By Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
As a vet, I know that cats are all different! These personalities and quirks often shine brightest when they play. In this blog, I’m going to explore why play is so important for your cat’s wellbeing and how you can support them by picking toys that suit their personality. Let’s take a look…
Why is play important for cats?
From a young age, kittens will explore the world through play. This helps them test out ideas and hone their physical skills – plus it's good fun! Play utilises many of the natural instincts that your pet would have needed to survive in the wild, such as hunting, hiding, and observing.
As an adult cat, play sessions should still be encouraged. It is an excellent way of burning calories, releasing endorphins, and staying mentally stimulated. It’s also a great way of bonding with you! Play leads to a sense of general well-being.
Play personalities
While there is often overlap between them, cats can be divided into four main personalities when it comes to play –
1. The Adventurer – This type of cat loves keeping busy! Whether it’s exploring high perches or investigating new hidey-holes, this feline is inquisitive and bold. Play will be important to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent behavioural problems from emerging. Toys that often appeal include cat trees, climbing ropes, and cat tunnels.
2. The Shikar – The Shikar describes cats who love hunting games. These are natural-born predators who enjoy focusing, pouncing, and catching. Natural hunting instincts would have been essential to catch food in the wild, so this type of play is common in many of our feline friends. Try toys that mimic small prey-like movements and sounds for these cats. Interactive toys can be great for this, or even a classic wand toy so that you can join in on the fun.
3. The Acrobat – Acrobatic cats thrive on big movements, including leaping and climbing! Rather than treating your home and possessions like an obstacle course, consider investing in some equipment that allows them to test out their skills instead. Cat trees are again great for this, as are vertical climbers. For something a little different, try something like a rolling cat scratcher, which will give their muscles a different kind of work-out.
4. The Sophisticat – These are quieter cats, who prefer to analyse a situation before engaging. They relish mental workouts and often enjoy sensory-rich items like catnip toys or puzzle feeders. These cats tend to prefer calm and gentle play, so other suitable items include hideaways or toys that could form part of a training exercise.
Remember that your cat’s play personality can also be very mood and energy-dependent. Having a variety of toys available can help to encourage different instincts and methods of play, depending on how they feel at the time.
Play rules
Play is a great way to bond with your pet, but it’s important to set some ground rules –
● Never use your fingers or clothing as a substitute toy - While cute in kittens, a fully-grown cat biting or clawing at you is not fun!
● Allow cats to catch their ‘prey’ at the end - If your cat is not allowed to perform a ‘kill bite’ and finish off the game, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Laser pointers are a prime example of this. Endlessly chasing a red dot and never catching anything can create stress for your pet. If you choose to use a device like this, make sure to throw in a physical prey-like toy for them to pounce on at the end.
● Build a routine around play – By setting time aside each day for play, your cat will understand their daily routine and feel more secure. Regular play sessions can help your cat stay stimulated and keep certain behavioural issues at bay.
● Rotate toys – Keep things fresh by rotating your cat’s toys regularly. This can encourage them to experiment with different types of play, as well as keep them engaged during your sessions.
● Avoid rough play – I can’t stress this one enough, don’t encourage rough play! Play should be a gentle bonding activity between the two of you. If your cat is showing signs of aggression or they are ‘getting carried away’, stop the game immediately and withdraw attention. Always seek help from your vet or a qualified pet behaviourist if you are struggling.
Key takeaways
As a vet, I recommend that owners engage in regular play sessions to keep their cats mentally and physically stimulated. Recognising your cat's play personality can help to keep them feeling engaged and fulfilled by using toys that suit their style. Remember to keep things fresh by rotating your pet’s toys regularly and seek advice from your own vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s behaviour or wellbeing
Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a practising small animal vet, who has worked in a variety of settings since her graduation in 2009., As well as treating a wealth of clinical cases over the years, she has experience in leadership and practice management. She has followed her interest in small animal medicine, gaining a postgraduate certificate in this subject which helps with both her patients and writing work.
