Playing with your cat is an essential activity, both for the bonding experience and the excercise he needs. Most cat lovers love to spend hours watching their cats play; even senior cats become kittenish when tossing around a catnip mouse or chasing the feather lure on a wand toy. You'll find other ideas for playing with your cat as you observe him at play.
The Lowly Cardboard Box
You probably have noticed that often your cat enjoys the box it came in better than the toy inside.
Even large cardboard boxes make for enjoyable games for your cat. Consider these uses for the unglamorous cardboard box: Turn it over so the open side is at the bottom. Cut a small hole in the edge and put a catnip mouse inside. Watch kitty try to grab the mouse. Paint a box and make a "Kitty Car" out of it. Scrunch up a few pieces of wrapping paper and throw them in an open box. Watch the fun.
Other "Home-Grown" Toys
Your cat can help you with this one. Pay attention to the things around the house that attract them, and between the two of you, you can devise some interactive games with them. A few "home-made" toys to try: The plastic rings from milk bottles. Wadded-up paper - the noisier, the better. (Our Billy loves to play "fetch" with his paper "mice.") An accordian-pleated piece of paper tied to a long string. A large paper bag lying on its side (cut some holes in it for added interest).
More Toys Found Around the House
Plastic drinking straws (great for socializing kittens, for teething too, and they make a nice crunchy sound.
Drag one across the floor for interactive play, or tie a knot in it and watch kitty chase his prey. Old shoulder pads make dandy "mice" (try rubbing a bit of catnip on one). A baby sock stuffed with crinkly paper and a bit of catnip, then sewn closed makes a terrific catnip mouse. If you don't have babies, just use an old sock of your own and tie it closed.
Things to Avoid as Toys
Though your cat's imagination knows no bounds when it comes to inventing games with household objects, there are several things you should keep out of bounds. Loose string, elastic, curling ribbon, or tree icicyles (Can tangle in the intestines if swallowed) Plastic bags can suffocate a small cat, or cause blockage if pieces are torn off and swallowed. Rubber bands (See above.) Paper clips, thumb tacks, any small, similar items are choking hazards.
Make Your Own Cat Toys
With simple supplies you probably already have around the house, you can quickly make a homemade cat sock toy, or a cute mousie cat toy. Follow the easy instructions in these About.com videos, then stand back and watch your cat play the mighty hunter.
The Lowly Cardboard Box
You probably have noticed that often your cat enjoys the box it came in better than the toy inside.
Even large cardboard boxes make for enjoyable games for your cat. Consider these uses for the unglamorous cardboard box: Turn it over so the open side is at the bottom. Cut a small hole in the edge and put a catnip mouse inside. Watch kitty try to grab the mouse. Paint a box and make a "Kitty Car" out of it. Scrunch up a few pieces of wrapping paper and throw them in an open box. Watch the fun.
Other "Home-Grown" Toys
Your cat can help you with this one. Pay attention to the things around the house that attract them, and between the two of you, you can devise some interactive games with them. A few "home-made" toys to try: The plastic rings from milk bottles. Wadded-up paper - the noisier, the better. (Our Billy loves to play "fetch" with his paper "mice.") An accordian-pleated piece of paper tied to a long string. A large paper bag lying on its side (cut some holes in it for added interest).
More Toys Found Around the House
Plastic drinking straws (great for socializing kittens, for teething too, and they make a nice crunchy sound.
Drag one across the floor for interactive play, or tie a knot in it and watch kitty chase his prey. Old shoulder pads make dandy "mice" (try rubbing a bit of catnip on one). A baby sock stuffed with crinkly paper and a bit of catnip, then sewn closed makes a terrific catnip mouse. If you don't have babies, just use an old sock of your own and tie it closed.
Things to Avoid as Toys
Though your cat's imagination knows no bounds when it comes to inventing games with household objects, there are several things you should keep out of bounds. Loose string, elastic, curling ribbon, or tree icicyles (Can tangle in the intestines if swallowed) Plastic bags can suffocate a small cat, or cause blockage if pieces are torn off and swallowed. Rubber bands (See above.) Paper clips, thumb tacks, any small, similar items are choking hazards.
Make Your Own Cat Toys
With simple supplies you probably already have around the house, you can quickly make a homemade cat sock toy, or a cute mousie cat toy. Follow the easy instructions in these About.com videos, then stand back and watch your cat play the mighty hunter.