Do you sometimes find your cat batting a bottlecap around, or pouncing on a dust bunny or Q-tip? Our feline friends are very playful little furballs! Pouncing and running are actually very important to Fluffy. For one thing, they allow her to satisfy her inner lion. Playing also helps keep kitties fit and entertained. Actually, playing with your pet is one of the best things you can do to keep her happy and purring. A Kerrville, TX vet offers a few pointers on this below. 

Make It Routine

Cats are definitely creatures of habit. Fluffy follows a pretty set schedule for her daily naps, meals, meditations, grooming sessions, and other kitty activities. Try to play with your furry buddy every day, at roughly the same time. If you like to wind down after work by watching TV, keep some toys near your favorite spot.

Change Things Up

As the saying says, variety is the spice of life. Replace and rotate Fluffy’s toys regularly, so she doesn’t get bored with them. 

Choose Suitable Toys

Our feline pals are very frisky, and they often like to try and practice their ‘hunting’ skills on anything that remotely looks like it could potentially be prey. (In Fluffy’s mind, a dust bunny may be a worthy opponent, but that’s another topic.) Choose toys that you control, like wand toys or laser pointers. This will make playtime more fun and more challenging for your kitty. It’s also really cute to watch! 

Let Fluffy ‘Win’

Did you know that landing a tricky pounce can boost Fluffy’s self esteem, just as scoring a goal can help a shy child gain confidence? Let your furball ‘catch’ her prey sometimes. 

Don’t Encourage Bad Petiquette

Cats may very well be the only animals that sometimes bite or attack their owners just for the fun of it. However, with some furballs, there is a thin line between affectionate play and full-on attacks. And while it may be cute when a kitten scratch-kicks your arm, this can be quite dangerous in an adult feline. If Fluffy tries to bite or scratch you, tell her ‘No’ or ‘Bad kitty’ in a firm, disapproving tone. Then, just ignore her for a while. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Kerrville, TX vet clinic, we are always happy to help!