Importance of play
Cats need some excitement in their lives to ensure their physical and
mental well-being—especially indoor pets that are left alone at home all
day. With a little thought and commitment, you can give your cat a fun
home life. Playing games together is a positive way of interacting with
your cat, but you should also encourage him to play alone

Play is an important outlet for your cat’s excess energy. Any cat that is deprived of
opportunities to hunt and stalk is likely to become bored and stressed, and this
may lead to behavioral problems.

The mental and physical stimulation derived from play is just as important to adult cats as it is for kittens.
Most cats, especially if neutered, will retain their sense of playfulness as they get older.
Lack of stimulation can be a real problem with indoor cats, which after a dull day with
no company will constantly pester their owners for attention when they get home.
Outdoor cats have a riskier but more stimulating and active lifestyle.
With plenty of space to run and jump around and exposure to new
experiences, they can give free rein to their natural instincts for exploring, chasing, and
hunting. Even indoors, a cat needs to let off steam regularly. Often, this takes the form
of a “crazy moment,” when the cat rushes around the room, leaping on to furniture
and climbing the curtains before bolting off. This is perfectly natural behavior, but
uncontrolled sessions like this run the risk of damaging your home and causing injury to your cat. To prevent panic bursts of activity,
channel your cat’s predatory instincts with interactive toys and constructive play.

Learning natural skills
Dangling or dragging a piece of ribbon along will appeal to your kitten’s natural urge to hunt and stalk. This form of play also helps your kitten to learn essential skills for survival that it would normally need in the wild, such as catching and biting prey.

Outdoor games
Even the most pampered cat retains its desire to hunt and the need for mental stimulation.
A cat that is allowed outdoors has plenty of opportunity to follow its instincts.

Hiding and exploring
Paper bags and cardboard boxes appeal to a cat’s sense of curiosity, giving him something to investigate, or hide in if he is feeling insecure. Monitor your cat to make sure he can get out whenever he wants to.

A VARIETY OF TOYS
Cats like toys that appeal to their chasing,stalking, and pouncing instincts (see panel,
opposite), so satisfy your cat’s need to hunt by providing him with a convincing substitute.
Interactive toys, such as play wands with a dangling feather or catnip mouse, give your
cat something to grab or bat with his paws,
or to chase after when trailed along the ground. A play wand also keeps your hands
at a safe distance from claws and teeth when your cat attacks his “prey.”
You should not be the sole source of fun for your cat, so be sure to offer him toys
that he can play with on his own. Toys that move, have an interesting texture, or are
scented with catnip are most likely to catch