Cats need play: Avoiding a common pet ownership oversight
In winter, cat caregivers often joke that dog owners must get up every morning and endure the cold while walking their pets. However, many forget that a cat requires more than just food and petting for its well-being. Neglecting this vital aspect could genuinely harm your feline companion.
4 December 2024 11:03
Comments about fat cats have become quite popular in the public sphere. We should ensure these overweight cats are absent from both politics and home environments. When it comes to pets, the responsibility lies with their caregivers.
Although dog owners are required to take their pets for daily walks, cat owners should not become complacent. Each day, they should spend some time ensuring their purring friends get exercise through play. Otherwise, the consequences can be significant.
If you don't do this, your cat will be unhappy
Playing with the caregiver provides immense pleasure for the cat, allowing it to enjoy undivided attention and entertainment. This keeps the animal physically active, stimulates its brain, reduces frustration, and strengthens the bond with the caregiver.
For a cat, play is much more than that. Beneath the warm fur lies a predator needing to satisfy its hunting instinct. If a person doesn't offer an opportunity for this through daily play, the cat may develop behavioural and health problems.
How often should you play with your cat? we know the answer
A cat lacking play will attempt to find an outlet for its frustration. The immediate environment usually suffers—the animal destroys furniture, can become aggressive, or might even attack the caregiver. There's also a risk of physical ailments—muscles and joints suffer due to inactivity, and the cat may become overweight. Caregivers should not underestimate this.
To fully satisfy a cat's needs, with varied activities, you should play with it daily for at least a few minutes. Expensive toys aren't necessary; a little creativity goes a long way. It's also crucial that the cat, when hunting the toy, can catch it eventually. Hence, popular lasers are not the best option. At the end of the play, rewarding the cat with a treat can mimic the completion of a natural hunt, where the feline hunter catches its meal.
