Playtime (Monthly Cat Care Article)

Disclaimer: the staff writers here are not vets nor are they qualified to give medical advice. This article’s purpose is strictly to share stories/information and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Please take your cat to the vet if you suspect anything might be wrong with them. Your vet will know best what to do in your specific situation.

Cats, just like all of us, benefit from regular playtime. Not only does playtime keep your cat physically fit (the exercise will promote them to build muscle and improve their circulation), it will also provide them mental stimulation, keep them from getting bored, and give them a chance to bond with you over fun activities. Exercise is an important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy.

Cats enjoy playing games that involve utilizing and satisfying their natural instincts to stalk, hunt, and kill prey. They also typically play in short bursts — your cat might play vigorously for 10-15 minutes, “kill” its toy, and then grow tired or bored. It’s recommended to repeat this playtime once or twice a day to keep your cat entertained and well-exercised.

Common toys that cats enjoy include: small toys that resemble prey, such as catnip-stuffed mice or birds, feather wands, and tinkle balls. You can find a wide range of cat toys for sale in most stores. Cats don’t necessarily need special-made kitty toys to have fun, though–many cats also enjoy playing with crinkly paper or toilet paper tubes, which can be found regularly around the house.

It’s important to remember to always supervise your cat when they’re playing, just to make sure they are staying safe. It’s also important to not allow your cat to play with sharp objects that could injure them, as well as items that they could swallow, such as ribbons and rubber bands. Vets also recommend that cats stay away from playing with string and yarn, especially if they are unsupervised. Although these are popular cat toys, they can cause serious internal harm if eaten, and your cat could also get themselves tied up or otherwise entangled in the yarn in dangerous ways. Again, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat while they’re playing. Plus, who wouldn’t want to join in the fun? Playing regularly is good for both you and your feline friend. Stay safe and have fun!