How to Get Your Cat to Play

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: July 30th, 2023

Do you have a lazy cat who isn’t all that interested in playing? Here are some tips on how to entice kitties of all ages to be more active.

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Playtime can help keep your cat active and happy, and can help her maintain a healthy weight. Plus, being able to “hunt” allows your feline to experience the satisfaction that comes with taking down prey, so playing is physically and mentally beneficial. In other words, playtime is important in the daily life of your pet.

Kittens and young cats are eager to play, so it doesn’t take much effort on your part to get them moving. But older cats and seniors might need some encouragement. If you’re noticing that your kitty isn’t up for playing, there are some things you can do to entice her to get active. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Tips for Getting Your Cat to Play

1. Interact with Your Cat

Sure, some toys are safe enough to leave out for your kitty to find and play with, but interacting with your cat and really being engaged in the play session is a wonderful way to bond with your pet, and can also be the ideal way to get her moving.

A toy that’s just lying on the floor may not seem entertaining to your cat, but if you grab a wand toy that has feathers, a stuffed mouse, strings, or other eye-catching elements, you might be surprised by how quickly you get your pet’s attention. Wave the toy around in the air and drag it along the floor to get your cat to chase and jump after the “prey.”

A great example is the KONG Active Feather Teaser Cat Toy, which has a lot of the things that cats love. It features a stuffed animal with feathers on the end of a long string. And it makes a crinkle sound when your kitty grabs it. Plus, it’s filled with catnip, so your feline is sure to be satisfied when she’s able to snatch this out of the air or chase it down on the ground.

2. Mimic a Hunt

Your fluffy little feline is a powerful hunter, and she wants to let that energy out. Playtime is the chance for your cat to feel like she’s tracking and tackling prey. So, if you’re using a wand toy with a mouse or feathers on the end, move it in a manner that mimics the way small mammals and birds move.

For example, a bird will fly through the air and then land on the ground, while a mouse will move slowly and then quickly before stopping. With the right movements, your cat is more likely to lock her attention on the toy and follow it until she’s ready to leap, pounce, and grab, so see what gets her going.

You can also give your cat some food or treats at the end of the play session – just like a feline in the wild would eat their prey – and if your cat begins to associate playtime with treat time, this strategy might make her even more excited to exercise.

3. Offer a Variety of Toys

Giving your cat the same toys to play with all the time might result in her getting bored, so provide variety. Add new toy styles, such as kicker toys, tunnels, and electronic toys, to the mix. You can even rotate the toys you already have by putting some of them away for a while and bringing others out to keep things interesting.

Although many cats go nuts for catnip, some don’t experience the same euphoric effects. If your kitty doesn’t show an interest in catnip, you can try silvervine toys instead, as silvervine is another plant that can cause kitties to feel amazing.

One option is Mad Cat Gnome Sweet Gnome Catnip & Silvervine Cat Toy, 2 count. These feature a blend of silvervine and catnip and they’re soft and plush, so your kitty can play with them on her own or you can toss them around for her to chase down.

Other Things to Consider

Age and play preferences

Different cats will have varying preferences when it comes to playing. If you have more than one kitty, you might find that they don’t like playing with the same toys, or one might like jumping while the other prefers staying on the ground. It might take a bit of time to figure out what each cat’s play style and preferences are, so be patient.

Also, as your furry friend gets older, you may notice changes in the way that she plays. For example, she might prefer a different style of play or she may play for a shorter amount of time. So, you might need to change the routine when playing with a senior cat versus a young cat.

Take your time

Some cats won’t immediately be ready to play as soon as you grab a toy for them. It might take a few minutes before your cat decides that she wants to interact, so even if your cat isn’t interested right away, keep moving the toy to see if she changes her mind.

Remember, if your kitty lounges around all the time, try different types of toys, such as wands with feathers on the end of a string, a laser pointer, catnip toys, etc. to figure out what motivates her.

Approach each cat differently in a multi-cat home

If you have more than one cat and they all love playing together, that’s great! But if you have a shy kitty who doesn’t like playing when your other cats are jumping and running around, create a space where she can play with you on her own. That way, all of your pets will get the attention and exercise they need, and they’ll all be able to have some fun in their own way.

Find the Cause of Your Cat’s Unwillingness to Play

There are several reasons why a cat might not be interested in playing like she used to, and simple changes to the toys or techniques you use might make all the difference. But if you can’t get your kitty to play no matter what you do, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian. Medical issues or stress might be affecting your cat’s behavior and making her avoid activity, and if that’s the case, addressing the underlying issue(s) is imperative.

