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 Kittens
were born to play. As early as two weeks old kittens will begin to
play with their litter mates, and shortly afterwards with toys or
other objects.
Nearly all cats which have had normal socialisation will
continue to play throughout their lives, although elderly cats
will be much more sedate and probably play less frequently.
Play
time is particularly important for indoor cats which need to
have some interest in their lives. Many cats will make their own
fun playing with toys or household bits and pieces, such as
toilet roll inserts, old bottle tops etc. Others are not so
inventive and prefer their owners to make their fun for them.
Pet
stores are full of wonderful cat toys - ones which roll around
the ground and others which dangle from doorways etc. Some cats
prefer toys on ground level and will rarely play with the dangly
ones, while others think it is much more entertaining to leap
and swipe at something suspended in mid air.
A ball of wool will be great fun but may
be injurious if the cat becomes entangled
A
great number of cats have a fascination with the herb catnip,
and many cat toys are impregnated with it. Some cats almost go
into an euphoric trance at a whiff of catnip and if your cat is
one of these, then a little sachet of catnip will keep it happy.
Prolonged exposure to catnip often results in the cat becoming
immune to its effects, so keep it for special occasions.
Play
can provide indoor cats with exercise and help maintain their
muscle tone as well as prevent boredom.
A
great night time game is to turn off the lights in the room and
shine a torch on the wall - see if your cat will chase the
moving light.
Toys
must always be safe for the cat - a ball of wool will be great
fun but may be injurious if the cat becomes entangled. Far safer
to use a ball or cat toy.
Cats
are great explorers and most will get great pleasure from a cats
"gymnasium". These are climbing posts, tunnels and platforms and
are available from most pet stores. They are usually covered in
carpet to enable the cat to climb but also serve as a scratching
post. Many have a "cat house" or sleeping platform incorporated.
Playing with your cat is an excellent way to build a bond with
your cat. If you adopt an older cat, play will help it feel
secure. Some cats do not like being picked up or handled and
play enables you to interact with the cat. Try rolling balls to
the cat or enticing it with one of the dangly toys.
Kittens will play for hours in an old paper carry bag - it makes
a great hiding place and they will wrestle and pounce in and on
it for hours. Never give them a plastic bag as they may
suffocate.
Forget television and videos - for entertainment value and
relaxation, absolutely nothing beats watching a cat play with
one of its favourite toys in your lounge room.
Source: www.petnet.com.au |
