Entertaining Cats

Cats can be a tremendous amount of fun. Just observe their antics for a few minutes and try not to laugh (well, if they're not sleeping that is!). Non-cat owners (read: dog people) sometimes complain that a cat is not an animal they can play with very much. But I've found that cats often teach their owners a thing or two about play.

Have you ever seen a cat make a toy out of nothing? My cats lose their minds when the sunlight is reflected off a watch or other metal object. They try to jump as high as they can and watch its every flicker. Pet stores have caught on to this simple idea and are selling "laser pointers for cats". You can point this expensive concentrated point of light around the walls or floor for some kitty enjoyment - but here's a little tip: mini flashlights and even regular flashlights work just as well. The human usually gets tired of playing with this one before the critter does.

Another inexpensive toy that cats really seem to enjoy is empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls. The cardboard is light and rolls just enough to spark a cat's innate curiosity. A single bird feather (well cleaned of course) can be their best "kill" ever, at least in their little minds. Tying it off to a string is a great way to play with your cats.

Not interactive enough for you? How about playing fetch with your cat? My cat Van will play fetch with a toy mouse. Chasing it down the hallway back and forth is fun enough. But whenever we throw it, it's twice as fun and he brings it right back to us for more. If we're slow to throw it he gets impatient and gives us a questionable "Mreow?" (translated: Hey! Remember me?) In Van's case, he initiated it on his own, but our other cat Belle likes to join in "the great chase" too.

Cats also love hide and seek. If there is more than one cat in the house, they will play this particular game for hours. A box or a paper grocery bag is great for this pastime. My husband likes to wrap up Van in a towel, turn him on his back and roll him around. The first thing Van does is stick all his feet straight up, then try to get back on his feet. If he can, he runs right out of the towel, then turns right around and jumps back into it! We're not even sure why he loves this game.

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