🐾 Cat Wellness 2025: Why Play Is Essential for Every Cat 🐱🎯

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

For cats, play is not just entertainment—it’s a core survival skill. It mimics the act of hunting and allows your cat to express natural instincts in a safe, enriching way. 🧠🐾

Without play, cats can develop behavior problems, obesity, anxiety, and depression. And the best part? Play deepens your bond and keeps both of you engaged. 🐾❤️

🎯 What Is Play to a Cat?

To us, tossing a ball or waving a wand looks like fun. To your cat, it’s a chance to stalk, chase, and capture prey. Cats are solitary hunters in the wild, and interactive play allows them to fulfill that daily drive—even indoors. 🐭

⏰ When Should You Play?

• 🕖 Morning and evening—when cats are naturally most active
• 🍽️ Before mealtime—so play simulates a hunt that ends in a “kill” (the food)
• 📅 Same time each day—cats thrive on routine and predictability

⏱️ How Long Should Play Sessions Be?

• 🕒 Aim for 10–15 minutes per session
• 🐾 Think of it as 5 mini 2-minute hunts
• 🧘 Don’t overdo it—cats are sprinters, not marathon runners

Older cats or those with limited mobility can still benefit from low-energy, slow-motion stalking and batting games. 🐱

💡 Tips for Better Play

• 📈 Vary speed—too fast? too slow? Adjust for your cat’s style
• 🎭 Hide the toy—move it under rugs or behind furniture
• 🎨 Engage all senses—use scented, textured, or sound-making toys
• 🧸 Let your cat “win”—give them time to catch and bite the toy
• 🛑 Wind down—slow movements in the last minute signal the hunt is ending

🔦 What About Laser Pointers?

Lasers can be fun, but frustrating if your cat never “wins.” Solution:

• 📍 End sessions with a physical toy or treat they can catch
• 🐾 Avoid overuse—mix with real textures and chase games

♻️ Rotate Your Toys

Toys that are always out become “dead prey” and lose appeal. Keep play fresh by:

• 📦 Rotating toys every 2–3 days
• 🧊 Introducing surprise textures and sounds
• 🕵️ Hiding toys in new spots for discovery

🧠 Why Play Reduces Behavior Problems

Without structured play, cats may redirect pent-up energy by:

• 😾 Biting or swatting during petting
• 🚪 Scratching inappropriate items
• 🎯 Ambushing feet, hands, or other pets

Regular play gives cats the outlet they need to stay mentally and physically balanced. ✅

🐈 What If My Cat Doesn’t Like to Play?

• 🎮 Try different toys—each cat has a preference (feathers, balls, crinkle toys, etc.)
• 🎯 Use motion—try dangling, sliding, or bouncing toys across the floor
• 📸 Observe their style—some cats prefer stalking to pouncing

📍 Final Thoughts

Play is the heart of a healthy, happy cat life. Whether they’re a spry kitten or a senior enjoying a gentle chase, every cat benefits from daily, interactive play. 🐾

Need help designing a play plan or choosing the right toys? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to speak with Dr Duncan Houston or a feline enrichment expert today. 🐱📱