Best Home Games For Cats
Best Home Games For Cats
Cats are known for their natural hunting instincts and love of play. As such, there are many interactive games and toys available both cats and their owners can enjoy that.
Some popular options include laser pointers, which allow cats to chase and pounce on a moving light; wand toys, which mimic the movement of prey and can be controlled by the owner; and puzzle toys, which challenge cats to figure out how to access treats or toys hidden inside.
Additionally, many cats enjoy playing with simple household items such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and string.
Another great option for cats is interactive feeder toys, which require your cat to work for their food by rolling the toy around or moving it in a certain way to release kibble or treats. This can help to keep your cat mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
It's important to note that cats have different preferences and personalities, so it may take trial and error to find the best games for your feline friend.
Additionally, it's important to supervise your cat during playtime to ensure their safety and to prevent any destructive behaviour. In this blog, I will share the best games for cats.
What Makes Games For Cats Important?
Games are essential to a cat's life, as they provide them with the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and entertainment they need to stay happy and healthy.
Playing games with cats is a great way for owners to bond with their pets and form a positive relationship with them.
In addition, games can also help reduce stress and anxiety, prevent destructive behaviours, and improve overall health.
Now, we will explore the many benefits of playing games for cats and then will share different types of games cats enjoy.
Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend time with your cat or want to keep them entertained, there are plenty of games you can play with your feline friend to keep them happy and engaged.
1. Physical Exercise
Regular physical exercise is essential for cats to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. Games that involve chasing or running, like a laser pointer or feather wand, can provide cats with the physical exercise they need to stay active and healthy.
2. Mental Stimulation
Cats are natural hunters and need mental stimulation to keep their minds active and sharp. Games that challenge their hunting instincts, like hide-and-seek or DIY puzzle feeders, can help keep their minds active and engaged.
3. Bonding
Playing games with your cat can help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. It's a great way to spend quality time together and form a positive relationship with your cat.
4. Behavioural Benefits
Games can help reduce cat stress and anxiety, preventing destructive behaviours such as scratching or clawing furniture. It can also have a positive impact on their behaviour and overall well-being.
5. Stress Relief
Playing with your cat can be a great way to de-stress after a long day. Cats can help reduce stress and anxiety in their owners by providing a sense of calm and relaxation.
6. Entertainment
Playing games with your cat can be a lot of fun and provide hours of entertainment for you and your pet. It's a great way to bond and create positive memories together.
7. Affordable And Easy
Many games that cats enjoy are inexpensive and easy to set up, making it easy for you to entertain your cat without breaking the bank.
You can use household items such as cardboard boxes or plastic containers to make DIY puzzle feeders or use a laser pointer or feather wand.
8. Improving Physical Coordination
Games that involve jumping or climbing, like a cat tree or a cardboard box, can help improve a cat's physical coordination and balance.
9. Develop Natural Instincts
Games involving hunting, such as chasing a laser pointer or a feather wand, can help enhance a cat's instincts and predatory behaviours, which can benefit its overall well-being.
10. Provide A Sense Of Accomplishment
Games that involve problem-solving, such as hide-and-seek or DIY puzzle feeders, can provide a sense of accomplishment for cats when they successfully find the treat or toy. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
11. Reduce Boredom
Cats can get bored easily if they don't have enough stimulation; playing games with your cat can help reduce boredom and keep them mentally and physically active.
12. Improve Interaction
If you have multiple cats in your household, playing games with them can help improve socialization and reduce the chances of aggressive behaviour towards each other.
13. Improve Overall Health
Regular physical exercise and mental stimulation through games can positively impact a cat's overall health, reducing the risk of certain health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Best Games For Cats
I have had cats for over 35 years. They love to play at any age. Here I introduce many fun games you can play with a cat.
1. Cat Fishing 2 App
This mobile app features virtual fish that swim across the screen for your cat to chase and catch.
The app simulates a fish pond, with different types of fish swimming across the screen. The fish move realistically, and the app includes sound effects to make the experience more engaging for your cat.
The app is designed to keep your cat entertained and stimulated while you're away. Your cat can watch the fish swim and try to catch them using their paws, which can help keep them active and engaged.
The app is available for download on the app store for mobile devices and is designed for cats of all ages. It is a great way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated when you are not around.
2. Jolly Ball
This durable ball is perfect for cats to chase and bat around. These balls are made of tough, durable material that can withstand rough play and are designed to bounce erratically to keep cats entertained. They come in different sizes and colours and are lightweight enough for cats to bat around easily.
Jolly Balls are also safe for cats to play with, as they do not have any small parts that could break off and pose a choking hazard. They are also non-toxic, so your cat can safely chew on them.
They are perfect for indoor and outdoor use and can be a great way to keep your cat active and entertained. Jolly balls are available in pet stores, online, and in some retail stores selling pet items.
