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 We all love playing with our cats but there
are some do’s and don’ts to be aware of that
will help make playtime more fun for your
cat, safer for you, and will strengthen the
bond you share.
DO engage in interactive
playtime with your cat at least twice a day.
This can be a wonderful help when dealing
with a bored or lonely cat.
DON’T frustrate your cat by
never allowing him to successfully capture
the toy periodically throughout the game.
DO use a fishing pole-type
toy during interactive play so you can move
the toy like prey to get your cat
interested. It also keeps a safe distance
between your fingers and your cat’s teeth.
DON’T use your fingers to
entice your cat to play. It sends a mixed
signal saying that it’s okay to bite skin.
DO play sessions before
meals to simulate a more true-to-life
schedule for your cat. In the wild, a cat
would have to engage in a hunt before
eating.
DON’T tax your cat’s
physical/medical condition. Customize the
game to his level of ability.
DO alternate the toy’s
movements between fast and slow to allow
your cat to capture it. Hide the toy behind
a box or piece of furniture and have it peek
out. It’s during this time of non-movement
that the cat will be able to inch up to it
the way he would during an actual hunt.
DON’T leave fishing pole toys
out in-between play sessions because the cat
may chew on the strings.
DO leave safe toys hidden
around the house for your cat to discover
for solo play, such as fuzzy mice.
DON’T tease your cat by poking
the toy at him. A cat’s prey-drive is
triggered by movements going away from or
across his field of vision.
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