The Importance of Play for Indoor Cats
The Alberta SPCA strongly encourages cat guardians to keep their cats indoors for the safety of both cats and the wildlife they prey upon. Many municipalities also have bylaws that prohibit free-roaming cats so allowing cats out to roam outdoors may violate these local bylaws.
While cats generally adapt well to indoor living, it comes with unique challenges that can impact their well-being. Indoor environments, although safer, tend to be less stimulating. Without proper enrichment, indoor cats may experience boredom, stress and reduced physical activity.
Domestic cats still possess strong instincts to perform predatory behaviours, even when they are well fed. In the wild, cat species spend much of their day engaged in predatory behaviours which requires both physical exertion and mental stimulation.
As caretakers, it’s our responsibility to provide opportunities for cats to exhibit these natural behaviours. One way of the best ways to do this is through play. Hunting behaviours such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, and capturing prey can all be mimicked during playtime with your cat.
Tips to Make Playtime Engaging and Enriching:
Use food to promote hunting behaviours: Encourage natural foraging by scattering food for your cat to chase, hiding food around the house, or using puzzle feeders that require them to “work” for their meals.
Provide a variety of toys: Provide toys in different sizes and textures that cats can bat, pounce on, and bite. Most cats enjoy toys that crinkle, soft balls, and items with feathers or fur that resemble prey. Always avoid toys with string or small pieces that could be swallowed.
Keep things fresh with novelty: Cats can quickly become bored with the same toys. Rotate toys in and out regularly to maintain their interest.
Use toys that imitate prey and provide exercise: Feathers, fur, or fleece on a wand or string mimic the movement of prey. After a successful “catch,” reward your cat with a treat to simulate the reward of hunting.
Play with your cat often: Cats typically prefer short, frequent play sessions. Even a few minutes at a time helps release energy and satisfy their hunting instincts. Make play a regular part of your daily routine.
Give your cat one-on-one playtime: Cats typically prefer individual play, so if you have more than one cat, give each one individualized attention.
Avoid using your hands or feet: This teaches cats that biting or scratching people is acceptable, which can lead to injury.
Consider your cat’s age: Kittens typically need more intense and frequent play sessions than adult cats. Older cats may be less energetic but still benefit from gentle, age-appropriate play.
Playing with your cat isn’t just fun, it’s essential for their important for their physical and mental well-being. It also helps build trust and strengthen your bond.
Not only is playing with cats important for their physical and mental well-being, it can also help build trust and strengthen the bond you share with your cat. For more information on providing enrichment for cats, visit our website.
Other resources:
Puzzle feeders: What they are and how to introduce them to your cat.
Food Puzzles for Cats: Resource for information about feeding your cat using foraging toys.