3. Catit Design Senses Play Circuit
This interactive toy features a circuit of tracks and balls for your cat to chase and bat around. The toy consists of a series of interconnected tracks and a small ball that cats can bat around.
The tracks are designed to create a circuit through which the ball can travel, providing your cat with an engaging and stimulating game.
The circuit is designed to appeal to your cat's sense of sight and touch, with bright colours and different textures to explore. It's also designed to be durable and easy to clean, making it a great option for cats of all ages and activity levels.
Additionally, the circuit is modular and can be adjusted to suit your cat's needs, making it a versatile toy that can be customized to suit your cat's preferences. The product is available in online pet stores and retail stores that sell pet items.
4. Petstages Cool Cattree
This cat tree features a built-in scratching post and a ball track for your cat to play with. The cat tree is designed to give your cat multiple levels to perch on and a built-in scratching post for them to use.
The scratching post is made of durable material that can withstand heavy use and is designed to keep your cat from scratching your furniture.
The tree also features a ball track that allows your cat to bat around a small ball, providing them with an interactive and stimulating game.
The ball track is designed to be durable and easy to clean, and the tree is made of sturdy materials that can withstand heavy use.
The tree is also designed to be stable and secure, ensuring your cat's safety while playing. It is available in pet stores, online, and in some retail stores selling pet items.
5. PetSafe Busy Buddy Jack
This interactive cat toy dispenses treats for your cat to chase and play with. The toy is designed to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated by providing them with a reward for their play.
The toy features a built-in treat dispenser that releases small treats or kibble as your cat plays with it. The dispenser can be adjusted to release treats at different intervals, making the game more challenging and engaging for your cat.
The toy is also durable, made of tough and safe materials, and is designed to be easy to clean. The toy is available in different sizes and can be filled with various treats, including wet food, to suit your cat's preferences.
Additionally, it has a rubberized exterior that makes it easy for your cat to grip and play with. PetSafe Busy Buddy Jack can be found in pet stores, online pet stores, and some retail stores that sell pet items.
6. Bergan Turbo Scratcher
This interactive toy features a scratching surface, and a small ball cats can chase and bat around. The scratching surface is made of durable corrugate material designed to mimic the texture of tree bark, which cats naturally like to scratch.
This can help keep your cat's nails trimmed and healthy, reducing the risk of damaging furniture or other household items.
The ball track provides an interactive and stimulating game for your cat. The ball is designed to move around the track in a random pattern, encouraging your cat to chase and bat it. This can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated and reduced boredom.
The toy is designed to be durable and easy to clean. It is made of safe, non-toxic materials and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. It's also available in different sizes and designs to match your cat's preferences.
7. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Toy
This toy features a small plush mouse infused with catnip and is designed to mimic the movement of real prey. This toy is great for encouraging your cat's natural hunting instincts and providing them with a fun and interactive game.
8. KONG Active Treat Ball
This interactive toy is a ball that dispenses treats as your cat plays with it. The ball is designed to be durable and easy to clean and can be filled with various goodies to suit your cat's preferences.
9. PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat
This interactive toy is similar to the Busy Buddy Jack; it also dispenses treats for your cat to chase and play with.
However, this one features a twistable design that can be adjusted to release treats at different intervals, making the game more challenging and engaging for your cat.
10. Neko Flies Cat Dangler
This is an interactive toy with a wand with a colourful, feathery attachment that cats can chase and play with.
The wand is designed to mimic the movement of real prey, encouraging your cat's natural hunting instincts. The feathery attachment is made of natural feathers that mimic the action of real birds, butterflies, and other prey that cats would naturally chase.
The wand is made of durable materials that can withstand rough play and is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making it easy for you to control the toy's movement and keep your cat engaged.
The wand is also designed to be long enough to allow your cat to chase and play with the feathery attachment while remaining at a safe distance.
11. Feline Caviar Catnip Bubble
This interactive toy features a bubble wand that creates bubbles filled with catnip scent. Cats can chase and play with the bubbles, providing them with a fun and stimulating game.
12. PetSafe Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude
This interactive toy features a plush squirrel designed to mimic real prey's movement. The toy also has a built-in treat dispenser, providing cats with a fun and interactive game that rewards them with treats.
13. KONG Refillable Catnip Toy
This interactive toy can be filled with catnip, providing cats with a fun and stimulating game that encourages their instincts.
14. PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone
This interactive toy features a durable rubber bone with bristles that clean your cat's teeth as they chew. It also has a built-in treat dispenser, providing cats with a fun and interactive game that rewards them with treats.
Please remember that not all cats will enjoy the same toys; observing your cat's behaviour and preferences is important to find the best toys.
15. Moving Mouse Cat Toy
Cats' favourite game must be chasing after prey. A toy mouse on a string-tied wand is usually a lot of fun.
