THERE’S A BETTER WAY TO PLAY WITH YOUR CAT

Cats are often seen as more “low-maintenance” than other pets, but just because your cat isn’t running up to you with a ball in their mouth, eager for a game of fetch, doesn’t mean they don’t need playtime.

Play is essential for a cat’s health and happiness, allowing them to tap into their natural predator instincts (yes, even your sweet, cuddly kitty has them). Providing your cat with opportunities to practice hunting through play helps reduce psychological stress, promotes exercise, and encourages healthier habits.

Playing with cats isn’t always as straightforward as with other animals. Here are some tips to make playtime more enjoyable for your feline friend.

Choose the right toys

“Cats don’t really care about color,” says Sarah Ellis, the cat well-being and behavioral lead at the International Cat Care Charity and co-author of The Trainable Cat. Cats see a blue-violet and yellow-green spectrum, meaning colors like red appear gray to them. Many of their natural prey, like mice and insects, are gray or black. For toys, Ellis emphasizes that “texture and shape are what truly matter.”

Does the toy feel furry like a mouse? Does it have feathers like a bird? These are great indicators that your cat will enjoy it. Since cats slice with their teeth rather than chewing, hard, durable dog toys are usually not suitable for them. Additionally, cats tend to prefer toys that are smaller in size, resembling the size of the prey they hunt.

And forget about laser pointers. Despite their popularity, laser pointers are generally not recommended — for cats, a laser is uncatchable prey and a source of frustration.

Move your cat’s toy in a pattern that mimics their prey

“Play offers a chance to practice essential life skills in a safe environment,” says Mikel Delgado, author of Play With Your Cat! Moving toys to imitate prey running away is sure to excite your cat.

To mimic a bird, sweep a wand toy in large, fluid movements or figure eights to replicate natural flight patterns. Create “S-shaped” wiggles on the floor with a wand to resemble a worm or snake. You can also hide a toy under a rug to mimic a mouse in hiding.

Let your cat win

As you move the toy in prey-like motions, occasionally let your cat “catch” it and avoid pulling it away immediately. This gives them the chance to complete the predator cycle. Allow them to celebrate their successful hunt with extra kicks, swats, and bites before starting the next round of play.

Create multisensory experiences through sound

Incorporating sound adds depth to a cat’s play session. “Cats can hear in the ultrasonic range,” says Delgado. “Since their close-up vision is quite blurry, with a focal point only a few meters away, they rely on their hearing to detect if prey is nearby.”

Make noises that replicate what cats might hear in the wild, such as a high-pitched chirp or squeak. The rustling sound of paper, tissue, or cardboard during play can mimic the noise of leaves being stirred. You can also hide treats in a paper pile to create an engaging, immersive food puzzle.

Set the scene with hiding spots for an exciting play space

“Cats are stalk-and-rush hunters, meaning they thrive on an element of surprise,” explains Delgado. Hunting blinds allow cats to stay hidden while still observing their surroundings. There’s no need for special materials — a simple cardboard box or a towel draped over a dining chair can serve as a hunting blind. You can even use it to hide a toy during play, mimicking how prey might conceal itself in the wild.

Create novelty by rotating toys

Cats can lose interest in their toys over time. Instead of buying new ones, try putting away the old toys after play, out of sight, and then reintroduce them later. Delgado suggests rotating toys each play session—bring out a few for one session, then switch to a different set for the next. When introducing a brand-new toy, be patient. Delgado points out that some cats may need 5-10 play sessions to get used to a new toy.

Try turning the lights down low

Cats require play throughout the day, but engaging them in a session during low-light conditions can offer a unique and enriching experience. “Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk,” explains Delgado. As the times of dawn and dusk shift with the seasons, your cat’s play habits will evolve as well. Use this as an opportunity to give your cat a high-energy play session at sunset, helping them (and you!) enjoy a restful night of sleep.

Modify your play based on the age of your cat

Kittens are naturally playful and easily excited, but as cats grow older, their play may change. However, this doesn’t mean you should stop playing with your cat. “Healthy cats will continue to play, no matter their age,” says Ellis.

As cats age, it’s a good idea to play on softer surfaces like beds or rugs. Using gym mats can help prevent slipping, and low stools can add a vertical element while keeping play closer to the ground. While you may not see your cat leaping across the room like they used to, even swatting at a toy while lying down can offer the mental and physical stimulation your older cat needs.

Make time to learn your cat’s unique play preferences

No amount of advice can replace the value of an owner taking the time to engage in dynamic play with their cat. Both Delgado and Ellis emphasize that incorporating play into your daily routine—just like feeding, providing water, or cleaning the litter box—is essential for your cat’s well-being. They suggest pairing short play sessions with other daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. As Ellis puts it, “Five-minute play sessions, three or four times a day, would be ideal.”

By making play a regular part of your routine, you’ll discover what your cat enjoys—trial and error is key to figuring it out. “Playing with your cat isn’t like following the same recipe every time,” says Delgado. “It’s more like a dance, with an ebb and flow. Try different moves and observe how they respond.”