Want to play with your cat anytime and spend more quality time keeping them happy and active? Here are some fun ideas to engage your feline friend in playtime.
Cats sleep most of the day, so it’s essential to keep them active whenever possible. The first step to ensuring a happy and healthy life for your cat is stimulating their mind. Here are some exciting interactive games that will strengthen your bond and keep your furry friend entertained.
Fetch
You might be surprised to learn that many cats enjoy playing fetch or chasing after a ball you throw. This activity stimulates the part of their brain used for hunting prey. Start by grabbing your cat’s attention—call their name and show them a ball or a favorite toy. Toss the object and watch as your cat eagerly tries to catch it. Call them back and reward them with a treat. Over time, they may even learn to bring the ball back to you.
Food Puzzle Games
Puzzle feeders are a great way to engage your cat, as they tap into their natural instincts to hunt and work for their food. Since food is naturally motivating, solving puzzles to get it is a rewarding challenge for your cat. Start with a simple puzzle filled with treats so your cat doesn’t get frustrated, and gradually introduce more complex ones. You can use treat-dispensing balls or even create your own food puzzle at home.
Catnip Fun
Catnip can encourage positive behavior in your cat and sometimes even reduce anxiety. If your cat needs more exercise, add a sprinkle of catnip to their favorite toys to make playtime more exciting. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, and rubbing against it. Use it occasionally to enhance play, but avoid overdoing it.
Prey Chase
Using a wand toy or a string with a toy attached and mimicking the movements of prey can provide an engaging and interactive game for your cat. This strengthens your bond while improving your cat’s physical health through all the jumps and movements they make while trying to catch their “prey.” This game never gets old for a cat!
Hide and Seek
Playing hide and seek is a fun way to connect with your cat. You can hide behind a couch, table, or bed—this indoor game is a fantastic way to engage them. The goal is for your cat to chase after you playfully, as if you were their prey! Some cats even enjoy hiding and waiting for you to find them. It’s a great way to combine play with excitement and mental stimulation.
Tablet Games
There are plenty of free games available to entertain your cat on your phone or tablet. Your cat will have fun trying to “catch” digital prey, such as fish, mice, or lasers, on the screen. Watch as your furry friend swipes and pounces on virtual targets!
Ping Pong
You and your cat can have a blast with a simple ping pong ball. Toss it against a wall or bounce it on the floor and watch your cat attempt to catch it. With all the jumping and twisting, they’ll look like tiny acrobats or goalkeepers trying to block the ball!
Teach a Trick
Training your cat is a great way to bond and play together. Many cats enjoy training when done with patience and rewards. Start with a simple command like “sit.” Hold a treat in one hand, let your cat sniff it, then close your hand and bring it to your chest while saying “sit.” Repeat this until your cat catches on, rewarding them each time they get it right.
Climbing Toys
Cats love to climb, and a multi-tiered cat tree is perfect for this. It gives them a sense of security with high perches to observe their surroundings. To make climbing more exciting, hide treats on different levels and watch how quickly your cat finds their reward.
Wand Toys
Wand toys are great for active cats and provide endless fun. Simply dangle the wand in front of your cat until you capture their attention. Your furry friend will jump, leap, and pounce to grab it while you move it quickly through the air.
Cats love a variety of games and toys, so rotating them will keep things interesting and prevent boredom. And don’t forget—keeping your cat well-nourished ensures they have the energy to play!