Playing with your cat strengthens your bond, helps disperse aggression, reduces fear, builds trust and confidence in shy cats and corrects inappropriate biting and scratching. By setting aside playtime, you will provide exercise for both the mind and body of your cat.<\/p>\n
Kittens begin their lifetime of play at about three weeks of age. By four weeks, they can wrestle, clasp with their front paws and kick with their hind legs. This is the precursor to the game of \u201cRabbit.\u201d At five weeks, they are able to perform the \u201cstiff-legged sideways leap.\u201d By the sixth week they are able to chase each other and play-groom themselves.<\/p>\n
After a kitten reaches five months, the frequency, duration and energy of play begins to decline \u2014 unless your cat is being spurred on by a like-minded companion. If possible, it is good to have a pair of well-matched cats to keep each other fit and energetic (and entertained). In a one-cat household, it is up to the owner to provide playtime to keep the cat healthy.<\/p>\n
Cats are true carnivores; their games center on hunting. Rabbit, Bird, Fish, and Mouse are the four major games that cats play, and their mothers teach them these skills as kittens. Here\u2019s a primer on the four basics types of play:<\/p>\n
Balls, paper wads, toys and small pieces of dry kibble can all take the place of your cat\u2019s prey in these games.<\/p>\n
It is a proven fact that carnivores are among the most intelligent and sociable of all mammals. Theory has it that playing provides a framework for developing survival skills beyond the predatory ones. Joining cats in the playful category are dogs, apes, monkeys, and dolphins.<\/p>\n