By Kate Tilmouth
Playing is fun, right? So why do we need to know anything else about it, surely that's is all there is to it. Well it's true that the main reason we might play with our cat is because it is something fun to do, but for your cat it has a far more important role and is key to their general mental and physical well being. This means that it should be something that all cat owners should spend a little more time thinking about and incorporating into their every day cat care routine, rather than as an occasional playtime.
Hunting is a instinct that is in bred into every cat, even for our domesticated feline friends, who do not need to hunt for their food, will still have a strong desire to hunt for prey. But hunting plays another important role for cats other than for finding food; it also helps to build their confidence, their agility and keeps them fit. It also would occupy a cat for most of the day out in the wild and so a cat that no longer has the opportunity to hunt every day will find itself with a lot of unfilled hours. Many cat owners will have experienced a bored or depressed cat that shows their frustration through aggressive behaviour, such as chewing or scratching the furniture or one who hides them selves a way and becomes a very shy and timid cat.
A good substitute to hunting is therefore energetic chasing, stalking and pouncing playtimes, where the cat can engage all their natural instincts into the game and feel stimulated by the play. Unfortunately just leaving a motionless cat toy lying around just doesn't meet those requirements, so it is important for cat owners to interact with their cats during playtimes.
Ideally you should play with your cat at least a couple of times a day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. Of course this may not always be possible but at least one playtime a day is required to keep your cat healthy and happy. Playing with your cat an hour before bedtime is a good habit to get into, especially if you have a very alert nighttime cat that frequently tries to wake you up at night. This will help to use some of that energy and encourage them to sleep afterwards. The length of playtime will very much be dictated by the cat, some may be quite happy to play for 15 minutes while others prefer shorter more frequent games.
The secret to playing with your cat is to think like your cat, do they like to stalk and pounce onto small ground creatures like mice or do they prefer to climb trees to hunt flying creatures. Your cats preference will help you to decide which sort of toys would suit them better, such as furry mice and balls for the ground hunter and feathery, colourful toys which can be dangled and simulate flight for your bird hunter.
It is also important that we make the game as realistic for your pet, simply rolling a ball along the floor will soon become boring and uninteresting. Instead make sure that the playroom is interesting, placing open paper bags around is a good way to provide plenty of hiding places to pounce from. Also vary how you manipulate the toys, for instance make some movements fast, others slow, hide the toy behind or under something. This will make the game far more realistic and exciting for your cat, who can utilise all their hunting skills like stealth, speed, agility and cunning.
Keep the toys you use with the cat hidden away after use so that they do not become to over familiar with them and lose interest. Providing new toys from time to time will help to stimulate your cat's interest in the games and encourage more energetic play. It is also advisable not to use treats too often during playtime as this may cause weight gain over time. Treats may be helpful at first to encourage a shy or timed cat to come out and play but as their confidence grows, treats should be removed from the games.
Playing with your cat as you can see is much more than just a fun thing to do, it will promote confidence, fitness, reduce boredom and aggression and generally help in your cats over all mental and physical health. As an added bonus, regular play between you and your cat will strengthen the bond you have with each other. Your cat will associate you with fun and excitement and will seek your company out more often than with someone who just feeds them. Over all playtime will benefit everyone involved and should be encouraged throughout a cat lifetime.More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site http://www.our-happy-cat.com A feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.
Kate's second site http://www.frugal-living-tips.com promotes simple living and the reduction of waste and personal debt.
Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Tilmouth
Why Cats Need Toys
By Terry King
Cats are hunters by nature that's why they love playing with cat toys, it's one of the ways domestic cats practice their hunting skills. When we think our cats are playing, usually they are using toys for mock hunting games. Cats are naturally inquisitive, so a new object is a reason to explore, and if it moves all the better.
Cats enjoy toys that move the best. Anything that makes noise when played with, or can be pounced on will make great cat toys. To help with hunting your Cats eyes are tuned towards movement. The slightest movement will get a cats attention and encourage it to pounce. As a general rule Cats prefer toys much smaller than themselves. Although small toys are preferred, it is best to ensure that the toys aren't so small they can be swallowed. Small items can cause permanent damage to a cat's digestive track or other soft tissue, or worse choking.
There is no need to spend lots of money on cat toys, but having a variety will keep your cat interested, simply leave a few around for pussy to play with and then rotate with another set of cat toys when your cat becomes bored of them. By doing this cats will think they always have "new" cat toys to play with.
