When it comes to the health of cats, many owners focus on the quality of cat food. However, exercise should not be overlooked, as it is a necessary factor for the health of all animals, contributing to the well-being and health of cats. One of the best ways to help your cat exercise is to play with them.
Play is a vital part of a cat's life. Dr. Carol Osborne of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic in Ohio explains, 'Constructive playtime is a very necessary exercise for cats.'
Researchers claim that an hour of play with the owner can extend a cat's healthy life by four hours. A 1:4 return on investment is very worthwhile.
Playing with cats also often improves the mental health of both cats and humans, reducing anxiety and destructive behavior. 'Cats, like children, need to play,' adds Dr. Taylor Truitt of the Brooklyn Veterinary Station in New York. 'It helps them break the monotony and also helps to establish bonds between family members and other cats in the home. Play stimulates a cat's brain and also helps with physical exercise. Obesity in cats is a common epidemic among pets, and as we know, exercise helps humans lose weight, and the same is true for overweight pets.'
These are all sufficient reasons to spend time playing with your cat, but there's one more very important reason. Play is a part of the biology of feline animals. Games simulate the instinct of cats to track prey, which helps them maintain mental health and stimulation. Without proper mental and physical enrichment, play, stimulation, socialization, exercise, and training, cats and any animals will develop and exhibit maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms, which are problematic for both the owner and the cat.
In layman's terms, if cats are not played with for a long time, they feel life is boring and start to cause trouble. Cat owners can find their cat's favorite games through observation, play with them regularly every day, and integrate the cat into the family. Understanding what excites and satisfies your cat, and what brings them joy, fun, and fulfillment, is a wonderful experience for both the owner and the cat. Getting to know each other and teaching your cat to participate in play and entertainment is one of the joys of being a pet owner.
However, like anything else, moderation is key. Don't let your cat play to the point of exhaustion or show signs of fatigue, such as panting. Generally, if a cat suddenly walks away while playing, becomes excited, angry, stressed, too tense, or too stimulated, it's time to stop playing.
Also, several shorter play sessions are often more suitable for many domestic cats than one long play session. Dr. Carol Osborne recommends four 10-minute exercise sessions per day as a reasonable guideline. But every cat is unique and requires different levels of exercise.
What are the best cat toys? It depends on the individual cat. If an owner takes out a box or paper bag, some cats will entertain themselves. Cats may also enjoy playing with a pile of shredded paper, or the plastic cap of a water bottle. Many cats like cat trees, which provide a range of built-in activities such as jumping up and down, scratching, and hiding. Experts also recommend interactive cat toys like feather sticks or fishing poles, which are great for entertaining cats.
Lastly, it's best to play with your cat at a fixed time each day. As most cat owners know, cats like routine, so consider playing games with them before meals.
