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kitten sucks at playing

post #1 of 4
10/21/10 at 7:58pm
Thread Starter 
My kitten (3 months-ish), once he gets hold of the feather at the end of Da Bird, refuses to give it up for 5-10 minutes at a time. Pulling on the stick just brings him along with it, since his little needle teeth are very grippy.Tthat is fine, as long as I'm done playing with him, but I'm not going to stand around for 5-10 minutes at a time, watching him chew on a feather. Once he lets go, I play with him again for about 15-20 sreconds, maybe one full minute if i whip the thing around too fast for him, he catches the feather, and its back to carrying it somewhere to gnaw on. Is there a more productive way of playing with my kitten, because this is really really boring for me (I know, selfish, so sue me).

Also, isn't it recommended to give kitten a few half hour play sessions a day? Him running around for half an hour would take a full day at the pace he's going. The thing is, he wont bite his other toys nearly as hard, and he runs after them, but they're all stationary toys like mylar balls and stuffed mice.
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post #2 of 4
10/21/10 at 8:08pm
Try nekoflies www.nekoflies.com my favorite the Kittenator. But the purpose of both those toys is to get the cat or kitten moving, not you. Yes, they will grab it, they will tug it but this is how they prey in the real world. Try not to be so impatient with this kitten- he is probably having a blast. Keep in your pocket some meaty, smelly treats and when he grabs on to the toy, drop the treat as a reward. Once he goes after the treat start playing with him again but not for any long periods of time. 10 minutes is usually to long.
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post #3 of 4
10/21/10 at 8:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hissy View Post
Try nekoflies www.nekoflies.com my favorite the Kittenator. But the purpose of both those toys is to get the cat or kitten moving, not you. Yes, they will grab it, they will tug it but this is how they prey in the real world. Try not to be so impatient with this kitten- he is probably having a blast. Keep in your pocket some meaty, smelly treats and when he grabs on to the toy, drop the treat as a reward. Once he goes after the treat start playing with him again but not for any long periods of time. 10 minutes is usually to long.
I know I shouldn't be impatient, but I'm also worrying about his energy levels. Sure, he may be having the time of his life, but it isn't tiring him out at all. Also, he doesn't like treats. And I'm pretty sure in a choice between food and a toy, he would choose the toy every time. I have tried multiple treats during play time, and he hasn't given a second smell to any of them.

It's getting to the point where I fling the thing around until he catches it, I drop the handle, go to my room, and wait for him to get bored and come find me again.
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post #4 of 4
10/21/10 at 8:22pm
Hissy is right, you have to distract him. My boys - adults - will glomp onto their feather on a string or cat charmer toys and not let go. Or sit on them!!

Then I distract them with a different toy...

My cats like the Cat Dancer, Cat Charmer and Feline Flyer. I find the string on Da Bird is too flimsy and it snaps b/c the guys chew on them, etc.

Also -don't be so impatient. He's just a baby!
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