| While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are | | | | The best toys for cats are often home-made and |
| often left to their own devices, having to find their | | | | only need YOUR interaction. |
| own ways of exercising if they are kept indoors. | | | | My favorite is "fishing" with a piece of string or a |
| Cats have gone from working animals to creatures | | | | stick. Hold the string/stick above the head of your |
| of leisure. In the past, a cat spent most of its day | | | | cat pretending its a fishing rod. Your cat will delight in |
| hunting, keeping the homestead free of rodents. | | | | jumping and swatting, especially if you let her catch it |
| Today, most cats are pure companions who spend | | | | once in a while. |
| the day waiting for their beloved human to return | | | | Another favorite with my cats is to crumple a piece |
| home. Even if you work from home, it is important | | | | of paper. Just the sound of the paper seems to get |
| to set aside some time to play with your cat. | | | | them excited. Show the cats the ball of paper and |
| Interacting with you stimulates her physically and | | | | then throw it for them. Watch as they chase it |
| mentally, keeping her healthy in body and mind. | | | | round the room in delight. |
| The time of day you play depends on your schedule | | | | Some toys, such as lures attached to string should |
| and your cat's natural rhythms. Some cats like a | | | | only be played with when you are there to |
| leisurely morning, while others are fired up from the | | | | manipulate it. If you leave it set up for her while you |
| moment they open their eyes. It may take a while | | | | are gone, there is a chance she could become |
| to find the time that fits both of you. Once you've | | | | tangled in the string and choke. Pet supply stores |
| found it, however, don't be surprised to see your cat | | | | carry some captivating self-play toys, such as a ball |
| expecting play at that time each day. Cats are | | | | inside a track that will keep your kitty safely content |
| creatures of habit, and they feel most secure with a | | | | while you are away. A kitty condo or carpeted tree |
| regular schedule. | | | | is good investment. The multiple levels encourage |
| Play time helps with some behavior problems. A | | | | climbing, while the hiding holes allow your cat to |
| rousing game of chase-the-lure will take the edge off | | | | indulge her stalking instinct. Toys need not be |
| of a frisky feline who tends to attack her owner's | | | | expensive. Create a cat puzzle by taping a toilet |
| ankles. A good dose of interaction also fills her need | | | | paper roll tube to the floor and placing a cat treat |
| for your undivided attention and may make her less | | | | inside. Your cat will enjoy trying o get the treat from |
| likely to drape herself across you at an inopportune | | | | the tube. |
| time. | | | | Be sure that you remain in control during playtime. If |
| Remember that if you don't want your cat to play | | | | your cat starts to play roughly, rub a stuffed animal |
| with your plants while you're away, don't' use plant | | | | against her belly and quickly withdraw your hands. |
| fronds as lures during play time. The same thing | | | | This directs her aggressive behavior onto the toy |
| applies to hands; if you don't want your cat to | | | | and away from you. If she ignores the toy and |
| pounce on unsuspecting visitors hands, don't use | | | | continues to play-attack you, end the play session |
| yours as a toy when playing with her. If you | | | | and walk away. Come back in a few moments and |
| purchase toys for your cat, check to make sure that | | | | try again. After awhile, she will learn that you control |
| all small pieces are secured tightly. | | | | the level of play, not her. |