Playing in harmony

Some cats, especially kittens, enjoy playing with each other. I once owned a pair of Siamese brothers that loved to rough and tumble together, not only during their adolescent years, but well into adulthood. However, not all cats have or want a playmate and for those who don’t it’s up to you to ensure they receive their fair share of playtime with you.

Or you might have a cat that enjoys playing with a feline housemate who isn’t so keen. In these instances, you can use a laser pen or other chasing toy to distract the former and create an alternative outlet for his energies.

Play sessions with anxious cats should always take place away from the rest of the crowd, in another room.This will allow him to play uninhibitedly which will release endorphins and help him de-stress.

Remember, when it comes to play there’s no ‘average cat.’ So, it’s important to take into account your cat’s own temperament as well as his individual play preferences. Once you’ve got the measure of these, you can tailor your playing techniques so that your cat can reap the benefits and you can give yourself a gold medal.