Cats can be graceful, aloof and mysterious animals. Cats can also be very cute animals. Its weirdness can make all cat lovers laugh. By spending time having fun with your cat, you'll get to see his cute quirks to see the full extent of his cat's personality. Having fun with cats is a great way to bond the two of you even more, as well as to relieve boredom and stress. You'll have as much fun as your pet cat, and you may start to wonder if he's laughing at you.
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Part 1 of 3: Creating a Cheerful Environment For Your Cat
Step 1. Make sure the cat has its own place
This place can be a cat bed, or a certain corner of the room that is reserved for the cat. But, as most cat lovers know, cats will claim a place of their own, and that could be your favorite chair, computer, or pillow. Playing “butt up, out of place” with a cat can be quite frustrating, but that's part of the fun of petting a cat!
Step 2. Give the cat a scratching post
These poles are made of various rough materials (cardboard, rope, carpet, etc.) and can be scratched by the cat so he can enjoy it. These poles are widely available at pet stores.
Step 3. Buy or make a cat “tree” for the meow to play with
This tree can have multiple sections and levels, and come with several areas for the cat to claw at, hang toys on, several aisles or boxes to climb through, and so on. You can find them at pet stores.
Step 4. Place several containers of cat grass in your house
Cat grass can give a natural feel in the room. This type of plant is safe for cats to eat and is available at pet stores. Plant some in a pot (or even several!) and keep them around your house for the cat to explore. You will enjoy when the cat tries to eat it.
Step 5. Allow the cat to have access to a window seat, if possible
Cats like to watch birds, squirrels, and other animals, and to keep an eye on outdoor activities. Windows can be a great source of entertainment, especially if you have a cat that lives indoors permanently.
Step 6. Try safe places where the domestic cat can spend time outside
An enclosed space outdoors can be a fun way for a domestic cat to experience the outside world. For example, if you have a “screened-in area” (area of the house that is wired and usually found in the United States) such as a patio, you can allow cats to enter.
Step 7. Take the cat for a walk on a leash
Cat harnesses are available at pet stores. This leash has a small harness and leash so you can take your cat for a walk like a dog. Not all cats want to be restrained, so it will take some time to train your cat to walk on a harness. The easiest way to start is when the cat is small so he can get used to it.
Step 8. Let the cat play outside, if it is safe
Feral cats can have fun pouncing on things, hiding and sneaking around, and hunting small animals.
If you want to start keeping stray cats indoors, do it slowly. Over time, let him spend time indoors. You'll also need to be patient as you get your cat used to using litter boxes, scratching posts, and other common household items
Step 9. Play with the cat more often
Cats are active animals, but usually they will play for short periods of time, about 5-15 minutes. It's a good idea to play with your cat more often, so try to plan playtime at different times each day.
Part 2 of 3: Playing with Cats
Step 1. Give the cat special toys
Most cats like to have their own toys. Choose toys that allow your cat to imitate its natural hunting behavior-for example, toys that you can chase, pounce, and catch. Cats have personalities of their own, so you may want to try out a few different types of toys first to find out what your cat likes. Cats can also change their toys occasionally (every day or every few days) to keep the cat from getting bored. Good games include:
- A stick-shaped toy with something on the end
- Rubber ball, or other soft or jumping toy. Cats like to grab things with their paws.
- catnip toys
- Something rustling, like bubble wrap or a plastic bag
- Laser pointers can also be fun, but they can also be frustrating for cats.
Step 2. Play hide and seek with the cat
Hide and try to get the cat's attention so he can come to you, or let the cat hide when you find him. Pockets and boxes are perfect for this. In fact, your cat may even play alone if you leave the toy alone.
Step 3. Let the cat eat the catnip
Catnip is a plant that is part of the mint family. For reasons that aren't understood, most cats get excited when they smell catnip -the plant can make it roll, somersault, stimulate, or look happy. You can give catnip in a number of ways. You can try:
- Purchase a toy that contains catnip.
- Make your own catnip toys. Fill a plastic egg with some catnip (found at pet stores) and watch as the cat has fun kissing and touching it.
- Sprinkle some catnip on something the cat has, such as a toy or scratching post.
Step 4. Tease the cat with treats
Take an old toilet paper tube and put some scraps of paper in it along with some snacks and maybe some catnip. Watch as the cat tries to grab the treats inside.
Part 3 of 3: Monitoring Cat Activity and Health
Step 1. Play with your cat often, but know your limits
Every cat wants to play in a certain way and time, so pay attention to your cat's preferences. Following some of the tips below can keep your cat happy and interested:
- Don't let the cat win or lose every time.
- Don't force the cat to play with you. If he seems disinterested in one thing, try something else. If still not interested, wait and try to play next time.
- Stop playing if the cat becomes aggressive and unusual. The cat may need to relax first, or he may prefer to play in a different way.
Step 2. Have fun with the cat but make sure it's not in pain
If you see signs that your cat doesn't want to play, or is having trouble playing, don't force the cat. You may need to call your vet if you see signs that your cat is in pain, such as:
- Hesitating when jumping
- Walk slowly when going through stairs or other big obstacles
- Doesn't land well when jumping
Step 3. Create a safe house for cats
If you have a domestic cat, or a stray cat who spends a lot of time indoors, the cat may want to play freely and safely. For instances:
- Store all cleaning agents and other chemicals in a securely closed container out of reach of cats.
- Certain common household plants (such as ivy and mistletoe) are highly toxic to cats, so keep them all away.
- Cats sometimes like to crawl into dark and narrow places such as glass cabinets and wardrobes. Make sure the cat doesn't get caught in them, especially if he has a habit of getting into these places.
Step 4. Make your outdoor area cat safe
If you have a cat who spends a lot of time outdoors, you can have a lot of fun watching him pounce, stalk, and hide. You can give him toys or let him play with things he finds outside the house. Just make sure you put a collar on the cat just in case he gets lost, and make sure your yard area is protected from various dangerous things (poisonous plants, predators, cars, etc.).
