Engaging in just a brief five-minute play session can contribute to the overall physical and mental well-being of your cat.

 

In celebration of International Cat Day 2023, owners are being encouraged to dedicate five minutes a day to play with their beloved feline companions. This year, International Cat Care, a leading feline charity, has organized the event, emphasizing the importance of play for cats. On August 8, 2023, cat owners around the world will engage in interactive play sessions, benefiting their cats' physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, explains the significance of play and invites readers to participate in a brief survey about their current playtime routines with their cats. The joys of watching our cats leap, pounce, and chase their toys not only bring us happiness but also provide numerous advantages for our feline companions, some of which may surprise you.

Why do cats engage in play?

Play serves as a vital outlet for cats to express their predatory instincts, encompassing behaviors such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, and biting. These instinctual behaviors are intrinsic to their species and play an essential role in fulfilling their needs.

In the wild, cats that rely on hunting as their primary source of food can spend up to half of their day engaged in hunting activities, capturing and consuming 10 to 20 prey to meet their daily calorie requirements. Despite domestic cats being well-fed, they retain their natural drive to hunt. It's as if they missed the memo that assures them of regular food provision!

Cats are solitary survivors, self-reliant and independent, which makes hunting a solitary endeavor. If a hunting attempt is unsuccessful, the cat goes without food, which explains why cats may continue to hunt even when they are not hungry—it's better to be prepared. This opportunistic nature means that cats instantly switch into predatory mode when encountering potential prey, even unintentionally. Although our pet cats are fortunate to have their nutritional needs met through balanced cat food, play is necessary to satisfy their welfare requirement of engaging in this inherent hunting behavior.

Enhanced cognitive stimulation

Play holds particular significance for indoor cats as it provides an avenue for them to express their predatory instincts through toys. Regular play sessions not only prevent our hands and feet from becoming unintended targets, especially when dealing with kittens and young cats who are more prone to initiating play, but also offer mental stimulation.

It's important not to assume that older cats do not enjoy or require play simply because they may not initiate it themselves. Cats are opportunistic creatures, and if given the opportunity, even senior cats can readily switch into play mode. A simple toss of a ping pong ball or the enticing movement of a feather toy attached to a wand can ignite the playfulness within cats of all ages. Furthermore, brief play sessions can contribute to the well-being of aging joints and muscles (do consult your veterinarian first if your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis or any condition affecting their mobility to ensure the suitability of such activities).

Mitigated hunting behavior

Concerns may arise among owners whose cats have outdoor access, fearing that playing with their cats will increase their hunting instincts. Fortunately, the opposite holds true! Researchers from the University of Exeter discovered that owners who engaged their cats in just 5-10 minutes of daily play using a wand toy and a toy mouse reported a 25% reduction in the amount of prey brought home by their feline companions. Witnessing these close-up displays of predatory behavior—leaping, pouncing, and batting—allows us to appreciate the athleticism and skill of our magnificent indoor hunters.

Promotes exercise

Regular and active play undoubtedly helps keep our cats in excellent physical condition. The stalking, chasing, leaping, and pouncing involved in play contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight. For overweight cats, play can play a crucial role in weight loss programs. In fact, a study demonstrated that a daily 15-minute session of intense play with a variety of toys, combined with other weight loss strategies that motivated cats to move for food, resulted in significant weight loss within a span of four weeks.

Reduces problematic behaviors

A recent survey conducted among cat owners revealed that a reduction in play opportunities led to an increase in attention-seeking behavior, vocalization, destructive behavior, aggression, and reclusive behavior in cats. This highlights the paramount importance of playtime for our feline companions. Depriving them of this outlet can lead to the emergence of behavioral problems that, at the very least, may be frustrating for owners and, at worst, pose significant welfare concerns for the cats themselves.

Strengthens the human-animal bond

Playtime is not only crucial for the well-being of our cats but also holds numerous benefits for us humans. It fosters a beautiful bonding experience where both owner and cat can enjoy themselves. However, it is essential to prioritize safety during play. Utilizing long wand toys, where the toy on the end of the wand is kept well away from hands, presents a perfect option for safe play, enabling even children to engage without the worry of scratches or bites.

What to consider when choosing a wand toy:

1. Opt for a wand toy with a long handle and, if possible, a cord or wire between the toy and the wand to keep your hands at a safe distance.

2. Look for a small and lightweight toy that is easy to catch and allows you to control its movements.

3. Toys made of feathers or fabrics that mimic fur tend to be the most appealing to cats.

4. Remember that the color of the toy is not as important to the cat as its feel and movement, so feel free to choose colors you prefer.

5. Avoid toys with bells, as cats can get their claws caught in them, and also avoid toys with small plastic parts like eyes and noses, as these can be ingested.

6. Consider toys that emit prey-like sounds, such as high-pitched "cheep" or "squeak" sounds when moved, as these can be very exciting for some cats.

Top tips for playing with a wand toy:

1. Think like a bird by moving the wand toy through the air in swooping motions, mimicking the flight of a bird before resting on the ground.

2. Think like a mouse by dragging the wand toy away from the cat in fast, straight lines, occasionally slowing down and even dragging it behind cushions or under blankets to simulate a mouse running into the undergrowth.

3. Allow your cat to catch the wand toy intermittently. Catching the toy every time makes the game too easy and slows it down, while never catching the toy can be frustrating for your cat and may cause them to lose interest.

4. When the play session is over, always put the wand toy away. Leaving it out can pose a safety risk, as there is a chance of entanglement.

5. Keep the play sessions varied by having multiple wand toys, as this prevents cats from getting bored quickly.

6. If you have multiple cats, play with them individually. You can provide a separate space for cats not participating in the play session, such as a designated area with a meal or a puzzle feeder. Remember that hunting is a solitary behavior, and cats prefer not to have others around who may try to take away their prized toy.

By now, you should be convinced that playing with your cat offers numerous benefits for their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Moreover, it serves as an important component of the bond you share with your feline companion.