Why Playing With Your Cat Matters

As you already know, cats are hunters and like to hone all of those hardwired instincts. As kittens, play has an important purpose: It helps them to strengthen their muscles, develop coordination, and learn important lessons. Yep... kitten play is a veritable after school special! As adults, cats continue playing to bond, boost confidence, release pent up energy, and relieve stress or frustration. Both kittens and cats are incredibly active creatures - despite their reputation for laziness - so play is also an exciting form of physical stimulation.

Lose Weight or Keep Weight in Check

One of the best reasons for why you should play with your cat revolves around their health. Weight gain isn't so much an issue for most kittens; however, as cats get older, a sedentary lifestyle can lead not only to obesity, but also to related health problems like arthritis and diabetes. Active play can aid in weight loss for overweight kitties, or keep your cat's weight at a healthy number. Even if your little friend has already developed weight or health issues, the added exercise can help relieve some of the side effects - for instance, all the running and low jumping can serve to lubricate creaky joints.

Reduce or Eliminate Behavioral Problems

Bored cats tend to be destructive. In their anxious quest to keep themselves occupied, they may find solace in demolishing your furniture or carpet, shredding rolls of toilet paper, or gnawing on your shoes. If they're really bored, you might find yourself the subject of their ire, resulting in plenty of nasty claw or teeth marks on your shins, or, at least, a mournful wake up call at two in the morning! Play serves as a healthy alternative for venting boredom or frustration, and even a quick ten minute romp with a teaser just before bed can result in a significantly quieter night.

Kitten Training

If your kitten is new to the house, chances are he doesn't quite know all the rules yet. In order to train your kitten properly, you'll have to spend a good deal of time showing him how to play appropriately. The result of this is that you'll have a happy, energy-spent baby on your hands instead of a destructive, frustrated one. In addition to lessening bad habits, training your kitten with play will help strengthen the new bond you are forming with him. After all, you're acting as his hunting companion... even if he discovers that you are really, really bad at it!

Mental Stimulation

In addition to needing physical activity, cats also need mental stimulation, and certain types of games will really get their brains up and moving. Keeping him guessing with a teaser toy is usually a good bet. So are treat-based treasure hunts, puzzles, and even games of crinkle ball fetch. With kittens and younger cats, playtime will help him learn and sharpen his innate skills. In adult cats, mental stimulation will not only stave off boredom, it will also help to keep certain cognitive conditions, like feline dementia, at bay.

Reduces Stress

Cats are highly-strung creatures; even when they seem totally calm, all it takes is a sharp thud, and their instinct to run kicks right on in. In order to help them relax it's important to expend some of that nervous energy. Cats in the wild will stay pretty active during their waking hours, and most house cats retain the urge to keep moving. So keep your kitty active, and you will go a long way in reducing his stress - and also reducing the number of peel outs from your lap!

Conclusion

When it comes right down to it, the reasons why you should play with your cat all boil down to a few basic things: It's good for him, it's good for you, and he enjoys it... or... at least I choose to believe he does!