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Cats might enjoy a reputation as being more “low maintenance” than some pets, but just because your cat isn’t running up to you with a ball in his mouth, begging for a game of fetch, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need play. Play is critical for a cat’s health and happiness and allows cats to tap into their predator instincts (yes, your sweet, cuddly kitty has them). Giving cats a space to practice hunting through play can reduce psychological stress, encourage exercise and help cement healthier habits.
Playing with cats isn’t necessarily as intuitive as playing with other animals. Here are some ways to improve play time with your feline friend.
Pick the right toys
“Cats don’t really care about color at all,” says Sarah Ellis, the cat well-being and behavioral lead at the International Cat Care Charity and co-author of “The Trainable Cat.” Cats see colors on a blue-violet and yellow-green spectrum, so colors like red appear gray. Many of its natural prey, like mice and insects, are gray or black. For toys, Ellis says, “the texture and shape are what truly matter.”
Does the toy feel furry like a mouse? Does it have feathers like a bird? These are good signs that your cat will enjoy the toy. Cats slice with their teeth instead of chewing, so hard, durable toys used for dogs typically don’t work for cats. Cats also prefer toys that are smaller in size, similar to the size of the prey they hunt.
And forget about laser pointers. Despite their popularity, laser pointers are generally not recommended — for cats, a laser is uncatchable prey and a source of frustration.
Move your cat’s toy in a pattern that mimics their prey
“Play provides an opportunity to practice life skills in a safer environment,” says Mikel Delgado, author of “Play With Your Cat!” Moving toys to simulate prey running away will excite your cat.
To mimic a bird, glide a wand toy in large sweeping movements or figure eights mirroring natural flight patterns. Create “S-shaped” wiggles on the floor with a wand to mimic a worm or snake. Tuck a toy under your rug like a hiding mouse.
Let your cat win
As you move their toy in prey-like motions, periodically let your cat “win” by capturing the toy, and don’t immediately rip it away. This allows them to finish the predator cycle. Let them celebrate their successful hunt with additional kicks, bats and bites before reengaging for additional playtime.
Create multisensory experiences through sound
Adding sound brings dimension to a cat play session. “Cats can hear in an ultrasonic range,” says Delgado. “Their close-up vision is very fuzzy, with a focal point of only a few meters away, so they use their hearing to know if prey is nearby.”
Create noises that mimic what cats would hear in the wild, like a high-frequency chirp or squeak. The rustling sound of paper, tissue paper or cardboard while playing with a toy can mimic the sound of rustling through leaves. Try hiding treats in the paper pile, creating an immersive food puzzle.
Set the scene with hiding spots for an exciting play space
“Cats are stalk and rush animals, meaning they prefer an element of surprise,” explains Delgado. Hunting blinds are designed to give cats the opportunity to stay hidden while still seeing their surroundings. Don’t worry about purchasing special materials — hunting blinds can be as simple as a cardboard box or a towel draped over a dining chair. You can also use a hunting blind to hide a toy while playing, similar to how prey might hide in the wild.
Create novelty by rotating toys
Cats can get bored with their toys. Rather than purchasing a new one, try putting away tired toys after playing, out of sight from your cat, and then reintroducing them later. Delgado recommends bringing out a few toys each play session and then rotating to a different set of toys for the following play session. When introducing a brand-new toy, give it some time. Delgado notes that some cats can take 5-10 play sessions before they get used to a brand-new toy.
Try turning the lights down low
Cats need play throughout the day, but engaging in a play session during low-light conditions is another opportunity to provide a novel and enriching play session. “Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk,” says Delgado. As dawn and dusk change throughout the seasons, your cat’s play habits will change, too. Take this as an opportunity to give your cat a high-intensity play session as the sun is setting to help them (and you!) get a restful night of sleep.
Modify your play based on the age of your cat
When kittens are born, they are easily excited and played with, but as cats get older, play can look a little different. This doesn’t mean you stop playing with your cat. “Healthy cats will always play regardless of their age,” explains Ellis.
As cats age, you should opt to play on softer surfaces like beds or rugs. You can use gym mats to prevent slipping or low stools to add verticality while keeping play lower to the ground. You may not find your cat leaping across the room as they age, but even engaging and batting a toy while lying down can provide your older cat the stimulation they need.
Make time to learn your cat’s unique play preferences
All the tips in the world won’t compensate for an owner taking the time to play with their cat dynamically. Both Delgado and Ellis stress that making play a habit, like cleaning the litter box and providing food and water, is critical for their health. They recommend short play sessions after an activity you already do daily, like brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. Ellis suggests, “five-minute play sessions three or four times a day would be perfect.”
By consistently playing with your cat, you will learn her preferences — trial and error is an integral part of the learning process. “Playing with your cat is not like baking a cake with the same recipe each time,” says Delgado. “It is a dance, an ebb and flow. Try new moves and see how they respond.”