Playtime for the Cool Cats

This is Dolce

My hubby and I always joke about how, in our next life, we’d like to come back as cats. Just imagine; you get to sleep most of the day, play when you want, have your humans fawn over you (while you mostly ignore them) and calmly and leisurely watch the world go by. Bliss.

My two kitty boys are 12 years old this year (although really, they don’t look a day over 1 year #LOL). I love them to absolute bits and truly believe they are the MOST handsome kitties I’ve ever laid eyes on. While they’re brothers (and are very close), each one has a very different temperament and build.

This is Gabbana

Dolce (all white with a black spot on his ear) LOVES his food and is “cough” the heavier & lazier of the two – he is also a LOT more friendly and loving towards humans. Gabbana, on the other hand, has a far silkier coat and his frame is much smaller than his brother (he’s the skinny one). He only likes his humans, and has no time for anyone else (our new puppy included). He can be downright rude to strangers – often clawing them if they even attempt attempt to pat him.

Because of their age (they’re seniors), they like nothing more than to chill, which makes me wonder if they get enough exercise. Most times, either late afternoon or early evening, I catch glimpses of them running with lightning speed across my garden, only to reappear in our tree outside my bedroom window calmly grooming themselves or teasing our 5 month old German Shepherd (who literally wails, while watching them in the tree) who just can’t understand why she can’t get up there.

I love playing with my cats too, and have a few toys – the favourites being a squeaky mouse and a bright green feather attached to a rod.

Mr Mouse #FavouriteToy

What many pet parents don’t know (and I was interested to learn this) is that when it comes to cats, play isn’t just about fun and games. According to a press release I recently received from Hill’s, for cats in the wild, the act of play is a serious business that helps kittens learn important survival skills like stalking, chasing and trapping prey. Even if your cat never ventures outside your home, this basic instinct to hunt can remain strong – which is why it’s important to give your cats the opportunity to express this natural behaviour through play.

Kittens and adult cats are both stimulated by the same sort of games, though kittens don’t require a great deal of encouragement to get started.

Below are some important tips from Dr. Guy Fyvie, Nutritional Advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition on how to play with your cat or kitten to enrich them mentally, physically and strengthen your bond:

The right toys

The first thing you’re going to want to find is a toy your cat enjoys playing with. If you’re trying to stimulate prey hunting behaviour you don’t want to use your hands. Even if your cat is gentle, she might bite if she becomes too excited. You want your cat to associate your hands with petting and feeding, not hunting and killing.

Dolce LOVES this feather toy that’s attached to a rod. He could chase it for hours.

Sound stimulation

Toys that have bells or ‘squeakers’ are especially good as the noise acts as stimulus, especially if your cat is likely to be left on her own.

It’s important to remember to to alternate your cats toys to prevent boredom. Don’t just play with all their toys at the same time as cats are smart and tire of toys quickly. Instead, put out one or two toys at a time and change them regularly. This will make playtime far more interesting for your cat.

Games

A fantastic type of toy for you and your cat to play with is the kind that has A ball, mouse or feather at the end of a string or rod are fantastic toy options for all kitty’s as these simulate moving prey.

Let Them Scratch

Scratch posts and cat trees will entice your cats to climb, which uses their muscles and naturally wears down their claws. Cats love to view the world from above and trees and scratch posts give them a relaxing spot to do just that (while taking a nap).

Favourites

Some cats can become very attached to small stuffed toys (this is true of Dolce) and will meow and howl over a favourite stuffed toy when they’re in the mood for playing with it. There is no conclusive explanation as to why they do this; however, it is all perfectly normal and part of your cat’s funtime.

Dolce and his favourite cuddly toy, Paddington Bear

How often should your cat play?

Two play sessions a day are fantastic (for both you and your cat). If your cat doesn’t feel like it, don’t get discouraged. Keep trying, and soon you’ll work out how and when your cat enjoys playtime. Just like kids, not all cats like the same type of games. Healthy cats that spend a lot of time outdoors will get plenty of exercise by hunting, playing and exploring. Sometimes, if a cat spends too much time indoors, they can put on weight due to a lack of exercise. However, exercising your cat is not difficult – along with helping him or her lose weight; it makes a big difference to your pet’s overall health and happiness.

Hill’s sent me this cat food tin and super cute fish shaped water bowl (which Gabbana has taken to treating like a toy, pushing it around the floor & spilling water!)

Hill’s knows how important the mental and physical enrichment of your cat is, so for the month of May 2018, you’ll get a free cat scratching board with any bag of Hill’s Feline Science Plan, Prescription Diet or Ideal Balance 1.5kg or larger food purchased.