Even short play sessions every day or multiple times a day can be beneficial to your cat, so keep the tips above in mind if you want to ensure your pet will get the physical activity she needs.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Having long demonstrated its commitment to the feline members of society, a well-known and loved coffee shop in Connecticut has recently taken a big step forward in its mission to foster social justice, inclusion, and reproductive freedom.The Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House in East Haddam, Connecticut, has long stood out. From their bold cobalt blue walls and neon green trim to the 6-ft-tall cats standing over their front door – it’s clear you’re entering a one-of-a-kind establishment.Owner Mark Thiede first opened the café in May 2013. Shortly after choosing the color palette and décor for the property, one of the subcontractors warned him about the image he was creating and recommended reconsidering his color choices, stating that it would discourage people like contractors from visiting the business as they would see it as “a gay house.”Rather than allowing the warning to discourage him, Thiede took the warning and used it to inspire him to make a difference. From that moment on, the café would be a place where everyone is welcome.In addition to creating a place for people to feel safe and accepted, Thiede also set his sights on embracing his love of cats to raise money for pet-related causes within his community.There are no live cats in the café itself, out of respect for those that are allergic. However, the entire space is cat-inspired. From the cat-themed decorations to the menu with items like the “Catprese.” If that has you feeling a little disappointed, don’t worry…Next door to the coffeehouse, the Wrasslin’ Cat Lounge will allow you to enjoy playtime with six adorable kitties (all brothers and sisters). The entry cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. This money is donated to fund local trap and release efforts and cat wellness programs. In fact, Thiede and his six furry ambassadors raised over $8000 for charity in just the last two months!What could honestly make people love the place more?Thiede is now taking his dedication to making a difference to the next level. After 11 years operating as Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House, LLC, the operations have now been transformed into a beautiful and welcoming nonprofit called Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord Corp. Given all that Thiede has accomplished, we’re fascinated to see what kind of difference he can make as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation.Why TNR?Whether this is your first time hearing about trap and release (TNR) programs, you may wonder how they work and why Thiede feels so passionately about their impact on feral cat colonies in his community.TNR programs work to reduce the number of feral cats by preventing new cats from being born into the colony. At the same time, when the cats are in their care, volunteers can assess the health of the cats they have trapped to ensure they are healthy enough to be returned.The work recognizes that cats born feral or have lived their whole lives outdoors may be unable to adapt to domesticated life. But this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a happy, healthy existence.Caring for these cats reduces the strain on local shelters and rescue organizations, helps prevent the spread of infections and contagious diseases, reduces behavioral problems (like spraying and fighting), and makes it possible for people to live harmoniously with the feral colonies in their area.If you’re in the East Haddam, CT area, swing by for a cat-themed bite to eat and a little extra snuggle time in the lounge. After all, it’s for charity!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Introduce Cats and Dogs Safely?

There has long been a stereotype of dogs and cats as mortal enemies, constantly at one another’s throats. While becoming a two-pet household can sometimes be overwhelming, there is something so magical about watching your pets form their special bond.Introducing dogs and cats can be a nerve-racking process, but it doesn’t have to be.This post will guide you through a step-by-step approach to introducing your pets safely and carefully, laying the foundation for a positive relationship. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a smooth transition for both pets.How to Introduce a Cat and Dog Together: 5 Easy StepsIf you already have one pet in your home, introducing a second involves planning, preparation, and a lot of patience. While there are ways to overcome a rough first meeting, the best possible scenario is to ensure your pets start off on the right foot (or should I say paw).Here is a step-by-step walk-through of how to approach an introduction with the best chance of success.However, it’s important to note that there are some situations where this simply won’t work. For example, if you have a pet with previous negative interactions with other animals, they may be more nervous or anxious, requiring a slightly different approach. Use this as a starting point, but be prepared to be flexible and offer more care and consideration where needed.Step One: Consider PersonalitiesYou may be surprised to learn that the first step starts as early as selecting the right pets. Just as some people mesh better than others, the same can be said for our animals. When adopting a second pet, take the time to try to match personalities.A few important things to consider include:Energy Levels: If you have a laid-back or senior pet, adding a high-energy pet to the mix could be stressful and frustrating. Alternatively, a calm, quiet pet may struggle to settle into your home if your current pet is rambunctious.Outgoing vs. Shy: Some pets show more interest in playing and connecting with other pets, like an extroverted person who jumps right into wanting an interaction. On the other end of the spectrum, a shy pet (or introverted person) will want their space.Play Style: Some pets will play rougher than others. If you have a dog, for example, who plays rougher, a delicate kitten isn’t a good match as they could be injured. Instead, a playful adult cat who shares that play style would be a better match.Previous Interactions: Sometimes, a pet’s previous experiences can offer a glimpse of whether they will mesh well together. A dog that has shown they will chase cats who run wouldn’t mesh well with a cat who tends to run the moment they see a dog.Step Two: Start At a DistanceBefore bringing the two pets together, you must start introducing them at a distance. This means introducing them to one another’s scents while keeping them confined in their own safe spaces. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets in separate rooms and rotating them into a common living area where they can investigate one another’s scent.For example, if you have two bedrooms, you can place a pet in each bedroom. If not, consider blocking off a dining room, laundry room, or bathroom to keep one of your pets safely contained. Alternatively, a crate can be used to keep one of the pets in a hallway or space the other doesn’t have access to.Note: Allowing the pet moving freely in the home to tease or bother the crated pet can create frustration and anxiety. This could destroy any chance that your pets can coexist happily.We have always used the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door Dog Crate when crate training our dogs. Its dual front and side doors ensure that the crate can easily fit into any space. For containing our cats, we prefer to use enclosures with multiple levels, like the MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Playpen, which allows them to climb and explore.Another great approach to introducing pets to one another’s scent is scent-swapping with blankets. Allow your pets to each sleep with a blanket, then place them in the other pet’s room or space.

Dog Parents Assume Signs of Disease Are Signs of Aging

Being able to recognize the signs of illness in your dog is important, as it can help you get them the care they need sooner rather than later. But, according to researchers at the University of Liverpool, it’s common for pet parents to look at changes in their dogs and assume they’re merely related to normal aging rather than disease. This can cause them to ignore a serious condition that requires veterinary treatment.

What to Know About Dehydration in Cats

As a pet parent, it’s important to know about the risk of dehydration in cats. When the body is dehydrated, organs and bodily systems are negatively impacted and electrolyte imbalances occur, and if the dehydration worsens, it could be fatal.There are multiple causes of dehydration, and there are several symptoms that will alert you to the fact that your kitty isn’t hydrated. Keep reading to learn the basics so you’ll know what to look for and what you can do to help prevent this problem.

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