Playtime

How do you play with your cat(s)? How long? How often?

I try to spend time with her playing every evening and when I am home on weekends. She loves the laser but I have to be careful not to over do it - she will play till she is breathing with her mouth open! I toss toys for her to chase, tickle her with a feather and play with covers on the bed (she thinks wrinkles and bunches must be destroyed)

Anyway, she still wanders around mewing and seems bored. I need ideas to keep her stimulated. As much as I wish I could, another kitty is not an option at this point.

I play every evening after my kids go to bed and sometimes in the morning too if I am home.

I know what you mean about kitty seeming bored. I keep throwing the mouse but get tired of picking it up when he isn't even chasing it half the time.

Two kids would mean two to play with !

Get a 'fishing line' type of toy or make one.

I use a bit of rabbit and mink fur sewn into a 'mouse shape'. It must be real fur, not polyester, since Gizmo likes this.

It's sewn around a knot in a leather bootlace that is tied to a stick. I 'cast' the fly down the hall, around the house, and under the furniture, and Gizmo chases it. She is never bored, but sometimes wants to play in different areas of the apartment.

If you can't make your own toy, something like Da Bird or a commercial cat toy might suffice. I had to make Gizzy's toys since she pulls the commercial ones apart in seconds.

If you keep the mouse toy moving, instead of just tossing it, the cat will have a lot of fun, get a lot of exercise, and never tire of it.

Before I got Mosi, I'd play with Jaffa for about an hour each evening with a fishing rod style toy. I'd also have a few minutes here and there when I'd throw something for him, or wave some string like object around for him to pounce on (eg if he's lying on the bed I might find my PJ bottoms and drag the cord across the bed for him to chase! He loves that game ). Since Mosi is a kitten, I spend most of each evening playing games with him, and throw balls around at other times of the day too if he's awake.

I have two kittens. They entertain each other a lot and I don't know what I'd do with only one because they'd get so lonely. They still love to play with me though. I just got a laser pointer and they like that but get frustrated after a bit so I switch to a "real" toy. Eve likes it when I drag a toy mouse on a shoelace, while Lily would rather have me just drag the shoelace. The Cat Dancer is also popular and I throw fuzzy glitter balls for them to pounce on. Their favorite interactive toy is a peacock feather, which is great because they're only $7 for a dozen at Hobby Lobby!

Originally Posted by Forget-Me-Not

How do you play with your cat(s)? How long? How often?

I try to spend time with her playing every evening and when I am home on weekends. She loves the laser but I have to be careful not to over do it - she will play till she is breathing with her mouth open! I toss toys for her to chase, tickle her with a feather and play with covers on the bed (she thinks wrinkles and bunches must be destroyed)

Anyway, she still wanders around mewing and seems bored. I need ideas to keep her stimulated. As much as I wish I could, another kitty is not an option at this point.

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I have 2 kittens and they certainly love to play! I play with them before and after work and the weekends. They love to chase... fruzzy little balls or their favorite "alone" toy, that could work for your cat, the Cheese Chase http://www.petstages.com/default2.asp
"Translucent ball track offers hours of chasing fun for your cat
Swiss Cheese center offers challenge and interest with another ball to chase
Plush mouse on spring is filled with catnip to attract kitty!
Gentle spring action adds more action to this fun filled toy station
Non skid bottom keeps toy in place"

I also try and change their toys around so they don't get bored of the same toy. My husband thinks I'm crazy, always buying toys