Introduction
For years, people have thought of cats as aloof and independent. We imagine them lounging in sunbeams, content with just a warm spot and a full food bowl. But what cat experts say and I've seen with my cats tells a different story. My cats, Yoru and Nyah, are eager playmates, demanding attention with toys on my laptop, gentle nips, and a chorus of purrs and meows. Even Ryah, who's blind, is the first to show up when we play with wands. And Tigger, at sixteen years old, will dive into a tunnel to chase something, making a rattling noise. They, like all the cats I've had, have taught me that the idea of cats being solitary is wrong. The more I interact with them, the more their personalities shine through. Their intelligence grows, and their unique way of showing love becomes clear. And one thing is certain: cats love to play.
Table of contents
The Myth of the Independent Cat: Why Your Cat Needs More Than You Think
Cats are not the "low-maintenance" pets many think they are. Yes, you don't need to walk them outside to do their business. But they still love the outdoors. And yes, only some cats will bring a toy to play catch. But they will sit on your laptop to signal that they need attention. Cats need tons of love, which they perceive as engagement. They need your full attention many times a day.
Decoding Your Cat's Play-Love Language
My daily life is a testament to the fact that cats crave interaction. Yoru and Nyah are quite particular about how they like to play. Yoru, especially, is a master of communication. Yoru brings her favorite toys to my office or bedroom. She drags a string or carries a pompom and throws it in my lap. And when I'm slow to respond? A gentle "love bite" serves as a passive aggressive reminder. Nyah, a Siamese mix, excitedly chats as she drops her toy into your hands. Ryah is blind, but she is the first to show up when we are dragging something. And even Tigger, our senior cat and the only male in the group, is always ready for a good chase.
If your cat ignores toys, it doesn't mean she won't play. She just hasn't learned how to show you what she likes. Or maybe you haven't learned their play-love language.
What About Your Cats? Recognizing Individual Styles
Just like humans, each cat is an individual. Think about your friends, siblings, and relatives – we're all different! Cats are no exception. So they may tell you they need to play in various ways.
- Vocalizations: From chirps and trills to meows and purrs, cats use a wide range of sounds to communicate their desires. Remember, they learned to meow to communicate with us humans. Have you ever wondered what does your cat want? Food is in his bowl, water is available, and the litter box is clean. What do you want, cat?! Newsflash: he is probably bored.
- Body Language: Slow blinks, rubbing against legs, and playful tackles are all expressions of affection and a desire for interaction. Yoru, the badass, will knock down my phone from my hands.
- Toy Delivery: Bringing you their favorite toys is a clear invitation to play.
- Love Bites: Gentle nibbles are often a sign of affection and playfulness.
- Bad kitty! If your cat is acting out by destroying things or getting in places he is not supposed to. Or worse, considering other cats as prey, consider him as a bored, dangerous, teenager.
Playtime as Parenthood: Nurturing Your Cat's Well-being
When a baby is born, we learn to care for their needs. First, we make sure they're fed and safe. We change diapers, check their vitals, and monitor their sleep. Then, one day, the baby gets fussy for no apparent reason, until a thought fights its way through all the sleep deprivation: they're just bored. We talk to babies to help them learn language, and we learn how to play with them. It's the same with a cat - it needs that kind of care.
As a parent, I've learned that spending quality time is more important than giving them things or even expensive outings. I was reminded of this recently when my kids said it was "the best day ever" after we spent an hour playing with their stuffed animals. Role playing with my kids rank higher on their list than going to the zoo. That really stuck with me. I'm sure Yoru would agree after a fun play session.
The Science of Play: Benefits for Cats and Humans
Research shows that play is vital for a cat's well-being. The 2023 study "Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats" by Henning, Nielsen, Fernandez, and Hazel highlights this importance. Play is not just fun but key to a cat's happiness and health. Cats that play regularly have a better quality of life. Their days are more engaging, and their spirits are higher.
Physical and Mental Benefits
Playing also strengthens the bond between cats and their guardians. Each game, chase, and pounce deepens their connection. For indoor cats, play is even more important. It provides an outlet for their natural instincts when they can't explore outside.
Conflict Resolution Through Play
On the other hand, a lack of play can lead to distress and behavioral issues. In short, playtime is essential for a happy cat and a loving relationship. It mimics hunting, helping cats release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Play can lower cortisol levels and ease conflicts between cats. When cats are focused on play, other problems fade away.
Unleashing the Hunter: Maximizing Playtime Effectiveness
What's the best kind of play for a cat? The kind that taps into their natural hunting instincts. Cats are sprinters, not marathon runners. They are strategic, methodical, and incredibly patient. They can wait for hours, conserving energy for that explosive burst of speed, that lethal pounce.
Essential Playtime Strategies
- Mimic the Hunt: Play sessions should be unpredictable, challenging their senses and problem-solving skills. Real prey isn't predictable, and neither should your play.
- Engage Their Senses: Incorporate toys that stimulate hearing, smell, and sight.
