How can I get a cat to play?

[tracyi838]

I have two female cats, siblings from the same litter, and they are both close to 3 years old. 

Sookie, is very aggressive in her play, so much so, that Pumpkin will not play at all. The only way I can get Pumpkin to have any kind of play time is when we play catch with her dry food. She used to love the laser pointer but has since grown bored with it, clearly loving the reward of a treat or something to chew on upon catching. I have tons of toys ranging from crinkle balls to various catnip toys to feathers, etc. and it's been a struggle to find the right toy that Pumpkin will like... but that is another problem all together. 

How can I Pumpkin engaged in play? She wants the attention and you can see the disappointment in her face when Sookie steps in?

Thanks!

 

[tammyp]

First thought, separate them for Pumpkin's playtime.  She needs it without Sookie; maybe Sookie needs her own time too so she can rip into it.  These posts have some good info, including the type of play your cat might be interested in - you're right, different types of play interest different types of cats.  This writer labels three types of cats 'alpha', 'beta', 'gamma' - not meaning anything you might associate with the names, just as a naming system, so I'd start with figuring out the cat types you have:

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/what-are-cat-types/14748

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/match-the-play-to-the-cat/16121

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/dear-pammy-how-do-i-play-with-my-gamma/21081

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/when-multiple-cats-need-solitary-time/18547

http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/the-laser-pointer-unbeatable-foe/3077

 

[thetigerden]

I'm in the same situation, with an Apha who will play with anything, and a Gamma who is way too shy to step in, but I can see in his eyes he is interested. Granted, my Gamma cat is also very new to the household, so I'm hoping things will change in the future.

For now I am trying to give them equal time in playing, then reward them each time when they show interest in the toy. 

Thank you for the links, tammyp!

 

[tammyp]

You're very welcome!  She's one of my fave cat-writers ('cause her stuff works!!)

 

[tracyi838]

Thank you!