It is important that you play with your cat on a regular basis. This will help keep your kitty happy and prevent acting out.
As independent as cats seem, they still need regular interaction with their owners.
1. Something on a String
You can put just about anything on a string and your cat will go crazy in the best possible way. Lots of cats are more than happy to just play with a string all by itself. This is a great DIY cat toy idea to consider. Put something shiny on a string and watch your cat have the time of its life.
2. Fetch
Believe it or not, lots of cats enjoy playing fetch. This comes naturally to some cats more than others, so you might need to train yours to do this. It will help get them a little more exercise on a daily basis, which is always a good thing.
3. Crumpled Up Piece of Paper
Toss a piece of crumpled up paper on the floor and see just how happy your cat instantly becomes. Just make sure that you toss out the paper after your cat is done playing with it.
You don’t want them to choke on the paper. You should try to get a piece of paper that is really crinkly, as these animals really respond to the sound.
4. Mobile Games
There are a number of games that you can download on your tablet or another mobile device that is specifically designed for cats. These games are a lot of fun for cats to play. While there is no guarantee that your kitty will get into them, it is at least worth a try.
5. Catnip
If you really want to see your cat go bonkers, you should pack a toy with some catnip. They will start rolling around the floor and batting at it like crazy. Move the toy around and watch them roll with it. This is definitely one of the best ways to spend time with your feline friend.
6. Puzzle Toy
There are lots of puzzle toys that you can buy for your cat. These toys are designed to release a treat when your cat presses down on them in just the right way. It probably won’t take very long for them to figure out how it works.
As fun as this particular game can be for both you and your cat, you’ll want to try limiting the number of treats you give them each day. Too many treats can cause your cat to become overweight, which is definitely not good for its overall health.
7. Hide and Seek
When it’s time to feed your cat, call their name and go hide somewhere in the house. You can keep moving around and wait for your kitty to find you. This is something that a lot of cats love to do. Make sure that they get a special treat for finding you.
It is a good idea to start off by choosing a hiding spot that is easy for them to find. You can start choosing more difficult spots as the game progresses. It won’t take long before this becomes one of your cat’s favorite games to play. It’s also another great way to ensure that they get adequate exercise on a daily basis.
8. Laser Pointer
There is no question that cats go crazy for laser pointers. If you point one of these devices at the ground in front of your cat, they will keep following it no matter where it goes. Most cats don’t give up either. They will keep trying to get that pesky red dot no matter what.
Make sure that you do not point the laser at your cat’s eyes, as it can harm them. Cats leap and jump in an attempt to get their paws on the laser dot. This is so amusing that you could do it for hours on end. They will definitely get a lot of exercises doing this.
9. Pretend the Toy is Prey
If you really want to see your cat get excited during playtime, you’ll want to take one of their favorite toys and move it like their natural prey. Just take a look at how a mouse moves so you know exactly what to do.
If you move their toy around like one of these animals, their primal instincts will kick in. They are going to dive for it so quickly that you might not even have time to react.
10. Chase the Car
You should also think about investing in a small remote control toy car, as it will be lots of fun for your cat to chase. You’ll be sure to see your feline friend zooming all around the house in search of it.
You will need to be aware of any kids or other pets that you have in the house while doing this. It can definitely be a fun game for everyone involved though. Cats naturally love to chase things, so this is certainly a game to consider. They won’t be able to get enough of this, and it’s a great way to help them get exercise on a regular basis.
Conclusion
- Playing with your cat is very important, as it helps you maintain a strong bond with your pet.
- Playtime also contributes to the exercise that your cat gets on a daily basis, which helps keep them healthy.
- You can put just about anything on a string and dangle it in front of your cat. They will go crazy in the best possible way.
- You will also be able to play fetch with your cat, which is a fun game that they will be sure to love.
- Some cats take to a game of fetch naturally, while others need to be trained.
- Try throwing around a crinkly piece of paper and watch your cat play with it in the most adorable way.
- A laser pointer is a great way to help your cat get lots of exercises, and it is wildly entertaining.
- Get a remote control toy car and run it around the house, watching your cat chase after it.