Interactive play time is a very powerful tool to build a strong bond with your cat. It is great for trust-building, exercise, release of energy, avoid cat boredom and depression. A cat who receives a daily dose of play time is a happier cat. Don't overlook the importance of activity, it can avoid many behavior issues.
A key ingredient in interactive activity with your cat is YOU. You may have a variety of cat toys in your apartment but they are dead toys without you. The concept behind any cat toy is to allow your cat to act like the hunter she was born to be. When you move a fishing pole type toy as a prey, the target at the end of the string will slide, dart, creep around the room, waking your cat's hunting instinct.
How you move the toy is important. Don't move it too fast or right in front of her face. That's not how felines hunt in the wild. They stalk their preys. Move the toy slowly across her visual filed. Cats cannot run for long periods of time, you should make her run but allow her time to catch her breath. You should always let her catch her prey at least once per session. The game needs to be fun for the cat, not a frustrating experience. End the game slowling down the speed of the toy and letting her play with the "dead" prey for a minute.
You should have a play session every day. It doesn't need to be long, once or twice a day for 15 minutes will do. The benefits are much greater than the time you invest. Your cat will be a healtheir/happier feline. Those sessions develop her confidence, increase trust and relieve stress.
In between games, you should always store interactive toys. Do not leave them out. You want it to be special and most imporant, you don't want your cat to chew on worn out parts that could be dangerous if swallowed. There are some "solo" toys your cat might enjoy on his own (mice, puzzle feeders, those that are safe when you're not around).
A key ingredient in interactive activity with your cat is YOU. You may have a variety of cat toys in your apartment but they are dead toys without you. The concept behind any cat toy is to allow your cat to act like the hunter she was born to be. When you move a fishing pole type toy as a prey, the target at the end of the string will slide, dart, creep around the room, waking your cat's hunting instinct.
How you move the toy is important. Don't move it too fast or right in front of her face. That's not how felines hunt in the wild. They stalk their preys. Move the toy slowly across her visual filed. Cats cannot run for long periods of time, you should make her run but allow her time to catch her breath. You should always let her catch her prey at least once per session. The game needs to be fun for the cat, not a frustrating experience. End the game slowling down the speed of the toy and letting her play with the "dead" prey for a minute.
You should have a play session every day. It doesn't need to be long, once or twice a day for 15 minutes will do. The benefits are much greater than the time you invest. Your cat will be a healtheir/happier feline. Those sessions develop her confidence, increase trust and relieve stress.
In between games, you should always store interactive toys. Do not leave them out. You want it to be special and most imporant, you don't want your cat to chew on worn out parts that could be dangerous if swallowed. There are some "solo" toys your cat might enjoy on his own (mice, puzzle feeders, those that are safe when you're not around).
Cats are low maintenance pets but neglecting playtime and attention to your cat can result in obesity and other behavior or health issues.
Kitty in NY provides loving caregivers for your cat while you're away. They will play with your cat and make sure she gets the activity she needs. Our cat sitting visits are perfect for short term or very shy cats who wouldn't adjust to a temporary home. An in-home boarding service is recommended for mid/long term services. Contact us to book your next cat boarding service.
Kitty in NY provides loving caregivers for your cat while you're away. They will play with your cat and make sure she gets the activity she needs. Our cat sitting visits are perfect for short term or very shy cats who wouldn't adjust to a temporary home. An in-home boarding service is recommended for mid/long term services. Contact us to book your next cat boarding service.
RSS Feed
