Meta: A short play routine to keep your cat active and happy.
Play is how cats burn energy and bond with you. A routine makes it easy.
Toys you’ll need
- A wand toy
- A small ball or toy mouse
- A puzzle feeder or treat toy
A simple routine
- Warm-up (2 minutes): drag the wand toy slowly along the floor.
- Chase (5 to 8 minutes): make the lure dart, hide and jump. Let your cat catch it now and then.
- Cool-down (2 minutes): slow the movement until it stops.
- Reward: give a small meal or treat, so the hunt ends in a “catch”.
Do this once or twice a day, ideally before meals.
Tips
- Move toys like prey, away from the cat.
- Follow your cat’s energy. Stop when they lose interest.
- Keep hands and feet out of the game, so the cat doesn’t learn to bite them.
Safety tip: put wand toys away after play, because strings and feathers can be swallowed.