My cat won't play

dusty's mom

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Dusty is about 5 yrs. old and we've had her for 3 years. She was a stray that decided to live on our patio, but she is now an indoor/outdoor (only during the day) cat. She is so affectionate, and really is the perfect pet in every way, BUT she will not play. We've tried every toy known to attract cats, including dangling a string. We have balls, toy mice, feather toys, laser lights, you name it and we've tried it. She is just not interested. What's up with that? I thought all cats liked toys?
 

kat89447

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Your kitty might not be feeling well. If a cat gets a cold they cannot smell very well and this can affect their eating habits and their play habits. If the cat doesn't groom himself very well that's another sign that something is up. Of course it could just be a phase and your cat might just start playing again like it never stopped. lol
 
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dusty's mom

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We've had her 3 years now and she's never played. It's like she knows the toys aren't prey, so why bother? She is a hunter though, and will catch birds! I don't understand, but I guess that is just part of her personality.
 

jesi

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My Mish is a lazy cat! She's 5 or 6 years as well and doesnt like to play. I tried everything I could and she just isnt into it... so I decided to have "training" time during the day to keep her mentally alert and somewhat active... basically to give her something to do. She took to it immediately and has been learning to targer, sit, stand, and come by hand gestures (she mostly already comes when called). She really enjoys it!
 

goldenkitty45

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I would say that since she was a stray and more then likely born outside, she never had experience with toys that indoor cats play with. Try using "toys" from outside - like long blades of grass or leaves for her to chase. I'm willing to bet she would play with peacock feathers or pheasant feathers.

Or try the fishing lure toys with feathers. What about the rabbit furred mice?
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

I would say that since she was a stray and more then likely born outside, she never had experience with toys that indoor cats play with. Try using "toys" from outside - like long blades of grass or leaves for her to chase. I'm willing to bet she would play with peacock feathers or pheasant feathers.

Or try the fishing lure toys with feathers. What about the rabbit furred mice?
Java's a big fan of rabbit fur toys!
 

felyne

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I found a super toy for my lightweight. I took the yellow rubber bands around organic produce, they're wide, and made a 3/4"-1" ball. OMG! He goes nutz!!!!! The other cat runs if anything comes toward him. I am wondering if he might need glasses. The vet checked his eyes, but not for near or far sightedness. This has happened often, unless his previous owner threw stuff at him. Not sure.
 

felyne

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Dusty is about 5 yrs. old and we've had her for 3 years. She was a stray that decided to live on our patio, but she is now an indoor/outdoor (only during the day) cat. She is so affectionate, and really is the perfect pet in every way, BUT she will not play. We've tried every toy known to attract cats, including dangling a string. We have balls, toy mice, feather toys, laser lights, you name it and we've tried it. She is just not interested. What's up with that? I thought all cats liked toys?

Yup, wants to be outside. Same with the toys and had avet check up. Never played, even when he was a stray. BUT, he catches and eats bugs in the house, and quite good at it. Won't be bothered by flies this year. LOL
 

mazie

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I would not worry about the fact that your cat is not that interested in play time with man made toys with you.  First of all, it is not you.  Katy was born feral, still enjoys going outdoors ( to my dismay
), and plays da-bird, with the balls, etc. for about 5 minutes (or less) and that is it.  I would wonder why she won't play a full 20 minutes like recommended by our members on this sight, then I remember that  ferals/strays that still have out of doors time get the real thing, not artificial prey called toys that we humans kill ourselves trying to get them to just love play time with these things.  I still have that "play time" with her each night, but do not take it personally when she rejects the time as if saying "Ok mom, had enough". 
As in life, take it in stride.  You only will frustrate yourself, your cat is happy!!!!
 

felyne

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@mazie, frustrated is the word. Not going to worry about it anymore. He's safe, not as scared at every single thing as he used to be. (Must have been a wreck hiding when he was outdoors) and he has a full belly. He likes a plain old fat eubber band. Goes nutz over it. I thot he would eat it, but shows no interest in doing so. At least he's having a few mins of fun.
-not going to be frustrated any more. :)
 
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