Our feline pals are very entertaining little pets. Fluffy always amuses her humans with her cute quirks, charming facial expressions and, of course, her playful antics. As it turns out, taking time to play with your furry pal regularly is one of the best things you can do for her health and well-being. A local Las Vegas, NV veterinarian discusses playing with your cat in this article.

What Should I Consider When Playing With My Cat?

Safety first! Be sure to use safe toys. Kitties are curious and playful, but don’t know what is and isn’t dangerous for them. Anything small or sharp is a hazard, as are stringed objects. Wand toys are fine, but pick them up once playtime has ended. You don’t want your kitty getting tangled up!

Choose a spot with a soft surface, such as a carpet. Don’t play with your pet around potential hazards, like stairs, pools, and fireplaces. 

Last but not least, if you have more than one feline pal, you’ll have to be careful not to play favorites. Show them both equal attention during playtime. Cats can get very jealous of each other! 

Is My Cat Playing Or Trying To Kill Me?

Our feline pals are a bit confusing here: they’re probably the only one of our animal friends that like to bite and scratch for fun. It can sometimes be hard to tell if a kitty is being playful or if she’s actually angry. 

Your pet’s body language and behavior will clue you in. If Fluffy is feeling frisky, she may lose interest in her ‘attack’ and start licking you instead. She probably will run out of steam quickly. Or she may quickly move from attacking you to pouncing on her catnip mouse. Angry cats are more likely to growl, hiss, or lash their tails, and they’ll definitely bite harder. 

Our feline pals can also change gears quickly, but that’s just purr for the course with these charming furballs. If you’re interested in learning more about feline behavior and moods, check out our article on Cattitude for some insightful information.

Do Kitties Like To Play?

Kitties are all very unique. (Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement.) To be fair, there likely are some furballs out there who just aren’t very playful. However, that would be the exception, rather than the rule. Most of our feline buddies are quite frisky, and really enjoy those play sessions. 

Is It Good To Play With A Cat?

Playing with your cat is actually very good for her! Play sessions serve various purrposes, from physical exercise to mental stimulation.

Here are a few of the reasons that playing is ‘pawesome’ for your cat: 

• Letting Their Inner Lion Out Our adorable feline friends are actually extremely efficient hunters. Fluffy relies on her hunting skills to survive in the wild. While mastering the use of those sharp claws and teeth is fun for her, it’s also just very instinctive. In other words, playing gives your furry friend a chance to unleash her inner lioness.
• Bonding: When you pick up that laser pointer or wand toy, your feline friend will know that you’re doing something for her amusement. interactive play fosters a sense of trust and companionship. That will help her feel loved and safe, which is very important. 
• Making Friends: playing can also help kitties bond with each other. If you’ve recently adopted a new cat, dual play sessions can help break the ice between your kitties.
• Ease Stress: A good play session gives your cat a chance to blow off some steam. Think of it as Fluffy’s version of sweating off a bad day by hitting the gym or going for a run. 
• Exercise: It’s just as important for Fluffy to keep fit as it is for us. Running, jumping, and pouncing all make great kitty workouts. This can keep your furball strong and healthy as she ages. 
• Stimulation: You might have noticed that our feline buddies enjoy doing as little as possible. Fluffy can sleep a whopping 20 hours a day. (That seems   excessive, but we’ll talk about that another time.) When your kitty is actually awake, she needs something to do, other than stare at the walls. That mental stimulation your cute pet gets from pouncing and playing is great for her mind. Your furball has to really think to time those pounces and jumps. That mental stimulation and enrichment will not only help keep her happy and entertained, it can also help keep her brain healthy as she grows older.
• Build Confidence: Do you have a scaredy cat? playing may help her feel more confident. Nailing that tricky pounce can be a big deal for Fluffy!
• It’s Cute: watching a frisky kitty hard at play can make for an adorable and amusing form of entertainment. This may be just as fun for you as it is for Fluffy. 

How Much Should You Play With Your Cat?

Try to play with Fluffy daily, for at least a few minutes. you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. The moment your furball loses interest or gets tired, she’ll just walk away, and turn her attention to choosing her next napping spot. 

Of course, this also depends on how young and active your pet is. A kitten or a super frisky young adult will want to play much more than a senior. However, playing does benefit older Kitties as well. Ask your Las Vegas, NV veterinarian for more information.

Are There Any Wrong Ways To Play With A Cat?

