What Do Cats Want To Play With?

Kittens and cats need to play, so it's important to provide an appropriate place to play by playing interactive games or providing suitable toys. Playing regularly with your cat can teach you about your cat's personality and strengthen the bond and trust between you.

Play helps your kitten’s physical development and coordination. By playing with their siblings, they can also improve and refine their social and communication skills. As kittens age, their play patterns also change, and by 14 weeks of age, their play is focused on objects, which they stalk, pounce on, hit, grab, and bite. These are the skills they need for hunting. Play provides an outlet for your cat's predatory instincts and can also relieve boredom, prevent behavioral problems, and provide exercise, which can reduce weight gain and future health problems. This is especially important for cats who don’t have access to the outdoors.

What do cats like to play with?

Cats love movement, so a toy needs to be one that can move in a fast and unpredictable manner, like a mouse or bird. Toys that reflect light or change in some way are particularly attractive. Cats also like toys with different textures that are about the same size as their natural prey, such as mice. Many cats enjoy squeaky toys, but some cats are frightened by them, so introduce them carefully.

Cats can get bored of the same toys, so be sure to change them every few days to keep your cat's interest.

interactive game

Different cats will enjoy different types of play, but don't engage in rough-and-tumble play or tease your cat by moving your fingers or feet under duvets and rugs. Both are great games, but both encourage your cat to grab and bite you.

Several short sessions a day are better than one long session because this mimics your cat's normal activity patterns.

Fishing rod toys

Don't hold these toys too high to avoid encouraging your cat to jump. Give your cat time to "catch" the fabric creature with its paws and bite it, otherwise your cat may become frustrated or lose interest. Be sure to clean up such toys after playing with them, as your cat may get tangled in the string or tear off small pieces of fabric and swallow them.

the climb

Cats love to climb, and layered scratching posts are ideal for this purpose. This type of design can help your cat feel safe because it provides a place to hide and a high shelf from which to observe the world around it.

food games

Cats don't have to hunt for food, but you can add some excitement and activity to feeding time by using food balls. This is a ball a little larger than a tennis ball that can hold dry cat food inside. When the cat pushes and hits the ball with its paws, pieces of food fall out. Placing tuna or cat treats in scrunched up paper can also be fun for your cat.

ball

Make the balls more fun by pulling them with a string or throwing them up the stairs so they bounce back. See if your cat can catch the balls before they reach the bottom.

scratch

Cats love to scratch and stretch and need to exercise their claws and keep them in good shape. Make sure to provide a scratching post (the higher the better).

hide

Cats love to hide in and out of boxes and kitten tents. These can also be used when your cat needs some privacy. Encourage your cat to enter these areas with toys and food.

train

Training your cat to do tricks can be fun for both of you, and it keeps your cat's mind active. Keep training easy and fun – never force your cat to do anything.