Its Playtime!

Playtime. I am sure you all know when that time comes in your home. It is the time when your cat becomes utterly wild and starts to run around like a wild animal chasing toys, other cats, or maybe nothing. They all do it, they get their burst of energy in spurts. Older cats (usually 10+) do not play very often if any at all. All cats require play though. It helps keeps them lean. It is good to play with your cat with various toys until they become tired, then feed them. It is a good way to tucker them out and reward them with a treat.

Catnip is a great treat for your kitty that can cause them to get excited and act very wacky. Some cats do not all get nuts from it. It also can cause a sexual arousal for some cats. Bacardi is the only cat I have which does not get affected by catnip. He becomes very sleepy and wants more. He loves to lick it until it is gone, but he doesn't get all wacky like the girls do. Its a great tool to try especially if your introducing play into things. You can put the catnip in your hand and let them eat it, some treats have it in it, you can put it on their toys, or some cat scratching stands have pockets to put it in. It will not hurt your cat to try it, and you really can't give them "too much." Just sprinkle a pinchful wherever you choose to.

Laser pointers are another great tool to use to make your cat play. Their fairly inexpensive and they love chasing that red dot. I can get my cats to chase it for about a half hour before they start to lie down and just watch it and stop chasing it. Play sticks also work great. Walmart, Petsmart, Petco, Target, and many other stores have them. They are those little sticks with feathers, bells, mice, and other options to get your cat to play. Toys to have around the house are good as well. Mice, bells, balls, scratching posts, things to climb on especially going up and down, and tubes are also all fun for cats to play when your away from the home.

If you have 2 cats or more, play is not as hard, as they tend to play with each other, even at times when it looks like cats are fighting, it is normally just a more rough play. If you do have more cats, they will most likely play at night, when your dead asleep in the night.

Cats will need to play no matter what. It will help them live a much stronger, happier, and healthier life. Don't forget to squeeze some much needed playtime into your cats life, and yours. It will be a much funner and better experience with your kitty.