Tips for Playing With Your Cat

Is your feline friend still frisky or playful? Or has Fluffy become a couch potato who only occasionally takes a half-hearted swipe at a catnip mouse? Regardless of which category your pet falls into, playing will be beneficial for her, both mentally and physically. It will also strengthen that special bond between you, by making her feel loved. (Plus, it’s really cute to watch.) Read on as a local Shawnee, KS vet offers some tips on playing with Fluffy.

Make It Routine

Kitties are very much creatures of habit. Fluffy follows a fairly steady schedule for her daily naps, sunbathing sessions, meals, meditations, and beauty rituals. Try to play with your feline buddy every day, at roughly the same time. After dinner is a good time. Your playful pet may very well hop into your lap afterwards, for cuddles, ear scritches, and, of course, a nap.

Don’t Encourage Rough Play

Cats are full of interesting quirks. One of the most curious ones is the fact that they like to bite and scratch us for fun, or even out of affection. Nip this bad habit in the bud! This can be cute in kittens, but it’s quite dangerous in adult felines. If your frisky furball tries to pounce on you, tell her ‘No’ in a firm tone. You can also squirt her with water or blow in her face. Then, walk away and ignore Fluffy for a while. She’ll get the hint eventually!

Use Toys You Control

Playing will be more fun and more challenging for Fluffy if she has a worthy ‘adversary.’ Catnip mice are fine, but they don’t offer much of a contest. Instead, use toys that you can control. Laser pointers, wand toys, and remote-controlled playthings are all great. Fluffy won’t be able to easily guess what her prey will do next, so she’ll be engaged and interested. She’ll also know that you took time to entertain her, which will definitely score you some points.

Let Fluffy Win

Kitties are very emotional little furballs. Just like people, they can sometimes suffer from poor self-esteem. Make sure to let your furry pal ‘win’ sometimes. If Fluffy never catches her prey, she may get depressed and/or lose interest in playing.

Please reach out to us, your local Shawnee, KS vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We’re always here to help!

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