If your cat is a "house cat" providing cat toys is an important part of being a responsible cat owner. House cats tend not to get as much exercise as their feline counterparts that explore outside. So play provides valuable extra activity which will help keep house cats healthy. These periods of play will also help keep the indoor cats mind occupied and stop anxiety bought on by boredom.
We're all familiar with Cat toys based on string with a small object attached to the end. Simply lay the string out and gently twitch so the toy on the end moves to get your pet's attention. Usually these toys have a hoop on the end so they can be hung on a doorknob so that your cat can keep themselves occupied. Dangling the toy in front of your cat will encourage them will encourage them to swat the toy and attempt to pounce.
Lightweight Balls are also a great cheap way of providing a toy that a cat can play with without your help. The noise made as they skip across the floor will keep your cat's attention and they love to swat them with a paw to get the ball to move. Your cat will practice "stalking" the ball as it is still, and then pounce when it feels ready. Rubber balls tend to be more durable and just as good to for encouraging play, but it is important to ensure that the balls don't taste bitter. Simply clean the ball in warm soapy water and rinse afterwards, test the taste by placing the tip of your tongue on the end of the ball. If there is any bitter taste at all ten the ball is not safe for your cat.
Cats will enjoy playing with small soft stuffed toys, they will bat them round or pounce on them. Often these can be purchased with the stuffing containing catnip. We all know that catnip can drive cat wild and really get their attention. These toys will usually get even the laziest of house cats moving.Terry King runs Parcel Pets, a leading UK pet supplies web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_King
Cats are hunters by nature that's why they love playing with cat toys, it's one of the ways domestic cats practice their hunting skills. When we think our cats are playing, usually they are using toys for mock hunting games. Cats are naturally inquisitive, so a new object is a reason to explore, and if it moves all the better.
Cats enjoy toys that move the best. Anything that makes noise when played with, or can be pounced on will make great cat toys. To help with hunting your Cats eyes are tuned towards movement. The slightest movement will get a cats attention and encourage it to pounce. As a general rule Cats prefer toys much smaller than themselves. Although small toys are preferred, it is best to ensure that the toys aren't so small they can be swallowed. Small items can cause permanent damage to a cat's digestive track or other soft tissue, or worse choking.
There is no need to spend lots of money on cat toys, but having a variety will keep your cat interested, simply leave a few around for pussy to play with and then rotate with another set of cat toys when your cat becomes bored of them. By doing this cats will think they always have "new" cat toys to play with.
If your cat is a "house cat" providing cat toys is an important part of being a responsible cat owner. House cats tend not to get as much exercise as their feline counterparts that explore outside. So play provides valuable extra activity which will help keep house cats healthy. These periods of play will also help keep the indoor cats mind occupied and stop anxiety bought on by boredom.
We're all familiar with Cat toys based on string with a small object attached to the end. Simply lay the string out and gently twitch so the toy on the end moves to get your pet's attention. Usually these toys have a hoop on the end so they can be hung on a doorknob so that your cat can keep themselves occupied. Dangling the toy in front of your cat will encourage them will encourage them to swat the toy and attempt to pounce.
Lightweight Balls are also a great cheap way of providing a toy that a cat can play with without your help. The noise made as they skip across the floor will keep your cat's attention and they love to swat them with a paw to get the ball to move. Your cat will practice "stalking" the ball as it is still, and then pounce when it feels ready. Rubber balls tend to be more durable and just as good to for encouraging play, but it is important to ensure that the balls don't taste bitter. Simply clean the ball in warm soapy water and rinse afterwards, test the taste by placing the tip of your tongue on the end of the ball. If there is any bitter taste at all ten the ball is not safe for your cat.
Cats will enjoy playing with small soft stuffed toys, they will bat them round or pounce on them. Often these can be purchased with the stuffing containing catnip. We all know that catnip can drive cat wild and really get their attention. These toys will usually get even the laziest of house cats moving.Terry King runs Parcel Pets, a leading UK pet supplies web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_King
Persian Cats - Toy Review
By Connie Limon
All the toys reviewed in this article are available for under $25.
Fishy Fun Cat Toy: Indoor cats will be thrilled with the hunt.
Fishy Fun Cat Toy challenges a cat's natural hunting and stalking instincts. Cats, including the Persian, love to roll, pounce, and chase after the 3 ½" - diameter plush tubes, and hidden inside each is a furry fish attached by a bungee cord, peeking out to tease cats. When cats let go, the bungee pulls the fish back into the tube.
Leopard's Den Kitty Teaser
Cats will love trying to solve the puzzle of the Leopard's Den Kitty Teaser. There are nine holes in this toy that gives cats, Persian, as well, a tempting view of the three balls inside as they roll and rattle around. They will try hard to get the balls out, but will not be able to! There is a Catnip scent to tease them further. This toy is 10 ½" in diameter X 3" high.
