Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable.
Without it, life just doesn’t taste good. – Lucia Capocchione
Cats need to play to thrive. This is especially important for indoor cats. Playing allows them to indulge their natural instinct to hunt. Feline play mimics stalking and chasing prey in the wild, and toys that will encourage this are the best kinds of toys.
Play is important for humans, too. The National Institute of Play (who knew there was such a thing!) believes that play can dramatically transform our personal health, our relationships, the education we provide our children and the capacity of our corporations to innovate. Play is a vital ingredient for a happy life.
What better way to get play into your life than playing with your cat? Even just one 15 minute play session a day will keep your cat happy and healthy. Interactive toys are a great way for both of you to get in on the fun. Toys such as the Da Bird feather teaser or any number of fishing pole type toys can provide hours of fun for you and for kitty. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it also increases the bond between the two of you.
Odin doesn’t have to be told that he should be playing more – the only decision he has to make is which toy to pick out of the basket.
Do you make time for play – for yourself, and your cat? What is your cat’s favorite game?
You may also enjoy reading:
Keeping your single cat happy
Safe toys for your cat
How to keep your indoor cat happy
With twelve cats, playing with all of them at once can turn into a free for all. So I usually wait until there are only two or three around and take out a thick piece of rope get them running after it. Even the oldest ones (15 and 13) come out of their usually drowsy state to play. One of my cats knows where I keep the piece of rope and if I go near that drawer, he comes over hoping it’s play time again. I used to have a cat that would open the drawer where the toys were kept the minute your back was turned! Love playing with them 🙂
Isn’t playing with cats the best, Ann? I love that your two oldest ones still get in on the fun.
We’re big on Nekos flies too but Odin loves anything that moves!
Ruby is the same way. Allegra is much more discerning – just because I throw a toy doesn’t mean she’s going to go after it.
My Horde loves to play, even the oldsters! Our usual times are late afternoon when I get home from work, and again around 7 PM. And of course, there’s the evening crazies and the 3 AM run around like your pants are on fire; but I don’t participate in those!
I love it when old kitties still play – and I don’t blame you for opting out of the 3am crazies!
Bugsy and Knuckles agree completely with your premise that cats need to play… ALL THE TIME…
have a great day.
pawhugs, Max
Looks like play is the theme for the day, Max! I just tried to leave a comment on your blog, but Blogger seems to be having issue today. I love the photo of Bugsy and Knuckles sleeping with their toys.
I couldn’t agree more! I often feel guilty because I feel I don’t play with Cody as much as I used to with Bobo. Bobo was an “only” cat so it was much easier. Since we have Dakota as well the vet even said that Cody gets more “stimulation” because the two of them interact. I try to play with Cody at least once a day but I have to confess that sometimes doesn’t happen. I DO pet him EVERY DAY for extended periods though.
Cody’s favorite toy is the Neko Fly. He is insane for it and knows what drawer I keep it in. If I say “do you want to play with TOY?” he knows what I mean and meows and heads straight for the drawer!
I am a firm believer in play for humans as well. One of my all time favorite movies is “Peter Pan”. Those that know me well know that I have a quirky, avant garde (misspelled I know!) type of personality. I am ALWAYS laughing (heartily at that lol) I also LOVE to make others laugh. I think that play helps keep us young…isn’t a “smile” the best use of muscles for the face or something like that? Play keeps things interesting!
“National Institute Of Play” hmmm…wonder if they are hiring!
Sorry for the lengthy response but I loved this!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Caren. Allegra and Ruby love the Neko Flies, too – look for their review here soon!