Games 

After a brief introduction of some toys available for cats to play alone or with us, let us have a look at the games that we can play with cats, with or without toys.

Game lovers natural love to play games, and playing with cats may be as natural as playing with other humans, but sometimes it may require some art of interactions. Needless to say, interactive play with cats is fun, and it gives cats of all ages the opportunity to do exercise. More importantly, it strengthens the bond between cats and us. Perhaps this is the greatest joy for us, as well as for the cats’ well-being.

Kittens and Adult Cats

Unlike old cats or even some adult cats, kittens like to play with anything. The only thing we need to take heed is to keep dangerous items from them, such as string, plastic bags, and small items that can be swallowed, especially when we are not supervising them. Kittens may be the best playmates with other kittens, and they may not be ready to fully recognize us, and sometimes they may confuse our hands as their toys.

Of course, we need to let them learn that our hands are not toys. We may find it all right when the little cute kittens play with us with their little legs, but be careful when they are used to this while they grow up, their fully developed teeth and claws would hurt.

Games that Cater Cats’ Nature

If we remember that cats are by nature hunting animals, then we would bear in mind that interactive play between cats and us would be most enjoyable and exciting if the play involves their hunting skills, such as seeking the enemy target, hiding something valuable, pouncing on preys, and enjoying victory. These are the basic rewards that would satisfy their nature.

Other rewards that would satisfy their needs including healthy weight maintenance (which is obvious), positive way for the cats to release negative energy or aggression (for example, when they are frightened), ease anxiety and gain confidence. The latter rewards are especially valuable for the sick cats that are recovering, shy cats, cats that are in a newly moved to a new house, and adopted cats. Of course, extra care should be taken in playing with newly adopted cats. Find out more in “Why is a Cat Hiding?“, and “How to encourage a cat from hiding?“.

Principles of Gaming with Cats

Avoid Boredom by Hiding – There are some tricks we can play with cats, using the toys or ready household items we mentioned in “The Conditions and Regularity of Cat Physical Exercise“, such as wads of paper, straws, plastic rings from beverage containers, and Toys, such as wands, balls with bells, mice, catnip things. As a standby mode, it is a good practice if we can put the toys in rotating array as in human baby’s bed in order for us to pick them up readily whenever we need them.

In other words, keep the habit of putting toys away from cats after playtime. To some cat lovers’ surprise, they may think it is good to leave some toys around the rooms so that cats can play with them whenever they want. On the contrary, cats would treasure the toys more if the toys are not visible in front of them all the time. The principle is similar to the case of feeding food. See “How to help a cat which won’t eat?“ for details.

Besides, cats treasure regularity, sometimes not only in meals, but also in leisure. Cats may get bored and even lazy if the toys are around them all the time. They would lack the motivation to seek them and play with them. Ironically, we may find it understandable if we apply this principle to us: in general, we tend to treasure something more when it is not often around us as we “wish”.

Arousing Curiosity – Another important trick with cats’ games is to arouse cats’ curiosity and their sense of predators. We can hold some little toys, such as a mouse or a bird (Da Bird), and pretend that the toys are frightened little critter, fearing cats’ chasing and running away from the fierce cats. We can do so by retreating from the cats and hiding the toy around a corner, under a rug or something similar.

When doing this trick, try to move it more subtly rather than overdo it. It will be good if we can vary the speed and direction of the toy to make the “frightened” action more real to the cats. If we have cats’ boxes and tunnels (self-made or ready-made in cats’ condos, see “Should or should not declaw your cat? Alternatives to declawing” for more details), the cat-“mouse” chase game could be more interesting!

However, we need to keep one thing in mind in the gaming process. We need to try to let the cats set the pace, instead of forcing them to the game. We draw their attention to a game, but we act as if they are the boss to run the game. At the beginning of the game, we may need to try different approaches to engage the cats. It requires a little creativity from us. But do not worry, after some time of interaction, we will get used to the cats’ style of playing once we start to catch the cats’ expression when they are ready to play.

Let the Cats Win – This is similar to the games with kids. Avoid making the games too easy for the cats. Let the cats enjoy the process of pursuit or chase. Once they have the chance for a big pounce, let them win; let them hit the target and enjoy the moment of victory. This kind of interaction will strengthen the relationship between cats and us, and/or ease stress on them (and even on us as well. We never know!)

As mentioned, cats enjoy regular play sessions with us. We hide the toys after the playtime, and make their toys come to life again regularly. In the case of multiple cats in the house, a play session like this with us as the game starter would help the cats get along more easily.

Praise and Treats – Cats feel good winning the game, but it is not enough. What adds to their joy (and ours) is the praise and treats from us at the end of the game. How to determine when is the best ending time of the game? A useful reference is 10 to 15 minutes after the game starts and the cats win the game. Another useful reference is that the cats start to slow down and do not seem to be as engaging as the previous moment after we have tried for a few minutes to engage them to the game.