Fishy Fun Tunnel
This toy is a bit more expensive, but probably worth it for the household with several cats. Persian cats will love this one! The toy is like spending a day at the beach, covered with starfish and offering three tantalizing bungee fish toys for endless Persian cat play. The tunnel has three large openings for access and a porthole for peeking out. Exterior plush covers crinkle material that builds interest with every step. The tunnel measures 10" in diameter and expands to 27 ½" long.
Kitty Krackling Hide-n-Seek Sack
This toy has a plastic crinkle lining between layers of cotton fabric to entice Persian cats to play. Wire rim on the mouth of the bag keeps sack open for easy access and safety. A Velcro closure at end allows bag to be converted into a fun tunnel. The color is bright neon green with a cute kitty print and eyelet trim. The size is 17 ½" long X 9 ½" wide.
Wind-Up Fun for Persian Cats
Skedaddles
One pull of their cord will send these crazy characters skittering and jittering across the floor, driving cats wherever they go. Soft plush invites playful cats to pounce. There are no batteries required, and each comes in a blister pack available individually or in a 6-pack. There are characters of hedgehog, a mouse, a squirrel and a raccoon.
Toys with Noise for Persian Cats
Cat Ball Multi Packs
These packs contain four assorted toys that cats love to bat and chase around, perfect for multiple Persian cat households. They get to enjoy a variety of extures, from plastic to soft mylar to fabric-covered - rattle, bell, crinkle, or shaker. The ball toys measure 1 ½".
Follow the URL address in this article to see where you can purchase all these fascinating Persian cat toys.
Disclaimer: The URL address in this article is not associated with manufacturer of any of the toys reviewed in this article. This article is offered as a resource for Persian Cat owners.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at Persian Cat Information http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon
All the toys reviewed in this article are available for under $25.
Fishy Fun Cat Toy: Indoor cats will be thrilled with the hunt.
Fishy Fun Cat Toy challenges a cat's natural hunting and stalking instincts. Cats, including the Persian, love to roll, pounce, and chase after the 3 ½" - diameter plush tubes, and hidden inside each is a furry fish attached by a bungee cord, peeking out to tease cats. When cats let go, the bungee pulls the fish back into the tube.
Leopard's Den Kitty Teaser
Cats will love trying to solve the puzzle of the Leopard's Den Kitty Teaser. There are nine holes in this toy that gives cats, Persian, as well, a tempting view of the three balls inside as they roll and rattle around. They will try hard to get the balls out, but will not be able to! There is a Catnip scent to tease them further. This toy is 10 ½" in diameter X 3" high.
Fishy Fun Tunnel
This toy is a bit more expensive, but probably worth it for the household with several cats. Persian cats will love this one! The toy is like spending a day at the beach, covered with starfish and offering three tantalizing bungee fish toys for endless Persian cat play. The tunnel has three large openings for access and a porthole for peeking out. Exterior plush covers crinkle material that builds interest with every step. The tunnel measures 10" in diameter and expands to 27 ½" long.
Kitty Krackling Hide-n-Seek Sack
This toy has a plastic crinkle lining between layers of cotton fabric to entice Persian cats to play. Wire rim on the mouth of the bag keeps sack open for easy access and safety. A Velcro closure at end allows bag to be converted into a fun tunnel. The color is bright neon green with a cute kitty print and eyelet trim. The size is 17 ½" long X 9 ½" wide.
Wind-Up Fun for Persian Cats
Skedaddles
One pull of their cord will send these crazy characters skittering and jittering across the floor, driving cats wherever they go. Soft plush invites playful cats to pounce. There are no batteries required, and each comes in a blister pack available individually or in a 6-pack. There are characters of hedgehog, a mouse, a squirrel and a raccoon.
Toys with Noise for Persian Cats
Cat Ball Multi Packs
These packs contain four assorted toys that cats love to bat and chase around, perfect for multiple Persian cat households. They get to enjoy a variety of extures, from plastic to soft mylar to fabric-covered - rattle, bell, crinkle, or shaker. The ball toys measure 1 ½".
Follow the URL address in this article to see where you can purchase all these fascinating Persian cat toys.
Disclaimer: The URL address in this article is not associated with manufacturer of any of the toys reviewed in this article. This article is offered as a resource for Persian Cat owners.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at Persian Cat Information http://smalldogs2.com/PersianCats For a variety of FREE reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon