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Written by Anne Moss
Play is a natural need in all mammals, especially those that have not reached maturity. Through play, mammals discover the world surrounding them and learn the basic rules that will govern the rest of their lives.
Kittens spend many hours playing games, especially those that simulate hunting and violent competition with other cats. The ability to play develops gradually once the kittens open their eyes. It becomes increasingly refined as their bodies grow, their muscles develop, and their motor abilities improve. Kittens are willing to play with other kittens and cats, with other animals, and with humans, and are very easily induced to play hunting games.
Watching a playing cat is fascinating. In response to the stimulus of motion, the cat focuses on the moving object, lies down in preparation for a pretend ambush, and, after a few seconds of concentration, intercepts its "prey" with amazing rapidity. Cats are naturally skillful hunters, and the level of these skills can be observed most particularly when they play.
As they grow up, the cats' need for play significantly decreases. Cats become calmer and are not as often excited by stimuli. Still, house cats are kittens in their souls, and most of them are willing to engage in some sort of play even when they are older.
There is a great assortment of cats' toys displayed in pet shops. These include:
- Balls - Cats find it very hard to resist a ball as it catches their eye, rolling or bouncing on the floor. Colorful balls intended for cats are made of such materials as plastic, rubber, or sponge. Many of the balls have a small bell in them or are made in such a way that they make a sound as they roll.
- Toy mice - There are wind-up toy mice with spring mechanisms that will run in circles on the floor. Cats are fascinated with any object that moves on its own, and may continue playing with such a toy long after it stops moving. In addition, there are simple toy mice, some containing catnip that the cat can easily throw in the air to catch again. Fur toy mice are a real attraction for some cats, and some of these are sold with a stand to which they are connected with a spring.
- "Fish rods" - These are plastic rods resembling a fishing rod, with a small toy on the end of a string in place of the bait. The great advantage of these "fishing rods" is that they can be held by a human located at some distance (approximately three feet) away from the cat. That way, the game is interactive while the human participant cannot be scratched or bitten in the excitement of the play.
Excellent toys can also be made at home. In fact, it is likely that the cat will find worthy toys for itself, such as a plastic plug that can be rolled on the floor, a paper ball, etc. It is important to check these "toys" to make sure they do not contain small parts that the cat might extract and swallow.
Other dangerous toys are balls of thread or knitting wool - the threads can be swallowed and become tangled in the cat's intestines. Plastic baggies, in which the cat can become entangled and suffocated, and plastic containers holding potentially harmful beauty or skin care products or medications. Such hazardous items should be put in cat-proof boxes or into cupboards and drawers in the same way that you would child-proof your home for curious toddlers. Better safe than sorry!
Anne Moss is the founder and owner of TheCatSite.com. She is a cat behaviorist and a member of the Cats Writers Association.
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