These stimulating, simple activities are made to entertain and engage all types of felines.
Dogs often have a reputation for being more rambunctious than their feline counterparts, but cats enjoy playtime, too. This list includes seven exciting, interactive activities for kitties with different personalities, including a hide-and-seek game that taps into your animal's instincts and a classic game of fetch cats love. (Yes, cats really do enjoy fetch!) Most of these actions call for supplies that you already have at home, and they'll work in an apartment or a house. Although these games are meant to entertain your four-legged friends, you'll also have a blast strengthening the bond between you and your beloved pet.
1. Interactive Puzzle
For this game, you'll need an old shoebox, your cat's favorite toys, and a few treats. You'll be surprised to see that your feline friend will often bring the toy back to you. Next, fill the shoebox with cat toys, catnip, and treats. Close the box, using a small piece of tape to secure the lid. Play fetch with your kitten by tossing a catnip-filled toy across the floor.
2. Feather and String
This game is perfect for cats with a lot of energy. You can either purchase a toy wand, or make a DIY wand using a stick, a string, and a feather or bell. Wave the wand above your kitty's head and entice them to jump up and catch the flying object. Mix things up by pulling the wand slowly away from your cat's view and watch as they pounce at it around corners and under furniture. Make sure to choose an open room with lots of space to bounce around. You don't want your kitten to run into valuable objects that could break.
3. Fetch
Contrary to popular belief, fetch is not just for dogs. Games like fetch bring out your cat's instinct to catch prey. Finally, put the box on the ground next to your cat watching as they work to free the goodies inside. Be sure to choose a toy that you can easily throw across the room. (You'll also want a plaything that is easy for your kitty to carry in their mouth.) Watch as your cat chases after the toy, giving a few kitty kicks with their hind legs when they finally capture their prize. Use a craft knife to cut a variety of different-size holes into the shoebox. Reinforce this becomehavior with petting and praise or treats.
4. Hide-and-Seek
A game like hide-and-seek will also unleash the predatory nature of cats. You can play inside-just hide behind a couch, desk, or bed. Your kitten will playfully stalk you as though you were their prey.
5. Paper Bag
Great news for cat owners on a budget: You don't need a fancy three-level scratching post to make your kitty happy. You can easily turn an empty, brown-paper shopping bag into one of your cat's favorite toys. Lay the bag on its side so your cat can crawl inside. Then, scratch and poke the sides of the bag while your kitten bats at the movements and noises from the inside.
6. Tablet Games
If you have a tablet handy, you have access to hundreds of games made just for your kitty. Here are three to get you started.
- The Games for Cats, Free for iPad. app features three different activities. The laser pointer game is free and dcan beplays a bouncing red light for your cat to chase. If your cat is able to hit it, they receive a point. Two additional games are available after a $1.99 in-app purchase for the full version. These two games are similar to the laser pointer game, but they feature a mouse and a butterfly for your kitten to play with instead of a laser. If you decide to upgrade, you may also control the pointer, mouse, or butterfly using your iPhone.
- Paint for Cats, $1.99 for iPad., is exactly what you think it will be: a game that allows your feline to play with (digital) paint. With 10 different color palettes to select from, your cat might turn into a bona fide iPad artist before you know it!
- Friskies Jitterbug, Free for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. is an universal app in which tons of creepy insects crawl all over the screen. The goal is to hit the bugs during five, 15-second rounds. You also can put the game into "endless mode," so your kitten isn't restricted by a time limit.
Crumpled Paper
Looking for a more straightforward object to entertain your cat? Crumpled paper will do the trick. Just crush a piece of paper into a ball that can be rolled across the floor. Cats love to chase after the ball as much as they love the sound crumpled paper makes. Just be sure to keep the ball of paper from your cat when you're done playing, or you might quickly have a confetti-covered ground.
Along with being lots of fun, these games offer your cat necessary exercise. Try out each of these activities to see which one they enjoy most, and play with them a few times per week for a happy kitty.
This Story Originally Appeared On Better Homes & Gardens
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