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Importance of Playing
By Steve Dale
Steve Dale's Pet World

Play is necessary for proper development in kittens, and veterinarians recommend that adult indoor cats be encouraged to play because it's the only aerobic exercise they get. Additionally, play keeps the cats mentally alert, and helps prevent boredom.

Toys

Cat toys can be divided into two categories, toys you can purchase at a pet store and "Martha Stewart toys" that you can construct using ordinary household materials. For example:

• Poke two holes through a ping-pong ball and pull a string through. Tie a knot at one end so the ball falls to the end of the string.

• Save your birthday present's ribbon and tie it to a wooden spoon or even a stick from the backyard. Dangle the ribbon in front of your cat and play catch-the-ribbon. Warning: Don't leave cats alone with string, ribbon or yarn toys, because they may ingest it.

• Turn off the lights and choreograph a light dance using a flashlight. Many cats will chase the beam.

• Load your camera with film, and then give your kitty the empty film canister. Place a penny inside the canister, and the game becomes even more interesting.

• Kittens can keep themselves occupied with a crumpled up piece of paper or a paper grocery bag.

• Warning: Don't offer plastic grocery bags or cleaning bags to cats; they may get tangled up and suffocate.

To avoid feline toy apathy, keep the items in a toy box. Once every week or two, rotate new toys in and remove old ones for a while.

Older Cats

As kittens age, some lose interest in toys. Other cats will continue chasing ping-pong balls throughout their lifetime. Particularly in single-cat households, you can encourage a cat by playing with it. Despite their independent nature, most domestic cats do enjoy playing with a companion.

Catnip

When a cat becomes bored, it might be time to take out the catnip. Some cats are completely unaffected by this herb, but for many it takes off the edge. Cats can get easily stressed when anything different takes place in the household. For example, home construction, an out-of-town human, canine and/or feline visitor or a change in the routine work schedule may upset cats. Under stress, housecats may relieve the pressure with erratic behavior or by missing the litter box. You may be able to nip the problem, so to speak, by offering catnip.

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