Know Your Cat

Cats sleep... a lot... something like 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take. But there's quite a difference between a sleepy kitty, and one who simply isn't interested. For the most part, laziness isn't an indicator of any sort of underlying issue – some simply aren't that enthusiastic. But there are a few things to keep in mind if your kitty isn't the playful sort.

To begin, remember that domesticated cats have evolved from wild, night-dwelling creatures. Although they may be housebound, they still retain many of their ancestor's habits. House cats are generally livelier during the night time hours, so there is a very distinct possibility that your feline expends all his energy while you're asleep. Try to play during the day, and you may just be out of luck.

Personal preferences might be a reason why your cat seems so lazy. Like people, cats prefer different things – different textures, sounds, smells. You may love that adorable squeaking mouse on a string, but kitty may wish you had invested in something a little crinklier. Age, general health, focus, and even levels of hunger may also play a part.

Play Time

Now to the fun part, how to get your lazy cat to play! The best place to start is by finding out exactly what your furry little friend likes. Start with small, inexpensive toys with a variety of different materials, shapes, styles, even scents and flavors. Some kitties are interested in specific tactile sensations, while others are more motivated by food. It is also important to frequently rotate toys, ensuring that familiarity doesn't result in boredom.

How you play is equally as important as what you play with. Cats are hunters, so one way to grab their interest is to move the toy in a life-like manner – that is to say, like a small rodent flitting forward and back, side to side, at varying speeds. Some toys come with built-in noise makers; however, if yours doesn't, be sure to add in some enticing sounds by lightly scratching, tapping, or squeaking your shoe against a hard surface. Even though "keep away" is a fun game, it can become very frustrating to your cat after a while, so be sure to let him catch his prey every now and then. If you don't, there's a very good chance he will become bored and learn that attempting is an exercise in futility... which, of course, can lead to him reverting back into his lazy ways.

Timing is important. Because of a cat's predatory nature, initiating play before dinnertime is a great idea. After, though, don't expect him to show much interest. Post-nap is also an excellent time to start a round of hunting. If you live in a multi cat household, you may find that your shyer kitties are less inclined to engage. That being said, it may help to have separate play times, with each cat playing in a different room.

Conclusion

When it comes to getting a lazy cat to play, it is important to be consistent and patient. Not everything will work for every cat, so just be observant and take your time, and you are sure to find a way to engage and entertain your buddy in no time!