Is your cat playful? It’s probably safe for us to assume that, for many of you, the answer to that question is yes. Fluffy is a fun pet … partly because she is so silly and mischievous. Regularly playing with your furry friend is one of the best things you can do for her! An Allen, TX veterinarian shares some reasons in the article below.
Why Is It Important To Play With Your Cat?
Playing helps Fluffy in many ways. It’s fun, first and foremost, but that isn’t the only reason to grab that wand toy.
- It keeps her active. Kitties need exercise to stay fit, just like people do!
- It provides both mental stimulation and fun. Both of these are important for your kitty’s health and happiness. Cats can get very upset and unhappy if they are bored. This could lead to issues with behavior. At times, this can cause physical issues, such as overgrooming or anorexia.
- Another reason playing is important is that it allows your cat to show her inner lioness. Cats have a natural instinct to hunt. In the wild, they depend on their hunting skills to survive. Fluffy really wants to get better at pouncing, scratching, and biting. Playing lets her unleash those aggressive feelings.
- It’s also great for connecting. When you spend time holding that wand toy or laser pointer for your cat, she will see that you are doing something special for her. That will definitely get you some purrs!
- Playing can help shy cats gain confidence. Learning to master the difficult combination of run, jump, roll, pounce, meow, and tail lash can really benefit a shy cat.
Can You Make Your Cat Happy By Playing With Her?
It definitely helps. In addition to what we discussed before, Fluffy just enjoys playing. It provides pleasure and development, which are important for our happiness and well-being. This will make your cat feel loved. That is really important!
What Makes Cats So Amusing?
Those play sessions could be beneficial for you as well. Spending time with Fluffy can lower your blood pressure and relieve stress and anxiety. It also brings us happiness, which is beneficial for our mental and emotional health. It’s hard not to smile when seeing a kitty hard at play. In fact, playing with your pet can be just as fun for you as it is for her! Kittens are always cute, and they can be quite funny when they play hard. Part of this is probably at least to some extent built in. Fluffy is both a hunter and prey in nature. This forms an interesting mix of confidence and timidity. Your feline friend may show great courage when chasing a moth in the living room, but she may also bolt in fear if you accidentally bang a pot while cooking.
Should I Play With My Cat Regularly?
We recommend spending time with Fluffy every day. This doesn’t have to take much time. Just a few minutes can be useful. Keep some cat toys near your favorite chair or sofa, so you’ll have them on hand while you watch TV or relax.
What Should I Stay Away From When Playing With My Cat?
Playing with your cat is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Avoid shining a laser pointer directly into your cat’s eyes. That could damage her eyesight!
- Do not play with unsafe items. This includes small or sharp items, rope or string-like objects, plastic bags, ties, and similar items. Use cat toys!
- After you finish using a wand or string toy, be sure to put it away. Your pet could get tangled up if she tries to use it while you’re not home. That could be very dangerous for her!
- Lastly, if you have multiple cats, be sure to avoid showing favoritism. Cats can get very jealous of one another. If you’ve just adopted a new feline, take extra care to show them both equal attention.
When Is The Best Time To Play With My Cat?
There aren’t many strict rules for this. Whenever you are at home and your cat is awake, it will be just fine! If your feline friend is very energetic, you may want to play with her before bedtime. We all know what happens when cats become tired. Naptime! If your furry friend is ready to sleep, she is more likely to cuddle with you for the night instead of playing with her toys or pouncing on your ankles while you’re trying to rest.
Is My Cat Playing Or Attacking Me?
What is one interesting thing about cats? Sometimes, they show their love by biting or scratching us. They are not afraid to use us as toys to practice their lion skills. This can be delightful, but it might also lead to some undesirable behavior.
It’s important to understand the difference between playful teasing and real anger. If Fluffy is just playing, she will probably bite softly. She may stop her attack to start licking you or act a bit playfully. Angry cats may hiss or growl, and they won’t hold back. Fluffy can switch from one option to another at any time, often with little or no warning.
If your cat is acting aggressively, promptly say ‘No’ or ‘Be nice.’ Then, look away and ignore her. This should communicate the message clearly. If your cat is misbehaving or acting aggressively, talk to your Allen, TX vet for advice.
When Should I Stop Playing With My Cat?
The decision is yours … or, to be fair, it’s probably your cat’s. When Fluffy feels she has had enough, she just stops playing and walks away. That is one of the several key personality differences between cats and dogs. Fido will do his best to keep his owners happy, even if that means driving himself to exhaustion. Fluffy won’t even drive herself to the point of being slightly tired.
What If My Kitty Attacks?
Our feline pals sometimes need a bit of coaching to sort out where the line is between play and anger. If your cat begins to attack you, it’s a good idea to stop the playtime. That’s not good pet etiquette and can lead to some dangerous behavior later on! Don’t shout at Fluffy; that could just make her scared of you. Tell your energetic pet to ‘Play nice.’ You could also say, ‘Keep your claws to yourself’ or ‘Don’t bite.’ Being consistent matters more than the exact words used. If that doesn’t work, take a step back and allow her some space for a bit. Fluffy might need some time to understand, but eventually, she will catch on. Stay consistent, however.
What Kinds of Toys Do Kitties Like?
That varies from cat to cat. Some like that elusive red dot from the laser pointer. Some like to chase small balls around. Others love nothing more than toying with a bottle cap or an ice cube. Try different options and see what your feline buddy likes best. If you have multiple cats, offer a range of choices: your furry pets may have different tastes. Consult your Allen, TX vet for advice on this.
Arrange an Appointment at Our Allen, TX Animal Hospital
Do you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? Contact us today at your Allen, TX animal clinic. We are here to help you!
