It helps when a toy makes some kind of sound to grab your cat’s attention, whether it squeaks, rattles, or clicks. Cats have very good hearing, so even a piece of rope sliding over the floor may be enough sound to grab their attention. For cats, playing also functions as training for hunting skills. Play and hunting often go hand-in-hand, and cats will use their claws to bat at anything that holds their attention. It is very easy for a cat to use its imagination, but you need to activate it sometimes. A piece of rope lying limply by itself isn’t a prey-like toy. However, when you grab that rope and pull it away from your cat, it will trigger your cat into hunting for its prey. These toys mimic the motion of birds flying in the air, which cats love to chase after. [2] X Expert Source Rita ReimersCat Behaviorist Expert Interview. 22 June 2021.
Make sure that once you’ve tied the toy, it can stand up on its own. A floppy old stuffed animal won’t fool your cat for long. It needs to be able to stand!
When cats put their nails into something, they don’t want to let go. This is where the fun begins. Once they grab their ‘prey’ it is your job to make the ‘prey’ to try to escape from his claws by both alternating between gentle and rude pulling on the rope. Make your cat run around! Guide him with the toy. Make the cat use your furniture as an obstacle, and jump in the air as high as possible. Make your cat run in circles. If you practice this kind of play with your cat often enough, the cat might hold onto the piece of string so fiercely that you can drag him around.
You can find laser pointers online, at pet-supply stores and at most technology stores. Be careful not to point the laser into your cat’s eyes. Once you have your cat under the spell of the laser, try not to lead it anywhere dangerous. Cats may run headlong into a chair or wall because they are so focused on the dot. [5] X Research source Give your cat treats after he’s played with the laser pointer. This way, your cat will feel like he’s “caught” his dinner. [6] X Expert Source Rita ReimersCat Behaviorist Expert Interview. 22 June 2021.
Avoid using both hands when playing, as the cat will feel outnumbered and flee. This is, incidentally, a good way of ridding yourself of a playful cat when you’re no longer in the mood.
Be warned that every cat reacts differently to catnip. [8] X Research source Your cat may love it, your cat may indifferent, and your cat may even abuse the stuff. Give your cat small amounts of catnip, and watch it for cues. You may also consider buying catnip spray from a pet store and spraying it onto the toys that your cat already has. Spray the catnip spray onto the toys and wait for it to dry. Once it has fully dried, slowly bring out the toys.
A box should be large enough for the cat to climb inside, but not so tall that your cat cannot climb out afterward. You can set it upright or on its side, as long as the cat can easily access it. You can use any type of bag that your cat fits inside, but be wary of plastic bags that can trap and suffocate your cat. In general, paper and canvas bags are safer and more breathe-able.
Never make your cat feel as though he is trapped or cornered. Avoid reaching into the box or looming over the exit, especially if your cat tends to be skittish.