Playing with Fluffy isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things you should know. The biggest ‘don’t’ is playing rough. Your cat may have fun ‘kick-scratching’ your arm, but anything beyond that could scare or even injure your kitty. 

We also caution against using your fingers or toes. You could also inadvertently encourage bad behavior.

What Kind Of Toys Do Cats Like?

Kitties all have their own tastes. You may want to try a few things, and see what your pet likes. not all play has to involve store-bought toys. Simple household items like crumpled paper or cardboard boxes can be just as entertaining. Cats often enjoy batting at crinkly paper or hiding in boxes. These things help Fluffy tap into her inner lion, and also satisfy her natural curiosity and desire for exploration.

How Do You Play With A Cat?

We would recommend that you use something you can control from a distance, such as a wand toy, laser pointer, or a remote-controlled toy. playing will be more fun and more challenging for your cat if she can’t anticipate what her ‘prey’ will do next!

Plus, this can help instill good petiquette. It may be cute to let Fluffy pounce on your toes or fingers, but that can send mixed signals. You don’t want your cat thinking that it’s okay for her to attack you or treat you like a cat toy.

Conclusion: Playing is both fun and beneficial for our feline friends. Taking a few minutes a day to play with your cat is good for her both mentally and physically! 

Our Advice on Why You Should Play With Your Cat Regularly in 2024

How does play behavior differ between indoor and outdoor cats?

Play behavior differs between indoor and outdoor cats primarily due to their environments. Indoor cats rely heavily on interactive play with toys and their owners to mimic hunting instincts and alleviate boredom. They benefit from structured play sessions to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, engage in natural play behaviors such as stalking, chasing, and pouncing on real prey. Their play often incorporates actual hunting activities, which provide both exercise and mental enrichment. Regardless of environment, all cats need regular play to maintain overall health and well-being.

How can interactive play be used as a tool for early detection of health issues in cats?

Interactive play can be a valuable tool for early detection of health issues in cats. During play, observe for changes in energy levels, agility, or coordination, as these may indicate underlying health problems. Reluctance to engage, altered gait, or decreased enthusiasm can signal pain, arthritis, or other medical concerns. Monitoring your cat’s response to play can help identify subtle signs of illness or discomfort early on. Regular play sessions allow for consistent observation, enabling prompt veterinary attention and intervention if any unusual behaviors or symptoms are noticed.

What role does scent play in cat toys, and how can this be leveraged to enhance play experiences?

Scent plays a crucial role in cat toys by stimulating a cat’s natural hunting instincts and curiosity. Catnip, silvervine, or valerian root can be used to enhance the appeal of toys, encouraging cats to engage in play. These scents can invigorate and motivate cats, making playtime more exciting and enriching. Incorporating scented toys or periodically refreshing them with cat-safe herbal blends can maintain a cat’s interest and provide mental stimulation. Utilizing scent effectively transforms ordinary toys into irresistible playthings, promoting active and healthy behavior in cats.

What are the signs that a cat is overstimulated during play, and how should owners respond?

Signs that a cat is overstimulated during play include sudden aggressive behaviors such as biting or scratching, dilated pupils, rapid tail flicking, and ears flattened against the head. If a cat becomes overstimulated, it’s essential to stop the play session immediately to prevent escalating aggression. Allow the cat to retreat to a quiet, safe space to calm down. Avoid using hands or feet as toys to reduce overstimulation risks. Gradually reintroduce play with gentler, slower movements and monitor the cat’s body language to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience.

How does a cat’s breed influence its play preferences and needs?

A cat’s breed significantly influences its play preferences and needs. Active breeds like Bengals and Abyssinians require vigorous, engaging play to satisfy their high energy levels and intelligence. They thrive on interactive toys and challenging activities. Conversely, more sedentary breeds like Persians and Ragdolls prefer gentle, less demanding play. Understanding a cat’s breed helps tailor play sessions to match their natural behaviors and energy levels, ensuring mental and physical stimulation. Providing breed-appropriate play keeps cats healthy, reduces behavioral issues, and strengthens the bond between cat and owner.

While regular play is crucial for your cat’s physical and mental well-being, it’s also important to ensure they receive proper medical care. Our Veterinary Services offer comprehensive health support for cats, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments. Regular veterinary care, combined with interactive play, can help keep your feline friend healthy and happy.

Do you have questions about caring for your cat? Contact us, your Las Vegas, NV pet hospital, anytime! We are always happy to help!