Games to Play With Your Cat
Cats love to play. Cats are natural hunters, and their favorite games often mirror their hunting instincts. So, let's unleash the feline fun! Here are some fun games to play with your cat.
Hiding Games
cats are excellent hunters and will hide for long periods of time under bushes to wait for the perfect moment to pounce. Often with pet cats, it’s your ankles that suffer as they leap out from under beds!
Level up their game by giving your cat some new places to hide. Cats love exploring enclosed spaces, so these can serve as hiding spots and fun passageways. Use cardboard boxes or tubes, cat pods or create a blanket fort using some furniture. Add some treats to encourage your cat to explore these new spaces. if you see a tail poking out, throw a toy before you walk past. This may save your feet and ankles from an unwanted “attack”.
Stalking Games
Tap into your cat's predatory instincts, by simulating prey.
Get ready to tap into your cat's inner predator! Mimic the thrill of outdoor bird-catching with a cat wand – a stick with feathers or a small toy dangling at the end. Wiggle it around, and watch your kitty turn into a stealthy stalker.
No wand? No problem! A piece of string dragged across the floor works like a charm, letting your cat hone those stalking skills. Fast, irregular movements to simulate prey and will entice your cat to stalk and "catch" the string.
Pouncing Games
Cats can't resist the urge to pounce, and you can turn everyday items into 'prey.' Grab a ball or crumple up some paper – anything that rolls or bounces. Toss it past your furry friend, and watch the epic pounce-and-capture show unfold. Movement is the magic word for keeping those whiskers twitching!
"Killing" Games
These games help to satisfy your cat's needs to hunt and capture prey while offering mental and physical stimulation. It allows cats to express their innate behaviours safely and can be particularly helpful enrichment for indoor cats. Look for prey-like toys with feathers, scrunchy material or fur.
Remember, playtime is all about joy and bonding, but a little supervision goes a long way. Keep an eye on your fur baby, especially when introducing new toys, to avoid any unexpected kitty acrobatics.