- The "Simmer" and "Boil": Allow for moments of rest ("simmer") between bursts of intense activity ("boil"), as Jackson Galaxy calls it.
- End with Success: Once your cat is panting or after about 15 minutes of play, it's time to end.
- The Reward: Immediately after play, provide food. This reinforces the hunting sequence and satisfies their instinctual drive.
Choosing the Right Cat Toys: A Guide for Guardians
Keep in mind that a toy acts like prey. Prey gets hunted, chewed, or kicked. So, think about:
- Material Safety: Are the toys made from safe materials? Just like with babies, consider what they might swallow. Watch out for hair bands!
- Durability: Can the materials handle rough play over time?
- Credibility: Will the toy still seem realistic after many uses?
- Sound Appeal: Do the sounds spark curiosity or cause fear?
- Challenge Level: Are the toys engaging enough to keep interest, or are they too easily tossed aside?
Toys as Food
I think of toys as food for toddlers. There is food they need that is core to their daily intake, and then there are the snacks that give me time to prevent a tantrum before a big meal. The same goes for cat toys.
Core Cat Toys: These are essential, like wand and soft, prey-like toys. You will use these toys as props to act as prey and make your cat track, chase, pounce, and jump.
- "Snack" Cat Toys: These novelty items provide brief, independent entertainment when you're unavailable. They give you time but won't stand on themselves for that long. These are the "new hot toys" in the market. They simulate prey and move by themselves. The problem is that they are predictable after a while. Treat these like sugary snacks – occasional indulgences, not a replacement for a balanced diet of interactive play. Take this out of rotation to keep them engaging.
A healthier snack: Puzzles! Puzzle feeders and interactive toys provide mental enrichment. They make your cat think. They may not be moving that much, but they are engaged. But as a snack toy, we need to keep them engaging, so rotate them as possible
Check List: Are you a Good Cat Playmate?
- Meet quality standards. Play for a cat is not having a toy nearby. But it also doesn't demand running and jumping all the time. At a minimum, the cat should be tracking the toy with eyes and ears, convinced it qualifies as prey because of how unpredictable it acts.
- Be a good coach who understands the player. Each cat is unique. Tigger, our senior cat, prefers soft toys and aerial acrobatics. Nyah is a novelty seeker who enjoys a variety of toys. Ryah, being blind, relies heavily on sound, requiring unpredictable auditory stimulation. Yoru demands play in a very assertive way.
- Get Into Character!: To make playtime attractive, you must resemble reality. They're acting out hunting skills, so be the best bird, bee, cricket, or mouse version of yourself! Cats notice and care.
- Vary Play Sessions: Keep them short and frequent.
- End with a "Catch": Satisfy their hunting instinct by closing the session with food.
Is all the investment in toys and time worth it? YES
- Mental Stimulation: Prevents boredom and cognitive decline.
- Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
- Bonding: Strengthens the relationship between cat and human.
- Physical Health: Promotes exercise and maintains a healthy weight.
- Improved Communication: Fosters a deeper understanding of your cat's needs.
- Conflict resolution: reduces tension between cats.
- Mental Health Boost for the Human: How did you know you had a solid play session? YOU got tired and forgot about the world during the session. You were so in the moment; the play was good FOR YOUR mental health. It's a win-win!
MULTI-CAT HOME: NO CAT LEFT BEHIND!!!
In multi-cat households, it's crucial to ensure every cat has the opportunity to play, just like every child deserves to thrive. This may mean isolating slow, shy, and/or insecure cats for individual play sessions. Give them the chance to develop their hunting skills and build confidence by always getting a turn at hunting the cat toy. Let them "own the room" with their toys. Shy, low-energy, and insecure cats often need play the most.
Actionable Steps: Becoming the Best Cat Playmate
- Watch your cats for signs they want attention. Notice how they ask for play. Learn their "love language" and respond to it.
- Set aside time for play in your daily schedule. Treat it as a mental health break, not just another task.
- Have a variety of toys to make playtime fun. Keep some "snack" toys handy for quick engagement. In our home, we love a cat tunnel with interactive toys inside.
- Get suitable puzzles to challenge your cat's mind and keep it sharp.
- Talk to your vet if you see significant changes in your cats' behavior. Not every problem can be fixed with more play or better food. If something seems off, schedule a vet visit soon.
Veronica A.
Hi! I'm Veronica, co-founder and CEO of Yoru Says. I'm obsessed with creating beautiful, calming spaces where humans and cats can thrive. I work closely with our fantastic team (including our very own Chief Cat Officer, Yoru!) to curate products that enhance home wellness and elevate the confidence of guardians and cats, mainly to inspire peace and joy. My California home is a haven shared with my husband, two kids, and our four furry family members: Yoru, Ryah, Nyah, and Tigger. When I'm not working or playing with my cats, you can usually find me lost in a good book—I love everything from lighthearted women's fiction to inspiring leadership and style books and the wisdom of Buddhist philosophy.
