Cat Games: Fun Activities to Keep Your Feline Friend Entertained

Cats are playful and curious creatures, and engaging them in games not only keeps them active and healthy but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Whether you have an indoor cat or one with outdoor access, there are plenty of ways to entertain your feline. Here are some fun cat games and activities to keep your cat happy and active!

1. Feather Wands: A Favourite for Most Cats

How to Play:

• Feather wands are a great way to engage your cat's predatory instincts. Simply dangle the feathers in front of your cat or move them in a way that mimics the motion of prey. You can gently sway the wand or create fast, sudden movements to catch your cat’s attention.
• Cats love the chase, and this game allows them to pounce, leap, and chase after the toy.

Pro Tip: Keep the wand moving unpredictably to keep your cat interested. Be sure to put the wand away after the game to avoid your cat becoming overly fixated on it.

2. Hide and Seek: Challenge Your Cat’s Mind

How to Play:

• Hide treats or small toys in different areas of your home. Start by hiding them in places where your cat can easily find them, then progressively make the hiding spots more challenging.
• Alternatively, you can hide yourself and call your cat to find you. It might take some time, but cats love a good game of hide and seek.

Pro Tip: Use treats with a strong scent to make the game easier for your cat, and gradually increase the difficulty to keep the challenge interesting.

3. Laser Pointer: Watch Your Cat Chase the Light

How to Play:

• The laser pointer is an easy and effective game that encourages your cat to chase and pounce. Point the laser around the room, making quick zigzag movements or circles, encouraging your cat to follow.
• Cats love to chase the elusive light, and it’s a fantastic way to get them running around.

Pro Tip: Never point the laser directly at your cat’s eyes, and always end the game with a tangible reward, such as a treat or toy, so your cat doesn’t feel frustrated. As this activity tends to excite cats, it is recommended not to overdo it. Don't play for more than a minute, and only in exceptional circumstances.

4. Puzzle Feeders: A Fun Way to Stimulate Your Cat’s Brain

How to Play:

• Puzzle feeders are toys that require your cat to solve a problem to access their food or treats. These toys are great for mental stimulation and prevent your cat from getting bored.
• Simply load your cat’s favourite treats or kibble into the puzzle feeder, and let them work out how to get the food out.

Pro Tip: If your cat is new to puzzle feeders, start with easy ones and gradually increase the difficulty to keep your cat challenged.

5. Interactive Cat Toys: Keep Your Cat Active and Engaged

How to Play:

• Interactive toys that mimic the movements of small animals can keep your cat entertained for hours. Many battery-operated toys move in random directions, enticing your cat to chase, bat, and pounce.
• Some interactive toys even mimic the sounds of birds or mice, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Pro Tip: Ensure the toy is safe for your cat to play with, and supervise playtime if necessary to avoid any choking hazards.

6. Cardboard Boxes: Simple Fun for Cats

How to Play:

• Believe it or not, cats love cardboard boxes! You don’t need any fancy toys to keep your cat entertained. Simply place an empty cardboard box or paper bag on the floor and watch your cat explore it.
• Cats love to climb in, hide, and even sleep in boxes. You can make the game more exciting by hiding treats inside or creating a “maze” of boxes for them to explore.

Pro Tip: Be sure the box is large enough for your cat to comfortably move around in, and avoid using boxes with staples or sharp edges that could hurt your pet.

7. Paper Balls and Crinkle Toys: Sensory Fun

How to Play:

• Crinkly paper balls are easy to make—just crumple a piece of paper into a ball and toss it for your cat to bat around. The crinkly sound is irresistible to many cats, and it encourages them to play.
• You can also buy crinkle toys from pet stores that are designed to mimic the sound of rustling leaves or small prey.

Pro Tip: Make sure the paper or toys are safe for your cat and avoid any small parts that they could swallow.

8. Catnip Playtime: For Extra Fun

How to Play:

• If your cat enjoys catnip, sprinkle some on their toys or a scratching post. You can also buy catnip-filled toys, which many cats find irresistible. Catnip encourages playful and silly behaviour, including rolling, pouncing, and chasing.
• Not all cats react to catnip, but those who do love it often find it extremely entertaining.

Pro Tip: Use catnip sparingly, as too much can overstimulate your cat, leading to frustration or a lack of interest.

9. Treat Toss: A Fun Way to Reward Your Cat

How to Play:

• Toss treats for your cat to chase and catch. This simple game gets your cat moving and provides mental stimulation as they track the treats in the air.
• If your cat enjoys jumping or leaping, this game can also encourage them to practice their agility.

Pro Tip: Use low-calorie treats for this game to prevent overfeeding, and keep the tossing distance manageable to avoid any accidents.

10. Tunnel Games: Explore New Spaces

How to Play:

• Cat tunnels are a fantastic way to stimulate your pet’s natural instincts to explore and hide. You can hide toys inside the tunnel or create a game by encouraging your cat to run through it to get a treat.
• Many cats love crawling through tunnels, and it gives them a safe, enclosed space to retreat to.

Pro Tip: Pair tunnel play with other toys or activities to keep the game fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

Cats are natural hunters and explorers, and providing them with a variety of stimulating games and activities is essential to their well-being. Whether it's chasing a feather, solving puzzles, or just enjoying a cardboard box, keeping your cat entertained helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend. Get creative with your games and enjoy watching your cat have fun!