"How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty"

 

While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are often left to their own devices, having to find their own ways of exercising if they are kept indoors.

Cats have gone from working animals to creatures of leisure. In the past, a cat spent most of its day hunting, keeping the homestead free of rodents. Today, most cats are pure companions who spend the day waiting for their beloved human to return home. Even if you work from home, it is important to set aside some time to play with your cat. Interacting with you stimulates her physically and mentally, keeping her healthy in body and mind.

The time of day you play depends on your schedule and your cat's natural rhythms. Some cats like a leisurely morning, while others are fired up from the moment they open their eyes. It may take a while to find the time that fits both of you. Once you've found it, however, don't be surprised to see your cat expecting play at that time each day. Cats are creatures of habit, and they feel most secure with a regular schedule.

Play time helps with some behavior problems. A rousing game of chase-the-lure will take the edge off of a frisky feline who tends to attack her owner's ankles. A good dose of interaction also fills her need for your undivided attention and may make her less likely to drape herself across you at an inopportune time.

Remember that if you don't want your cat to play with your plants while you're away, don't' use plant fronds as lures during play time. The same thing applies to hands; if you don't want your cat to pounce on unsuspecting visitors hands, don't use yours as a toy when playing with her. If you purchase toys for your cat, check to make sure that all small pieces are secured tightly.

The best toys for cats are often home-made and only need YOUR interaction.

My favorite is "fishing" with a piece of string or a stick. Hold the string/stick above the head of your cat pretending its a fishing rod. Your cat will delight in jumping and swatting, especially if you let her catch it once in a while.

Another favorite with my cats is to crumple a piece of paper. Just the sound of the paper seems to get them excited. Show the cats the ball of paper and then throw it for them. Watch as they chase it round the room in delight.

Some toys, such as lures attached to string should only be played with when you are there to manipulate it. If you leave it set up for her while you are gone, there is a chance she could become tangled in the string and choke. Pet supply stores carry some captivating self-play toys, such as a ball inside a track that will keep your kitty safely content while you are away. A kitty condo or carpeted tree is good investment. The multiple levels encourage climbing, while the hiding holes allow your cat to indulge her stalking instinct. Toys need not be expensive. Create a cat puzzle by taping a toilet paper roll tube to the floor and placing a cat treat inside. Your cat will enjoy trying o get the treat from the tube.

Be sure that you remain in control during playtime. If your cat starts to play roughly, rub a stuffed animal against her belly and quickly withdraw your hands. This directs her aggressive behavior onto the toy and away from you. If she ignores the toy and continues to play-attack you, end the play session and walk away. Come back in a few moments and try again. After awhile, she will learn that you control the level of play, not her.

About the Author

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.

 NS Kennedy

More Articles 

Cat Playing or Fighting - Tony Robinson
With multi, cats can play rough. Outdoor cats that stay outside or can go outside will also play rough with other cats. Biting your ankles or arms can be play for your cat. Cats that have extra energy to play and have difficulty finding ways to...

Falling in Unrequited Love with a Siamese Mix: Yoda, the Cat - Joy Cagil
Twelve years ago, after he started living on his own, my son adopted a Siamese mix and called him, "Yoda." Although a mix, Yoda has the temperament, large ears, huge blue eyes, and the cute, dark face of a true Siamese. He has also acquired their...

Stop Cat Scratching Today! - Brad Knell
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves are frayed. Your cat thinks you have morphed into someone he doesn't know and you need a solution to his inappropriate scratching behavior now! Sound familiar? Well, this was our situation a...

Cat Litter Box Health Concerns You Need To Know - Rob Wellborn
Cats are the most popular pets in the United States. According to the latest version of the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook (2002 Edition) there were almost 70 Million pet cats in the United States. Why are cats so popular? There are as...

Training a Cat not to Chew on Dangerous Objects - Tony Robinson
Cats chew, lick, or eat non-food objects for medical and behavioral reasons. Out of curiosity, a cat will try to chew on most things. Easy to swallow items will need to be put up out of reach of your cat. Cats chewing and eating items,...

Invest In Some Cat Furniture - Triston Huntsmin
If you are one of the lucky people in the world to own one or many cats as pets, then congratulations because you have chosen one of the best pets you can own. If you have made the commitment to owning cats, then don't you want to be the best cat...

Cat Training Collar - Tony Robinson
Cat like dogs, you will need to get a collar for your cat. There will be times when you will want to walk the cat or let your cat out on a leash. With having a collar it will be easy to do both of these. Collar training does take time,...

"Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy" - NS Kennedy
* Lock things up that could cause harm * Keep the washer/dryer door closed at all times * Honk the car horn before starting it up * Use fire carefully * Keep all upstairs windows closed or screened * Store string away tidily * Keep floors...

How to Train Kittens to Use the Cat Litter Box - Nancy E Wigal
There are several things you need to do to help the mama cat train her kitties to develop good cat litter box habits. While the kids may try to follow mom's example, here's how you can help cement that success. First, since kittens are so...

Cats Indoors! - American Bird Conservancy
Keeping Cats Indoors is for the Cats... Each year, millions of cats are run over by cars, mauled by dogs, poisoned and lost. Hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals are killed annually by free-roaming cats. The suffering of both...

How To Make Sure Your New Cat Will Be At Home In Your Home - Niall Kennedy
Buying a cat is a big decision. Do you have time to look after her? Is your home or appartment suitable for a pussy cat? Are there any health issues you need to think about, and are your family members ready for a new addition to the family? Find...

What Is The Best Way To Feed Your Cat? - Niall Kennedy
Think that your cat needs a fancy set of dishes to eat from? He doesn't. But, what he does need is something that is sturdy and durable and it needs to be easy for you to clean as well. Cat feeders and bowls should be cat-proof. One type of...