s OK! You can still provide plenty of enrichment and stimulation for your cat. Treat your pet to the following:
Catnip toys
“Catnip is a great way to entertain your kitty when you are too busy or you are going to be out of the house,” says Reese. You can buy toys pre-stuffed with catnip, or simply sprinkle some loose catnip on your cat’s favourite playthings and bed, as an occasional treat.
You can find out why cats like catnip here.
Food puzzles
By requiring your cat to “work” for his food, puzzle feeders can turn mealtime into playtime. Burch recommends the Egg-Cersizer and Buster Cube.
Scratching posts
Scratching posts allow cats to engage in another natural behaviour: vigorous, enthusiastic scratching. Reese suggests posts with toys and bells attached for added entertainment.
Mobile teasers
Hands-free mobile teasers connect to surfaces such as windows or countertops, offering many of the benefits of wand toys. For independent play, Burch suggests KONG’s Connects Cat Toys.
Daily, interactive play is essential for keeping your cat healthy and happy. The good news is that it’s fun – both for you and your pet! With the right cat toys and a little practice, you’ll be a play pro in no time.
Ball games for indoor cats
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Hallway football
You can roll a lightweight ball down a hallway, letting your cat chase after it and return it. The bouncing off the walls engages your cat’s desire to chase, so they’ll have a lot of fun.
Run and fetch
Fetch is usually associated with our canine friends, but cats love to play it too! Throw a ball for them to chase after. Just make sure the ball isn’t too large - a ping-pong ball is a good option. You can praise or reward them if they bring the ball back to you.
Rebound game
Throw a small rubber ball or ping-pong ball against the wall or floor. Watch as your cat tries to catch it. The bounce mirrors the unpredictability of a cat’s prey, so they’ll find this game irresistible.
Staircase chase
Gently throw a ball up a carpeted flight of stairs. Watch it bounce back down, and your cat will inevitably chase after it. Take care with small kittens or elderly cats though, in case they stumble on the stairs.
The best types of balls for cats
| Ball type | Why cats love it | Best for... |
|---|---|---|
| Ping-pong balls | Incredibly lightweight, loud on hardwood, and highly unpredictable. | High-energy chasing and skittering. |
| Crinkle balls | Made of Mylar; they make a satisfying crunchy sound that mimics rustling prey. | Cats that love sound and biting their toys. |
| Wool/Felt balls | Soft, easy to grip with claws, quiet, and perfect for "carrying" around. | Cats with a strong retrieving or mothering instinct. |
| Catnip-infused/Sisal | Often textured with rope for scratching and filled with catnip scent. | Scent-driven cats and solo batting. |
| Light-up/Motion-activated | Flash or blink when nudged. | Keeping cats engaged in dim lighting or evening play. |
What balls shouldn’t you use?
Avoid using real golf balls or very small balls. Golf balls are too hard and can cause dental problems, while small balls are a choking hazard.
Always inspect your cat’s play balls regularly to make sure no bits or pieces are falling off them, as they’re a choking hazard too.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should I play with my indoor cat daily?
Two 10-15-minute sessions per day are a good start. It’s better to be consistent, making sure your cat gets enough physical and mental stimulation per day.
Why does my cat lose interest in toys so fast?
It’s because cats can get bored with them, so we recommend rotating toys weekly to keep them entertained.
Is laser pointer play bad for cats?
It can sometimes cause frustration. It’s why you should always transition the laser to a physical toy at the end of your game, as it’ll give them the satisfaction of “catching” something.
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