Kitten Play Understanding the Rules of the Game

Play is a wonderful way to explore the world around us. As children, we frequently take part in games that teach us letters, shapes, numbers and more. Its no different for kittens they too play to explore and learn more about the world. Play also allows kittens to practice the behaviors theyll need as adults like stalking and hunting, for example.

From the time kittens open their eyes, theyll begin to play with their siblings and their mother. This helps them grow stronger and develop their motor skills. Kittens are born with a natural instinct to hunt you can see this in a kitten that pounces instinctively on her mother's slowly moving tail.

Therefore, kitten play rule #1 is this play mimics instinctive hunting and stalking behaviors. You can encourage this by using toys that move in a horizontal fashion, such toys and balls that roll along the floor, or by slowly dragging a ribbon across the floor for your cat to chase and capture. There are some toys that even allow you to place a treat inside. These are especially rewarding for cats, as they actually have something to show for their excellent display of hunting prowess.

And while your kitten may spend much of her day basking in the sun and napping, you may find that shes surprisingly active at night exactly when youre trying to get to some sleep and her antics are keeping you awake. In fact, many cat owners commiserate over the Herd of Thundering Wildebeests on the Serengeti thats played out every night at 2:00 a.m. This brings us to kitten play rule #2 play doesn't stop just because the humans have gone to bed. All of those cat toys that squeak and contain bells that jingle are best kept far away from the bedroom or, for best results, change them out for quieter options when youre ready for bed.

Up next is kitten play rule #3 anything can be a toy. T his includes things that may not be safe for your kitten, including ribbons and balls of yarn, or small things that your cat could ingest. Just as with a child, plastic bags can cause suffocation and long cords can cause strangulation. Its up to you to keep an eye on your kitten's toys purchased or adopted and make sure theyre safe for her.

In addition, cats need to scratch to mark their territories and to help them shed their claws. Kitten play rule #4 is this kittens need to scratch. You want to encourage your kitten to scratch in an acceptable way, which usually means getting a scratching post, so that these behaviors dont become a regular part of your play time. Also, make using the scratching post as enjoyable as possible, and you decrease the likelihood that your kitten will use your favorite chair as a replacement. However, turn scratching your favorite chair into a game of let's see what I can get away with while the human isn't watching, and you might as well start saving up for slipcovers.

The final rule of kitten play is this I shall be so adorable when Im playing that youll be unable to resist coming and playing with me. This is a rule you should adhere to as frequently as possible. All cats even mature cats can be enticed to play. Play is a natural outlet for their instincts, and helps keep them as active and healthy as possible.