Try maneuvering the mouse in a way that resembles a prey animal in the wild. It's also fun to wind up a wind-up toy and watch it take off on its own while the kitten chases after it.
There are also cat-friendly remote-control mouse toys available. Anything tied to a piece of thread, including a colourful feather, a cork, or even a ball of paper, can create an excellent prey-catching pastime since cats rarely resist anything that dangles or moves.
16. Pom Pom Cat Toy
Making pom-poms is both simple and enjoyable. Making pompoms is a terrific hobby for a rainy afternoon if you have both cats and kids.
Make sure the pompom's center is connected tightly to avoid the pompoms having a tough time. If you would like, there are a ton of ready-made versions that you can purchase.
Little cats typically love the pompom ball's vibrant colours and lightweight. When playing with pompoms with your cat, keep an eye on them at all times and ensure they are safely stored away after use. Never allow your cat to chew on wool.
17. Cat Play Tunnel
Cats love playing in tunnels. They chase each other or even take a nap. Felines are naturally curious. There are many different types of tunnels designed specifically for cats.
Throw a ball down the tunnel to create a different game. They also enjoy finding delectable treats or cat nip toys. Some feature built-in toys. Fabric tunnels are fantastic since they are simple to fold and store.
18. Cardboard Box Game
This game is entertaining, cost-free, and easy to set up. Whenever you get a shipment in a large enough box, you can punch a few holes, allowing your cats to enter via one and exit through another.
Playing peek-a-boo through one of the holes would allow you to participate, but be careful to avoid getting scratched by your cat if it becomes very enthusiastic or raucous.
Cats are interested and always want to find out what is in the box. They also enjoy hiding places, so they get very devoted to their plain cardboard box.
19. Ball In A Box Game
A plain cardboard box is best, but this time choose a smaller one with a top, like a shoe box. Cut several holes in the box's top, sides, and corners that are big enough for your cat to fit his paw inside. Hide some balls inside, and watch your cat figure out how to obtain them by probing them through the holes.
20. Soap Bubbles
Everyone enjoys bubbles. Blow some bubbles and watch your cat start to jump and catch them. It is an easy and fun game for you and your cat. Some cats might not appreciate the vanishing bubbles' lack of capture, but they will quickly make it plain if this game is not for them.
21. Paper Bags
Cats are curious and love to investigate, especially what might be inside a paper bag! Please remove the handles for safety reasons and never use a plastic bag. Your cat might suffocate in it.
Put a tiny battery-operated toy inside the bag. Your cat will become interested in the toy's movement in the bag, and she will soon start pouncing on it. They probably won't quit until she successfully captures the hidden toy.
22. Ball Games
Most cats enjoy playing with a ball, especially a lightweight ping pong ball. Ball games are excellent for burning off excess energy and improving hand-eye coordination.
Roll the ball around to determine if your cat prefers to dribble it along slowly or pursue it repeatedly.
Bounce the ball for your cat to show off their athletic prowess and see whether she stretches and jumps for it. Cats are surprisingly good jumpers and have very powerful back legs.
23. Laser Pointer Game
Laser pointer is a popular and easy game to play with your cat. It involves shining a small laser light around the room and allowing your cat to chase it.
This game is a great way to provide your cat with physical exercise and mental stimulation, as they use their natural hunting instincts to chase the light.
You must always supervise your cat to ensure its safety when playing the laser pointer game. You should never shine the laser directly into your cat's eyes, as this can cause damage to their eyes.
Additionally, never leave the laser pointer on for extended periods, as this can cause your cat to become overstimulated and stressed.
It's also important to provide a physical target for your cat to catch at the end of the game, such as a toy or treat, so they don't feel frustrated by never being able to catch the light.
It's also good to play this game with your cat for short periods and vary the area you play in to keep the game interesting for your cat.
The laser pointer game can be fun to play with your cat as long as it's done safely and responsibly.
24. Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are interactive toys designed to keep cats mentally stimulated and entertained. They typically consist of a container with treats or food and a series of obstacles or challenges the cat must navigate to access the treats.
These can include sliding doors, levers, and compartments that the cat must manipulate to release the food. Puzzle feeders can help keep cats occupied, reduce boredom, and prevent destructive behaviour.
They also encourage cats to use their natural hunting instincts and problem-solving abilities. Some puzzle feeders can be filled with wet food and help to slow down eating and promote healthy digestion.
Conclusion
I hope you liked the games for cats mentioned in this article. What games are you playing with your cat? Feel free to share it in the comments below; I would be happy to read it!
I trust you enjoyed this article on the Best Home Games For Cats. Please stay tuned for more blog posts to come shortly. Take care!
JeannetteZ
>>>Please click here to read my all-inclusive article about the Best Cat Care Tips For Beginners<<<
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