Play to Keep Cats Happy and Anxiety-Free

Play is the hunt, not a game

Regular and appropriate play in cats will solve most behavioural problems such as attention-seeking, over-eating, pica (eating of non-edible items), and waking you up at odd hours. In fact, a cat used to play will choose it over food.

This is because cats don't really play in the social way dogs and other mammals do — they practise the hunt sequence. They stalk, pounce, catch, kill and eat, and this is important for their physical and mental development and well-being.

Cats start to hunt at seven to eight months of age, are most active at sunrise and sunset, and the sound of birds chirping has a lot to do with this. The early bird gets the worm; the early cat gets the bird. Play on a floor that provides grip — they may slip as they leap and land, and injure themselves seriously.

Choosing the right toys

Cats see blue and green better than pink and red, so choose toys in these colours. Flirt poles with plumes, especially, make great toys. Their natural prey is small birds and mammals, so mimic their movement across the room. Toys that make chirping or squeaking sounds are also attractive.

Balls that bounce are also good toys, but cats may not like hard plastic ones. Those made of crumpled paper or soft rubber are best, especially because of the noise paper makes. A paper or cellophane ball on a string, with some feathers attached, is the best DIY toy.

Slithering toys, especially large ones, are not the best choice because they remind cats of snakes that prey on them. Thinner, smaller ones that resemble worms are more appropriate.

How to move the toy

Start a little away from the cat. Since the domesticated feline is both prey and predator, it first needs time to decide whether the animal is its food, or vice versa. A predator would come right up to the cat, while prey would stay slightly away.

Mimic the motions of a bird or a rat — scurry away along the wall, hiding under things like a rodent; or 'fly' (not too high) from table to chair to another surface, like a small bird hopping along. Do not go around in circles: this can make the cat dizzy, and can also set off obsessive-compulsive behaviour.

You don't need to play too long — just 15 minutes of play, with three Olympic-level leaps (cats can jump to six times their height).

Let the hunt finish

Allow the cat the satisfaction of catching the 'prey'. When she puts her paw over the toy, or holds it in her mouth, don't move it. Especially when the toy is in the mouth, the string could cut the cat's gums.

Once the cat has moved away, put away the toy, and feed the cat. This session is over.

Water, corks and displacement

Cats also love playing with water. Leave a basin of water with floating toys — little fish or corks from wine bottles — and watch them swat them about. Corks are also great for displacement activity for cats who love to knock things over. Line up the corks on a table and watch your cats enjoy knocking them down one by one.

Last word of caution: never stop or cuddle a cat when she's in hunting mode. She's on high alert and could redirect that on you.