The importance of playing with our cats

Today, cats are an intricate part of the family.  Because of the risk of your cat being hit by a car, killed by a coyote, getting in a fight with another cat or just vanishing, people are choosing to keep their cats confined indoors.   
 
Because we have decided to keep our cats in, it is not surprising that they develop such behaviors as self-mutilation, excessive self-licking, marking with urine or feces, and loud, compulsive vocalization - all with no apparent physical or medical cause.  These behaviors aren't just associated with our pets, but have been found in cats that are in zoos and parks where felines are confined.
 
If your cat is bored, lonely or lacks challenges, it can be very stressful on your cat and can lead to becoming lethargic and more susceptible to illness.  Cats by nature are inquisitive and like to explore.  They are hunters and like to seek out and attack (even if it's not a real mouse).   

Studies have been done by behaviorists and they have discovered that simply by adding some safe, creative challenges each day for your cat and keeping your cat stimulated,  both physically and mentally, your cat will be happier and live longer and will cease to exhibit the bad behaviors they have developed.  

If you have a cat or you are considering getting a cat, but you are gone all day long, it would be advisable to get another cat.  A single cat that is left alone all day, doesn't get any social interaction, doesn't get to hear your voice, all is quiet and quite boring.  Bringing in another cat will allow them play and wrestle, groom each other, talk and sleep together.  It is not any more difficult taking care of two cats as it is one.  If you are gone for long periods during the day, you can leave the TV on (or put in a video made for cats).  Just leaving a radio on can be helpful as well.

 
Another must for indoor cats is toys.  Try to get a variety of toys that can either be homemade or store bought.  Rotate the toys to keep them interesting.  Include some toys that have catnip in them.  (Most cats like catnip, but some cats don't possess a certain gene and just don't get the catnip concept).  Make sure the catnip is fresh for the best affect.  Get toys in which you can interact with your cat, like a wand with feathers.  If you can get the cat to chase a toy, this will help with weight management as well.  Some toys are motorized and can be fun for your cat to hunt.

There are items in your home that may be enticing to your cat, but harmful to him.  Make sure to keep things like rubber bands, paperclips out of reach.  You don't want him eating things like feathers or string.  So when you get done playing with him, make sure these things are picked up.
 
Cats like to climb, explore different heights and different surfaces.  This is why cat trees are important to your feline friend.  Cats rarely like to sit on the floor.  They always feel like they need to be up on something.  A good tall cat stand with a variety of scratching surfaces will also increase your cat's sense of "territory", and will greatly add to his quality of life.
 
Remember, even though we have domesticated our cats and want to keep them safe indoors, they are still genetically closely related to their wild ancestors.  We need to respect their needs to naturally stalk, hunt and explore their territory.  They need to have creative stimulation and social interaction with either you and/or other cats.

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