Cat Playtime - How It Plays An Important Role

Cat Playtime - How It Plays An Important Role

Written by: Shama Hiregange

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Time to read 7 min

Have you ever considered how much a fun time can impact your cat's life? Let me share a story of my first bonding moments with my cat.


It’s been a month since I adopted a cat. Due to fear of running away, I was keeping my cat in the cage. Provided him with proper nutrition and diet, but with time my cat was bored of being in that cage. I used to talk to him or spend some time but all he wanted was to sleep and ignore. This thing was getting frustrating. A moment came when he even stopped eating his meals.


One day, I mistakenly left the cage open and my cat got a chance to run, that could have been my biggest mistake but you know what it didn’t.


He starts playing, running, and pouncing around the whole house. At the start, I thought he was trying to escape that’s why even I started running behind him. That Tom and Jerry's chase became so much fun that my cat was enjoying the moment.


At last, after a tiring session when I sat on my couch, my cat out of nowhere came and sat in my lap. That was cute!


Then, I realised how much important a fun time can be for your cats.


Often new pet parents tend to lock their pet out for fear of them running away and it is totally normal but with time we too have to understand that some physical activity or exercise is also needed. It’s their natural behaviour to engage in physical activities in their day-to-day life.


At Supertails, we understand your concern. The running away of that family member whom you brought home with so much love and care. It is just our normal behaviour but with the period of time, we have to understand the needs and wants of our pet.


They are vulnerable and hostile to their new environment, even they need a chance to roam freely and use their own instincts but before you do, there are some things that you have to keep in mind. Through this blog, we will be guiding you through the process of inculcating playtime in your daily life. 

Why Physical Activity? Is it necessary?

We all know how much it is important to engage in physical activity to be healthy. Even an hour a day is enough to keep us fit and sound. The same goes with our cats too, When they are wild, their hunt for food and survival mechanism techniques are enough but when it comes to them being a pet, their activities get restricted.


They don’t have to hunt, fight, or even run. This can be dangerous for their body or mind that’s why every veterinarian recommends giving playtime to your cats. Playtime can be helpful in many ways, such as Physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Physical Benefits of Fun time

A physical session can bring several benefits to your cat. Some are listed below.


  • Exercise and weight management: A cat is an active animal, unlike dogs or cows they cannot sit in a single place for a long time. Pouncing, running, hopping, and chasing can help them to stimulate their instincts. It also prevents them from gaining any wanted weight which prevents them from obesity and obesity-related problems.


  • Muscle and bone Development: Cats have flexible bone structures that help them to run, climb, and hop. Providing playtime can strengthen their muscles and bones. Activities like climbing, pouncing, and stretching can improve agility, flexibility, and coordination. 



  • Cardiovascular Health: Physical activity can keep the cardiovascular system healthy. Playtime will increase their heart rate which improves circulation and keeps their lungs and heart healthy.

Mental Benefits of Exercise

Cat’s mind is sharp. Providing them with enough time to engage in exercise or physical activity can contain several benefits. Some of the benefits are listed down below.


  • Hunting Instincts: Cats are known for their hunting, it is their natural behaviour. Physical activity can allow cats to use their natural hunting instincts even in a small space or environment. This will help the cat to be mentally sharp and emotionally well.

  • Stress Reduction: Funtime can be an escape for your cats from reality. This can make them feel their real instincts and can satisfy them in their surroundings. During that time they can release their pre-heat energy and can reduce their anxiety and frustration.

  • Enrichment and Cognitive Function: Cognitive functions help the brain to think, learn, and remember. Providing them the opportunity to engage in physical activities can challenge their minds to think and keep them engaged. Using puzzles or scribbles can help with mental stimulation and will force them to think, preventing cognitive decline.

     

Emotional Benefits of Physical Activity

A cat barely shows emotions, these activities can be an opportunity to show emotions to us. Here are several other emotional benefits.


  • Bonding with Owners: Cats are not very friendly animals, they don’t like to live in captivity. A bit of refreshment can help an owner and cat bonding. These moments provide an opportunity to spend quality time which creates a positive association and deepens the connections. The use of toys can be a good option to consider for bonding.


  • Socialization: Aggression is common in cats, they react very harshly and frequently to outsiders. That’s why some entertainment can be helpful for cats. They will get to them to socialize with their owners and surroundings. This will ultimately reduce their aggression and establish a positive environment.


  • Confidence Building: Wild gain their confidence from hunting. When we expose our cats to toy hunting or toy fetching games, it will boost their confidence and self-esteem. Games like puzzles can allow them to perform cognitive activities which afterwards reinforces their sense of accomplishment.

Make Their Fun Time More Interactive. Choose The Right Toy

Toys can be the medium for your cat's entertainment. The game time can be made much more engaging and interesting by including toys. There are different types of toys in the market that can keep your cat interested. They are:

  • Interactive toys

  • Solo Play toys

  • Chaser toys

Supertails provides you with all kinds of toys on a single platform. We value a cat’s fun time, that’s why we have all the toys that can be your cat’s favourite.

Interactive Toys:

Solo Play toys

Chaser Toys

How We Can Make Their Recreation Fun? Tips For Fun time Success

  • Observe Your Cat: Every cat has its instinct. Some love chasing, and some love climbing. It is very important to know your cat's preference. Also, observing can reduce the risk of accidents and unknown happenings. This will help you to know your cat better and also can buy toys accordingly.


  • Create a Playtime Routine: A routine can help your cat to adjust accordingly. This will also help them to use their cognitive system and will be active and encouraged to play during that time. Even a short period during the day can be beneficial to keep your cat active.


  • Make it fun for you too: Playtime is the only way to interact with your cat. During these times, you can bond with your pet and can deepen your relationship with them. Your presence can make their fun time interactive and encouraging.

Conclusion

Cats as pets can be sometimes hard to manage but including a retreat can be useful in indulging. Pet owners need to prioritize their physical activity in their cat’s daily routine. It brings a lot of benefits and will also keep your cat away from any health-related issues. Toys are fun to play Adding those can be beneficial as it helps the cat to interact more. Visit Supertails and explore our wide collection of toys and choose the best-suited toys for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for our pets to play with toys?

Yes, it is safe for pets to play with toys. Toys are made of environment-friendly material which is safe for your pets. They will keep them engaged and interested. Toys like interactive toys can help pets learn and interact. If you are using toys for your pets, it will also allow you to play and interact with them. It boosts relationships and strengthens bonds.

Do cats need a toy?

Yes, your cat does need a toy for their playtime. Using toys can help them to keep their cognitive function active. Toys like puzzles and scribbles force cats to think and learn which challenges their instincts. The use of toys can keep the cat mentally and physically stimulated.




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