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5 Reasons Why You Should Play with Your Cat

by Sam Salvati - 09/08/20

Many pet parents leave playful activity to dogs. However, daily cat play can keep your furry feline happy and healthy.

Here are 5 reasons why:

Play Keeps Your Cat's Joints and Bones Loose and Healthy

A vast majority of house cats suffer from joint swelling or arthritis. Daily frolic and activity can prevent such ailments.

Although the health of your cat's body will inevitably decline, daily exercise will add years of happiness to your cat.

Cat Play Can Prevent Obesity

Obesity affects 60 percent of American house cats, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. With just a few toys and games, you could save your cat from this dangerous condition. Even ten minutes a day of playing can impact your cat's health.

If your cat is noticeably obese, consider visiting your vet to catch any potential coronary diseases.

Play with Cats Sharpens their Mind

Many cats who lack physical activity or play develop dementia later in their life. Games or food puzzles that require problem-solving can stimulate your cat's mind, preventing potential mental decay.

Cat play toys and games can also sharpen the mind by developing coordination and social skills.

It Can Curb Boredom

When cats get bored, they get mischevious. If they aren't physically or mentally occupied, they may begin scratching up furniture or even other cats. Keep them busy and entertained with fun play. If you're too busy to keep your cat busy, look into automatic laser toys, which can occupy your cat with no effort.

If your cat is disinterested in playing with you, motivate her with some treats or catnip.

It Fosters Bonding

The more you play with your cat, the stronger the bond you share will become. Some games for cats to play build social skills and bonds with other cats, too. Cat-on-cat play is a good alternative if you don't know how to play with cats or if you lack the time.

Pasadena native Sam Salvati is the adoring dog dad to Pablo, Ester and Farris. He enjoys keeping abreast of and writing about the latest developments in pet care.

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