It's not just kittens that need toys. Giving adult cats opportunities to play
helps them express their normal hunting behaviour, provides mental stimulation,
physical exercise and is a great way for an owner to bond with their cat. Cats are
attracted to toys that make high-pitched noises and the hunting instinct is
triggered by toys that move like their prey, like fishing rod toys with feathers,
quality catnip toys or self-directed play toys like ping-pong balls or toy
mice. The infamous laser pen is not a great cat toy. While it looks like a cat
is having fun, being unable to ever catch their prey can cause a great deal of
frustration. Equally, if a young cat learns that pouncing on fingers and toes
is a way to interact with humans, this inappropriate play behaviour may be
directed towards owners as an adult cat. Some tips to promote healthy play
include: replicating prey behaviour by moving toys such as fishing rods with
feathers away from your cat. You should rotate toys to maintain interest. There
are a number of great toys on the market such as climbing towers or activity
centres. You can even make some yourself by cutting holes into a cardboard box or
using a ball of scrunched up tin foil. Short games of a few minutes at a time
frequently throughout the day are best to mimic the cat's natural hunting
activity. Elderly cats will also enjoy playing, but the type of play may need to
be adapted to suit their needs and level of mobility. Most importantly, always
allow your cat to catch their prey as part of the game. This releases
endorphins, making the game an altogether satisfying experience and more appealing
for next time. Cats should not be left alone with toys
that they can shred, eat or become entangled in, so keep things safe by tidying away
after you play.