Behavior, Environment

Pick Toys That Match Your Cat’s Play Style Preference

Many cats will go after anything and everything that moves as long as it’s not so large that it would be viewed as an opponent instead of prey. That prey could be a bird or butterfly in flight, a cricket hopping along, a lizard darting around, a mouse skittering from hiding place to hiding place or a little snake inching its way out of sight. Each creature requires adjustments in how the cat would seize his intended target.

Some cats though, have preferences when it comes to the type of prey/toy. The cat may be excellent at going after birds and even getting one as it begins to fly or land. Another cat may do best sticking to prey that can only move horizontally.

In addition to knowing what toys are safest for your cat and addressing texture, size, shape and sound preferences, it’s also important to move those toys in the most enticing way. That’s where it’s important to know whether your cat has a particular play preference so you can make better toy purchases and you can conduct the most irresistible interactive sessions.

Is Your Cat an “on-the-ground” Hunter?

Your cat may prefer going after prey/toys that only stay close to the ground. It could be he feels he can stay hidden more effectively that way as he inches toward his target, or it may be due to limited physical mobility. An overweight cat may know it takes less effort to go after prey limited to horizontal movement. If you’re trying to build trust with a frightened or timid cat, he might feel too vulnerable to leap up in the air and come too far out of hiding. Pay attention to how your cat reacts when the movements of the toy go vertical. If he loses interest, it may not be he dislikes the toy itself, it may just mean he dislikes the way you’re moving it.

Is Your Cat Good at Being an “in-the-Air” Hunter?

When you play with your cat does he really enjoy the toy movements that include going up in the air? Interactive toys based on a fishing pole design (wand with a string and a toy dangling on the end) are great for making both ground and air movements. In addition to stalking along the ground and pouncing, the cat who enjoys air hunting will incorporate leaps and mid-air captures.

In-the-air hunting may be something your cat has always enjoyed doing, regardless of age. It could also be something that was enjoyable when he was younger, had less joint pain, or was thinner, but has now become too much of an effort. Play style preferences can change as a cat ages or experiences less mobility, sensory decline, age-related cognitive decline, or increased pain. If your cat was always an athletic in-the-air hunter and has recently shown less interest in playtime, first, make sure he has been seen by the veterinarian to identify any undiagnosed medical problem, but also, make adjustments in your technique to accommodate him. It may be time for more horizontal movements.

Even enthusiastic in-the-air hunters will appreciate some ground movements so they can stalk and pounce. Don’t make all the toy’s movements over your cat’s head. Additionally, when waving the toy in the air, don’t continually keep it out of reach. If the toy becomes impossible to catch, your cat may lose interest or possibly hurt himself as he wildly leaps in the air. Playtime should be challenging but it also needs to be fun. If your cat never gets to enjoy successful captures, then all you’ll have accomplished is to physically wear him out but leave him frustrated.

Make Prey-like Movements with the Toy

In other words, think like prey so you can move the toy like prey. Movements should vary between fast and slow, hidden and seen. The toy should also not move at all at times or maybe just stay in one place and quiver a bit. When a cat hunts, it’s just as much mental as it is physical. A cat is an ambush predator and he must make quick decisions and plan his movements efficiently. He depends on stealth, speed, timing and accuracy. If you keep the toy in constant motion, then your cat doesn’t have time to sneak up and plan his attack.

The Peek-a-Boo Cat

Some cats like to be out in open and right in the middle of the action during playtime while a more timid cat may prefer to remain hidden throughout most of the game. He may pounce and then dart back behind furniture or under the bed. If you have a peek-a-boo cat, set up boxes, bags, tunnels or other objects to provide extra cover for him.

Offer Playtime Variety

Even though your cat may have very strong playtime style preferences, things can change and he may start to enjoy other types of toys that allow for difference techniques. If he’s a tried-and-true on-the-ground hunter because he’s timid, you may discover that as he develops more confidence, he may start to respond to vertical movements. A once overweight cat may also begin to enjoy some in-the-air play now that he’s more comfortable moving around. And, on the flip side, watch for signs indicating your in-the-air hunter is having difficulty and needs more horizontal playtime. The key is to keep playing with your cat, even if that means he will only paw at a toy as he sits on the floor or peeks out from behind a chair. Playtime is an important part of cat life. It’s a valuable tool for trust-building, maintaining good physical health, building confidence, easing boredom or depression and keeping a lid on aggression.

Solo Playtime

In addition to the interactive play sessions that depend on your participation, your cat needs toys for solo playtime. In the previous article on choosing toys, I discussed paying attention to specific preferences he may have about texture, size, sound and shape. Now, in terms of his play style, you can use that information to strategically place toys for maximum fun. For example, if your cat enjoys more in-the-air hunting, how about placing a hanging toy in a doorway? Look for puzzle feeders that connect to the door-frame and swing freely for the cat to bat with his paws. Use your cat’s love for climbing to place toys on cat tree perches, window perches, shelving, or any other vertical location where he’s allowed to go.

Cats who like to hunt by peeking into objects to look for treasure will appreciate toys hidden in paper bags or boxes. Since prey doesn’t typically lounge around out in the open, place some toys so just a little bit of them can be seen peeking out from behind furniture or under beds.

Where’s my Reward?

Some cats will stay more interested in playtime when there’s an actual food reward at the end. Puzzle feeders offer the dual benefit of providing playtime activity with a food reward. Food dispensing toys can also be beneficial for helping cats who tend to eat too fast or who are on a weight reduction program. The toys encourage activity and get cats moving instead of just hovering over a food-filled bowl in the kitchen. I also always offer my cat a little food treat after each interactive play session as a reward for a great hunt.

photo: Fotolia

Make Toys Come to Life

No matter what your cat’s play style is, if solo toys are left to gather dust by being piled up in the toy basket in the corner or left strewn about on the carpet, playtime interest may decline. It only takes a few moments to move toys around to better positions before you leave the house for work in the morning. Maybe a toy that has lost its cat-appeal needs a little catnip treatment, or maybe it needs to be put away for a week while another toy is brought out. Rotating toys is a good way to maintain cat interest.

Have Fun

Interactive playtime is not only great for your cat, it’s wonderful for you. It’s an opportunity to relax, de-stress, laugh at your cat’s funny moves and marvel at his skill. It’s also a way to help build trust and strengthen the bond you share. Don’t miss out on it by being too busy to play with your cat a couple of times a day. Take the time to learn his play style preferences and interactive playtime will become something special for both of you.

Need More Information?

For more specifics on how to play with your cat or how to use playtime for behavior modification, refer to any of Pam’s books, including Think Like a Cat and her latest book, CatWise. This is the book behavior experts, veterinarians, shelters and cat parents worldwide refer to as the cat bible. All of Pam’s books are available through your favorite online book retailers, in bookstores everywhere and here on her website.

Author: Pam Johnson Bennett, Cat Behavior Associates
Source: https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/pick-toys-that-match-your-cats-play-style-preference/
Photo credits: Fotolia

 

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