The Playful Cat
 
       Play is an important factor in your feline's life. Whether your cat is a kitten or an adult, it should receive an ample amount of time to exercise and play.

      Play is especially important for kittens.  Through the act of playing, kittens learn skills that will help them survive as adults.

Kittens learn from play:

    • Inter-cat social skills
    • Hunting skills
    • How to defend themselves
    • More advanced motor control

Kittens need playtime as a major part of their daily routine. A playing kitten is not only having fun, but acquiring vital life skills as well. Although some people may overreact when they observe kittens wrestling or playing rough, it is important to remember that this play is an essential component of their childhood and quite normal. Seldom will kittens actually harm one another.

     Playing is also an important part of an adult cat's life. It is believed that cats that are able to play frequently are typically less stressed and neurotic than other felines. These cats benefit from the exercise and tend to have fewer problems with obesity than cats who do not play often.

    As a responsible cat owner, you should help ensure that your cat is able to play and exercise at home.  Several easy methods are available should you wish to indulge your cat's playful nature.
 
    Remember that, like people, cats can also become stressed and tense. In order to reduce your cat's stress, let it play and exercise regularly. You will also feel more relaxed.

    Simple Toys Your Cat will LOVE!
    • Roll up some old newspaper into a ball for your cat.
    • Let your cat play with a paper bag or cardboard  box (shoe boxes are perfect!).
    • Purchase toy mice, feathers or other toys.
    • Set up a scratching post for your cat and tie a
  string or shoe lace around the top.
    • Provide a wooden frame or tree your cat can
  climb.
    • Tie a feather to the end of a string for a quick
  dangle toy (shoe strings work great). You can
  also tie the string to a stick.
    • Place a few kernels of corn or dried beans into
  an empty film canister for a mobile toy.
    • Even the plastic ring from a milk jug makes a
  great toy!