Lora Lee 
People often think that cats are easy to care for. Easier than dogs. However, that is not necessarily the case. Cats are very complex individuals. Because of this complexity, they require a bit more attention than their canine counterparts. This is also true when it comes to play time. Cats require an adequate amount of daily playtime. Some of this play time can be of the independent sort. The real enrichment comes from actual engagement between you and your cat during playtime. You are able to bond with your cat during this time. Do you play with your cat?
Benefits of Playtime
There are many benefits to having regular playtime with your cat. The main benefit is strengthening the bond between you and your cat. Spending 15 minutes of uninterrupted playtime with your cat can provide them with the enrichment that they need to stay happy and healthy. Cats need mental stimulation. A cat in the wild will engage in “play” while they are hunting their next meal. Providing your cat with this kind of stimulation is essential. You can provide your cats with lots of independent stimulation toys like tunnels and such. My cats love Sheer Fun For Cats.
Having daily playtime will not only strengthen your bond with your cat and help to keep them happy and healthy, but it will also help to eliminate behavioral issues. A bored cat may demonstrate their boredom by “acting out”. They may try to engage in a type of “boisterous” play with other cats in the household that could lead to aggression and tension. Providing your cat with some engaging playtime with provide them with the exercise that they are craving, as well as easing tensions in a multi-cat household.
Practicing What I Preach
I am guilty of not providing my cats with engaging daily playtime. Life gets in the way. I fully intend to provide them with their daily playtime, but then something happens. Over the summer, when I have a bit more of spare time, I have been making sure to get in at least 15 minutes a day of playtime. I can tell a huge difference with my cats. The biggest difference being those tensions between Bodie, Zazzles, and Hemingway have been decreasing as their daily playtime has increased. Apparently by joining forces to attack the wand toy, their animosity towards each other has been dwindling.
Everyone seems happier and healthier as well. And all because I have been spending 15 minutes playing with them. 15 minutes that not only provide them with enrichment but strengthens our bonds and eases their tensions, but also provides me with lots of joy and laughter. A win-win for all.
“Just watching my cats can make me happy.” – Paula Cole
