Tips For Playing With Your Cat

Kitties are known for being playful and frisky. Fluffy is hilarious to watch when she gets the zoomies! Playing isn’t just fun for your feline friend, though: it’s great for her, both mentally and physically. As it turns out, regular play sessions are a purrfect way to keep your pet happy and healthy. Read on as a local Pickerington, OH vet offers some tips on playing with your cat.

Choose Toys You Control

While it is important for cats to have some things they can play with by themselves, for these play sessions you’ll want to use toys you can control. This will make playtime more fun and more challenging for Fluffy. Laser pointers, wand toys, and remote-controlled toys are all good options.

Make It Routine

Our feline pals really thrive when they are on a set schedule. Try to make kitty playtime part of your daily routine. If you like to relax by watching TV, keep cat toys near your favorite chair.

Don’t Play Favorites

Do you have more than one cat? Dual play sessions may be very helpful in forging a bond between Fluffy and Floofy. That’s because they will begin to associate good things with each other’s presence. Just be sure to show all of your furballs equal attention. Otherwise, you may find yourself with some jealous kitties on your hands!

Let Fluffy Win

Just like humans, cats can be timid and anxious. Letting Fluffy ‘catch’ her target sometimes will help her gain confidence, just like scoring a goal can help a child build their self-esteem. Plus, your furry friend may get discouraged if she never ‘wins.’

Stay Safe

Never underestimate Fluffy’s ability to get into mischief! Keep playtime safe by playing on the floor or carpet. Also, stick to safe, suitable toys. If you use wand toys, put them away when you are done. You don’t want your feline buddy getting tangled up!

Discourage Rough Play

We know, it’s cute when kittens try to ‘attack’ your hands or feet. However, this is bad petiquette, and can become quite problematic down the road. If Fluffy bites or scratches you, tell her ‘No’ or ‘Bad Kitty’ in a stern tone. Then, walk away and ignore her for a while. Please reach out to us, your Pickerington, OH vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!