Tips for Playing With Your Cat

Is your kitty frisky and playful? Or do you have a furry couch potato on your hands? Your answer may very well depend in part on how old your pet is. Baby cats are super frisky, but our feline pals tend to slow down as they age. However, Fluffy never entirely grows up: even senior cats have moments of playfulness. Actually, playing with your cat is one of the best things you can do for her. A Burlington, ON vet discusses playing with cats in this article.

Fluffy may not really care too much about the benefits of play: she just enjoys it. However, you may be interested to know that playing is good for your furry buddy in several ways. For one thing, playing is a great workout for your feline pal, and will keep her active and healthy. It’s a good way for her to burn off excess energy. It also gives her a healthy outlet for any angst or anxiety she feels. Plus, it’s great for her mind! Last but not least, playing is a great way for you to spend time with your pet, and make her feel loved.

Our feline friends are formidable hunters in the wild, so jumping, scratching, and biting are all natural habits to them. It can be tempting (and entertaining) to wiggle your fingers or toes for Fluffy to pounce on, but this really isn’t a good idea. You don’t want your kitty thinking of you as a giant cat toy! If your furball attacks you playfully, tell her ‘No’ in a firm voice, and then ignore her for a while.

Cats all have their own preferences for toys. Some like laser pointers, others favor wand toys, and some prefer catnip mice. (There are also kitties who just want to bat bottlecaps around, but that’s another topic.) Your pet may also enjoy modern toys, like remote-controlled mice or robotic snakes. Pay attention to Fluffy’s choices. Get some things you can use to play with your cat, such as wand toys, as well as some that she can play with by herself when you’re away. Change your furry pal’s toys out regularly to keep things fun for her.

Please feel free to to contact us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!