Games To Play With Your Cat While In Isolation
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian
Stuck in isolation with your kitty? Why not use the time to have a bit of fun? Playtime is a great way to entertain your cat, entertain yourself, and can help strengthen the bond between you and your feline friend.
1. Fetch
Most cats will chase a small toy if thrown across the room or even up and down the stairs. Some will even pick them up and carry them back to you! Pick out something small enough for him to carry, fluffy toys or ones with feathers will help to pique your cat or kitten's interest. Try the Trouble And Trix Bliss Tweet Mice or the Paws for Life Cat Balls .
2. Kitty Squash
Image: @thatmiloofficial
A simple ping pong ball can provide hours of entertainment for you and your furbaby. To play 'squash' with your cat, simply bounce the ball against the floor or wall, and let your cat try to catch it. Watch as their skill improves as they learn to predict which way the ball will bounce. Your kitty's twists and acrobatic manoeuvres will make them look like a feline gymnast.
3. The Cup Game
Don your street performer's hat! All you need to play 'The Cup Game' with your cat is a toy (or a treat) and 3 cups. The game is simple: place your cat's toy or treat under one of three upturned cups. Make sure your kitty is watching while you do this. Move the cups around at random, and watch as your cat guesses which one contains their toy or treat.
Not all cats will show interest in this game. But if you persist and show them the solution a few times, they should be intrigued in no time.
4. Pigs in Blankets
Image: @TehKouseki
Cats are natural hunters. Give them something to chase by sliding your hand or a toy underneath a blanket! You kitty will be be bounding and pouncing in no time. If your kitty is a bit too claw-keen, a thick blanket or the use of a stuffed animal toy might be the way to go.
5. Whack-a-Mole
Image: @fourleggedfluffs_dd
Playing to your cat's hunting instincts, a fun game of whack-a-mole is always well received. You can either buy a ready-made peek-a-boo box like the Smartcat Peek and Play Toy Box or the Catit Roller Circuit, or you can make one yourself with a shoebox and smattering of small toys or balls.
6. Catch the Snakey
Movement is a great way to stimulate your cat's desire to play. Teasing 'wand' type toys with a snake or feather boa attached to a string allow you to whip your cat up into a frenzy without risking your hands and arms to excited claws. Use random movements to keep your cat interested, make them think they've almost got the toy before you whisk it away again.
7. Treasure Hunt Feeding
Because eating out of a bowl is boring! Play a treasure hunt with your cat by hiding their kibble around the house. Forage feeding is an excellent way to keep your kitty entertained, active, and occupied for hours on end. Make use of high levels (such as a cat tree) to encourage jumping and climbing. Take care to only feed them their daily portion of food, and ensure you do a sweep at the end of the day to clean up any forgotten pieces!
Did you know: Cat shelters and vet clinics often use forage feeding to keep feline residents entertained.
8. Automated Toy Playtime
An automated toy is perfect if you need to work from home, and you need to keep your kitty out of your way. Stimulate your cat's natural hunting instincts with treat dispensing and automated toys. Interactive toys are a great way to keep your cat occupied and active when you need to do your work - just be sure to rotate them often to keep your cat from getting bored.
9. Wrestle Mania
Some cats just love to kick their toys with their back legs! This is a defensive fighting move that they use when wrestling and play-fighting with other cats. Soft toys are perfect for cats that like to 'bunny-kick' their prey, plus if added catnip also helps to put them in a playful mood.
Further Reading
How to stop your cat from scratching the furniture
How to tell if your cat loves you
10 must have cat products for when you are away
How to deal with shedding pet hair
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.