Playing With Your Cat

Does your kitty sometimes bat at your shoelaces, or play kitchen hockey with an ice cube you dropped? Our feline buddies are always cute, but they really are extra charming when they’re feeling frisky and playful. (Granted, it may not be charming when Fluffy pounces on your toes in the middle of the night, but that’s another topic.) As it turns out, playing with your kitty won’t just keep her entertained: it’s also good for her, both physically and mentally. A Cornelius, NC vet offers some tips on this below.

Physical Benefits

You’ve probably noticed that cats are, well, rather lazy. A good play session is a purrfect way to keep your sleepy pet active. Playing is also great for Fluffy’s mind. The concentration required can help keep her brain healthy as she ages. Plus, she’ll have a safe way to blow off some steam. Try to play with your furry friend every day. Even five or ten minutes will be beneficial … and adorable to watch.

Choosing Toys

For the most part, choosing cat toys comes down to mostly being a matter of taste … both yours and your pet’s. Kitties do tend to have purrsonal preferences here: some like wand toys, while others would rather bat a catnip mouse around. Pay attention to what Fluffy likes best. Just don’t leave string toys out when they aren’t being used: you don’t want your feline pal getting tangled up!

Petiquette

Fluffy may be small, cute, and loveable, but she’s also a tiny, meowing serial killer. Cats have deeply ingrained predatory instincts; that’s why they naturally enjoy working on their pouncing and stalking skills. Unfortunately, many kitties try to practice on their humans. This isn’t just bad manners, it can be dangerous. Those little teeth and claws are sharp! If your furry pal is a bit too enthusiastic about her hunting practice, gently discourage her. Don’t punish her or yell at her: that may just scare and confuse her, and make her feel frightened of you. Just reprimand her in a stern tone. You can say ‘No’ or ‘Play nice’ or ‘No claws!’ … it doesn’t really matter, as long as you always use the same tone and words. You can also squirt her with water or blow in her face.

Is your feline friend ready for an appointment? Contact us, your Cornelius, NC animal clinic, today!