7 Good Reasons for Playing With Your Cat

Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.

Playing with your cat is the best possible way to build up a bond between the two of you. Do you want your cat to think of you as more than someone who is there to provide food, shelter and warmth? Then regular play sessions will go a long way to ensuring that your feline friend sees you as an object of his or her affections, that you are someone to greet when you arrive home.

Do not let your cat think that your hands are playthings. If your cat gets the message that it is OK to scratch at, or bite your hands, you will have the devils own job of curing him of the habit.

Playing will help preventing your cat from becoming overweight.

The best way to ensure that your cat does not become overweight is by feeding him correctly with a balanced diet, but exercise also plays a part in keeping your kitty healthy. If yours is an indoor cat, then playing with you may be his only opportunity for exertion and staying trim. Don't overdo it though, limit play time to about 15 minutes.

Playing will help your cat to become confident.

Kittens learn how to relate with their siblings and other cats through play, it is their social education, how they learn their place in the world. Help you cat to continue this enlightenment by playing with him.

Also regular play periods, coupled with petting sessions, will get your cat used to human interaction, he will be less likely to shy away and hide, when visitors call.

Playing will help your cat develop his hunting abilities.

Hunting is a natural instinct for all cats, a cat confined to indoors usually has little chance to express and develop this instinct. Enjoy some of your play times using an interactive cat toy, the kind with a catnip mouse on the end of a cord are good. Encourage kitty to chase the toy mouse, allow him to pounce for the 'kill'.

Have a selection of cat toys but use only three or four in one session, next time amuse your feline with a different choice. Keep some toys only for play sessions, put them away between times, so that they remain interesting to your cat. Toys like catnip mice can be safely left out for kitty to amuse himself with, but be aware that small objects can, and do, get swallowed by cats. Never encourage playing with buttons, pieces of string, small bells etc. Plastic bags are as dangerous for cats as they are for children, and are not playthings.

Playing will help your cat release aggression.

Cats often display aggressive traits through boredom. Tutor your cat not to scratch, bite or attack you with play sessions. Use praise to reward your cat for playing gently, as soon as he shows any sign he is about to use his teeth or claws - end the play session. This will teach your cat that aggressive cat behavior is best directed to his toys, and not you!

Playing is 'Fun' for your cat!.

Cats need fun in their lives, just like humans need it. Relieve the monotony of eating, snoozing and using the litter tray by putting a bit of fun in your cats life. You will have a happier, more confident and less aggressive kitty.

Playing is 'Fun' for you!.

And finally, it is fun for you to play with your cat. A cat is a wonderful pet just to have around the place to admire its beauty and for its company. But how much better for you to enjoy a little fun by playing with your cat. Cat playtime, good for your cat, good for you!

About The Author

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com/cat-breeds.html

Information about your favorite cat breed.

---

Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet

As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More

Okay Lets Do A Poodle Again

My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More

How To Be A Good Pomeranian Dog Owner

Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More

Facts About Rottweilers

Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More

Tips on Sexing Discus Fish

Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home

Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More

German Sheperds

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More

Tips for Finding the Perfect Family Dog

If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

Taking Care of Your Sick Dog

Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More

Syrian vs. Dwarf Hamsters, What Should I Get For My Family?

As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More

Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children

Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More

Tired of Vet Bills?

Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More

Dog Hygiene Basics

Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More

Choosing the Right Size for Your Dog

Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More

Managing Horse Pasture

A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More

Horse Training Equipment: The 6th of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Clipper Experiments: A Tail in Two Parts

Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More

Care for Your Dogs Ears

I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More

West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts

West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More

Does Your Bichon Frise Eat His Own Poop?

Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More

Which Parrot is Right For Me?

Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More

Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More

Dealing with a Dog Food Allergy?

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

Build A Better Mousetrap, And People Will Buy It

This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More

Games You Can Play With Your Dog

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More