Is your feline companion really frisky? One of the many reasons Fluffy is such a great pet is her playful nature. As it turns out, making time to play with your pet on a regular basis is one of the nicest things you can do for her! A local Northwest Arkansas vet explains why in the story below.
Why Is It Important to Play with Your Cat?
Playing benefits Fluffy for a variety of reasons. For starters, it helps her stay active. It also offers cerebral stimulation and enjoyment. Both of these are critical for your feline companion’s health and well-being. Cats can become agitated and unhappy if they are bored! This can lead to behavioral problems and/or physical concerns, such as excessive grooming or undereating.
Unleash Fluffy’s Inner Tigress: Another benefit of playing is that it allows your cat to express her inner lioness. Cats are hunters by nature. In the wild, they would rely on their hunting abilities to survive. Fluffy has a profound innate desire to ‘purrfect’ her pouncing, scratching, and biting abilities. Play allows your feline buddy to indulge in her violent tendencies.
Bonding: Playing is also ideal for bonding. When you make an effort to hold that wand toy or laser pointer for your cat, she will recognize that you are trying to do something for her. That will definitely get you some purrs!
Fun: Fluffy enjoys playing for a variety of reasons, including those described above. It gives enjoyment and enrichment, both of which are essential for our happiness and well-being. This will also make your feline friend feel cherished. That’s very crucial!
It’s Good For You, Too: These play sessions may also assist you. Interacting with Fluffy can help to lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety. It also helps us giggle, which is obviously good for our mental and emotional wellness. Fluffy’s ridiculous antics are pretty amusing!
Last but not least, playing might help panicky kittens gain confidence. A cautious kitty can benefit greatly from mastering the challenging run/jump/roll/pounce/meow/tail lash combination. Consider this the feline equivalent of a shy child scoring a goal.
How Often Should I Play with My Cat?
We recommend playing with Fluffy every day. This does not have to be time-consuming. Keeping a couple cat toys near your favorite chair or sofa is an easy method to sneak this in. Simply grab them when you’re watching TV or relaxing.
What Shouldn’t I Do When Playing with my Cat?
Playing with your feline friend isn’t difficult, but there are a few rules to follow.
- If you’re using a laser pointer, avoid pointing it directly into your cat’s eyes.
- Avoid playing with dangerous objects. This includes anything small or spiky, ropy or stringy, plastic bags and knots, and so forth. Stick to actual cat toys!
- If you’re using a wand or string toy, put it away after you’re finished. If your pet attempts to use it while you are away, she may become entangled. This might be really dangerous for her!
- Finally, if you have more than one cat, avoid playing favorites. Kitties can be highly jealous of one another.
Ask your Northwest Arkansas vet for more information.
Why Is My Cat Attacking Me?
Our feline friends occasionally want to express their affection by biting or clawing humans. They are also not bashful about utilizing people as cat toys to hone their lioning talents. This can be sweet, but it can also lead to inappropriate behavior.
It’s critical to understand the distinction between lighthearted and angry attacks. If Fluffy is only playing, she will most likely bite softly. She may also pause her attack to lick you or simply play foolish. Angry cats may hiss or growl, but they will not hold back. (Note: Fluffy reserves the right to flip from one to the other at any time, with little or no provocation or notice.)
If your kitty companion starts assaulting, quickly tell her ‘No’ or ‘Be polite.’ Then walk away, ignoring her. This should get the point across. If your cat continues to misbehave or exhibits aggressive behavior, consult your Northwest Arkansas veterinarian.
When Should I Stop Playing with My Cat?
That’s all up to you and your feline companion. Actually, it is probably up to your kitty. When Fluffy decides she’s had enough, she will stop playing and go away.
This is one of the many contrasts between cats and dogs. Fido will go to extreme lengths to impress his owners. Fluffy, on the other hand, will not even push herself till she is somewhat weary.
What Types of Toys Do Cats Like?
Depends on the cat! Some kitties enjoy pursuing the elusive red dot with the laser pointer. Others like batting at small balls. Try different things and discover what your pet enjoys. If you have more than one kitten, provide a variety; your adorable pets may have different preferences.
Contact Our Northwest Arkansas Animal Hospital
Do you have any queries or concerns regarding your cat’s health or care? Please contact us, your Northwest Arkansas animal clinic, today. We are here to help!
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