Cat Play

Other than sleeping and eating, play is a major part of my cat’s life. Since cats are true carnivores, their games center on hunting. Rabbit, Bird, Fish, and Mouse are the four major games that cats play, and their mothers teach them these skills as kittens. Cat's can play with a human companion, another cat or group of cats, or another species of animal altogether. Some cats have the ability to amuse themselves alone, but cat's aren't as creative as most young humans. This is why they usually require a basket of toys. Toys and moving objects are great for cats and most of them relate to the four major games cats play.

Playing with my cats strengthens our bond, helps disperse their aggression, reduces whatever fears they have, builds trust and confidence and corrects any inappropriate biting and scratching. By setting aside playtime with Boe and Pozzy, I provide them with the necessary exercise for their mind and body. Let me briefly touch on the four basic types of play my Boe and Pozzy indulges in everyday.

The Bird Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy would leap through the air and swat on a particular toy. This is done for the purpose of capturing the elusive pretend bird. Most cats are able to leap five times their height from a standing position. Whenever I watch Boe and Pozzy play in this manner, it's a little like watching a cat ballet.


The Rabbit Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy grabs an object, wrestles it to the ground clasping with the front paws and kicking with the hind legs(Boe's picture above illustrates this even more, see her grab the scratching post and kick it with her hind legs). This is how any cat for that matter would attack a prey of similar size in the wild (and in the case of domesticated cats in the home including the owners foot).


The Mouse Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy would execute a finely executed pounce. This starts with pawing, stalking, biting, and capturing the object playing the part of the mouse. Sometimes it will look like the they are treading backwards when suddenly they would springs forward on the imagined object. This could be a squeeze toy, a furry mouse, or in the case of some owners, their big toe!


The Fish Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy makes a scooping motion that imitates little hands pulling up a fish. This is often done with one paw reaching into the perceived prey. See Pozzy reach in with her paw, trying to pull out the ever illusive green ball.

Cat owners should really spend more quality time with their kitties. Personally I find a deep sense of fulfilment each and everytime I play with my cats. The laughter I derive from each activity wipes the daily blues instantly. I don't need coffee or chocolates to give me that "high". Seeing them enjoy playtime with me is more than enough to give me that happy feeling.

Here's to a constant playtime for you and your cats in the coming days!