How to play with a cat? 8 funny ideas
Content
Our domestic cats need fun to live like air, water and food. If we do not satisfy hunting needs with joint fun, his emotions may find an outlet in depression, aggression or domestic damage. Find out why it is important to play with your cat and what form will be attractive to him.
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"Work Hard, Play Hard" Cat Edition
You should know that in the process of domestication, cats, unlike dogs, despite the change in habitat and moving to settlements, have retained their complete hunting chain. This means that in order to be happy, they need to experience the full sequence of activities that fall under the hunt chain. They in turn:
look
Stealth
The pursuit
Grab
murder
tearing apart
take food
Fair play rules for playing with a cat
A cat living outside the home tries to hunt on average 14 times a day, not all of them end in the capture of prey, but the hunting process in which it comes true is important for him. If it is a domestic cat, then the domestic cat is solely responsible for its well-being. The vast majority of cats want to play with people and wait for this moment during the day. Due to the fact that they love routine, we must find time every day, preferably during the time, to play together. The hunting chain requires food at the end of this delicious game - to keep the chain alive, we can play with the cat every day before feeding or include a treat element at the end of the time spent together. Satisfying pleasure should not take more than 10 minutes at a time. It is important not to drag out the game with the cat indefinitely and let him win.
There are different types of cat toys available in the market to help us give your cat an unforgettable experience. We can divide them into categories.
Cat toys:
- cat balls
- cat mice
- Fishing rods for playing with a cat
- Tunnels and cottages
- cat scratching posts
- Interactive toys for a cat.
Of these, I have selected and described some of the most attractive options for both cats and humans. The list also includes cat play ideas that don't require spending money.
1. Joint fishing
A fishing rod is one of the best toys we can offer your cat. By making movements reminiscent of a running mouse or bird, and deftly waving a toy tucked in at the end of a string, we allow the cat to satisfy all the elements of fun fun. If our cat is not eager to play, perhaps we are too little involved in the effective movement of the rod, and his movements are too predictable for him. A cat game should not last long, so it is worth spending at least 10 minutes for active cooperation. The price of the rod starts from PLN 2,50, but we can make it ourselves by tying a piece of paper or a pompom from several strips of fabric and hooking it to a rope hanging from a piece of rod or stick.
2. A box with holes - a do-it-yourself toy for a cat
Cut out unevenly spaced holes in the cardboard box. Put a mouse or ball on the sisal wire and then slide it through the various holes from below - let it appear and disappear, and the cat will start to beat it with its paw and hunt. An alternative to a homemade box can be a toy in which the manufacturer has made holes with balls inside.
3. Balls
The selection of cat balls is huge! The main thing is to find the kind that our pet will like. We can choose among others catnip balls, rubber balls, styrofoam balls or balls that make creaking sounds. A ball rolled under a chair will stimulate the cat's senses and ensure a successful hunt. To generate more interest, we can choose a bowl that we fill with goodies.
4. Paper balls, nuts
If you don't have the right ball on hand, see if your cat enjoys chasing an ordinary paper ball, or even better, a rustling paper ball! In his eyes, even an ordinary nut, skillfully thrown, can turn into a victim that can be tracked down. When playing with a cat, make sure that he does not swallow any of the elements.
5. Clockwork mice
Toys that we can control or wind up bring a lot of madness and fun. Such a mouse is interesting in that its movements are not too predictable and it effectively "runs away" from the cat's paws. It is best to choose a model that changes direction when it encounters an obstacle and stops when touched.
6. Track playback
It is a kind of interactive toys for cats. They usually take the form of a plastic tunnel with balls that glow when tapped on them with a paw. They stimulate the hunting instinct and keep the pet occupied even in our absence.
7. Pool with toys
A small pool adapted to the size of the cat, fill it with water and throw floating toys into it. Its bottom is made of a reflective material that enhances the lighting effects. It happens that at first the cat only glances incredulously at the pool, treating it as a larger bowl, from which you can graciously drink water from time to time. However, when he gets used to the toy, wild pranks on catching fish from the lake will begin. There is nothing better than a cat aquarium!
8. Cardboard
Is there a cat that can resist the addictive magic hidden in a cardboard box? All you have to do is cut holes in it and put it in a safe place. This is the perfect vantage point where your cat can hide and make mysterious plans without being noticed!
Playing with your cat gives her the movement she needs to stay healthy, help avoid frustration, relieve stress and emotions, and strengthen the bond between cat and handler. What is your cat's favorite toy?
