Paws and Play: Unleashing the Joy and Benefits of Playtime for Cats! Posted on August 9, 2024 Play for cats is not just about fun; it’s essential for indoor cats’ physical and mental well-being. It helps them stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. Play also provides mental stimulation, alleviates boredom, and reduces stress and anxiety. It is a great way to keep kitty brains active and alert. While the great outdoors may offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, it also poses numerous risks for cats, including being lost, stolen, impounded, poisoned, getting into fights, picking up diseases and parasites, and being hit by cars. To avoid a CATastrophe it is best to keep your cat home safe. But how can you keep your indoor cat entertained and engaged? The key is to create a stimulating indoor environment that allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours and instincts. Here are some tips on how to include play in your indoor cat’s daily routine: Cat playing with toy Interactive Toys: Toys are important to satisfy the five feline senses – sight, sound, scent, touch and taste. Provide your cat with a variety of interactive toys that mimic prey animals, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders. These toys will keep them engaged and encourage them to play and hunt. Keep your cat’s interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys or hide treats around the house to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated. Cat playing with sock toy *Scratching Posts*: Cats have an instinct to scratch, so be sure to provide them with plenty of scratching posts to keep their claws healthy and satisfy their need to scratch. *Vertical Spaces*: Cats love to climb and explore high places. Install shelves, cat trees, or window perches to give your cat vertical spaces to climb and survey their territory. *Forage play*: Foraging toys offer a form of environmental enrichment by providing an outlet for your cats to hunt and problem solve. These toys create enrichment by providing ‘positive frustration,’ meaning that once the cat solves the puzzle or figures out the game, they are rewarded for their accomplishment. *Playtime with You*: Your cat craves your attention and interaction. Spend quality time playing with them, using toys that encourage physical activity. It helps to create positive associations with home and building trust, it strengthens the bond between you and your cat. Remember, every cat is unique, so it’s essential to observe your cat’s preferences and adjust their playtime activities accordingly. By providing a stimulating environment and incorporating play into their daily routine, you can ensure that your indoor cat leads a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. For more information on the importance of play check out our Keeping Cats Safe at Home resources below! Learn more To find out more ways to keep your cat happy and safe at home visit the https://www.rspcansw.org.au/keeping-cats-safe/ website.
