Fun games to play with cats

Just like we love to play games with our cats, they also like to play with us. In fact, playing is an important aspect of a cat’s physical and mental health. The attention, exercise and stimulation they receive through play contributes to their general health and well-being. It helps them to develop their natural instincts such as hunting skills, helps to maintain a healthy bodyweight by staying active and agile, and reduces levels of anxiety, boredom or stress. Of course, playing together allows for quality time, which also helps them to form a better bond with you. Playing games with cats will keep them content, and in this article, we give you plenty of fun ideas to try.

Interactive games for cats: Bond while you play

The best way to bond with your cat is to find interactive games for cats for you to play together so you can engage with them directly. Playing games with your cat is not only important for getting a cat to like you, but it also helps to socialise your cat to different stimuli. 

In fact, playing interactive games with cats can be very effective when you first bring your cat home. It’s common for cats to retreat to a hiding space when they’re in a new environment. Finding games for kittens will help encourage them to come out and play, gradually leading them to feel safer in their new home.

Beyond this, the more you play with your cat, the more you will learn about their behaviours. Once you’re able to communicate with your cat better, you’ll understand more of what they like and dislike, especially when it comes to playtime.

Here’s a list of some interactive games cats like to play with their owners:

• Laser pointer

A simple but classic game would be using a laser pointer. Your cat will have plenty of fun chasing this red dot around the house. It will encourage their flexibility and movement, as they jump up the wall trying to catch it! Make sure to offer your cat a treat after. 

• Fishing rod

A toy hanging from a fishing rod, be it a bird or a mouse, will be an exciting game for your cat to play. As you move the toy around, from waiting on the floor to dangling near them, they’ll enjoy leaping, pouncing and catching their pseudo prey. Any toy with a string attached should only be used under your supervision, as cats love to roll around during play and can easily become tangled up with the string, which would pose a strangulation risk. Once your cat has finished playing with it, store the toy out of their reach.

• Hide and seek

It’s not just kids that enjoy playing hide and seek; it can make a great game for kittens too. If you hide around the house and call your cat, they will enjoy finding you as part of their hunting instincts. 

• Whack a mole

Whack a mole is another interactive game for cats that will keep their focus. The excitement of seeing a toy pop in and out of a hole will remind them of actual prey. You’ll be surprised to see the quick movements of your cat trying to catch the toy.

• Fetch

Contrary to common belief, fetch is not just a game for dogs. With some practice, you can teach your cat to fetch a toy. You could throw something as simple as a scrunched-up piece of paper, and offer your cat a treat as they bring it back to you.

Independent Games for Cats: Keeping Them Busy While You're Away

While it’s important to take time out of your day to play games with your cat, there’ll be times when your cat will be alone. This could be if you’re at work, out for the day or on a trip. We don’t recommend leaving your cat for long periods of time, as besides boredom and anxiety, it can also cause changes in eating habits, such as overeating or loss of appetite. Stress can also lead to loss of fur, low mood and destructive behaviour.

Make sure to have independent games for your cat to play so that they’re busy while you’re away. This will help cure their boredom, keep them stimulated, and provide exercise throughout the day. Here are some games for cats that they can play by themselves:

• Puzzle feeders

Puzzle feeders offer plenty of stimulation for your cat. By placing dry food or treats into the puzzle feeder, your cat will have to work out how to retrieve the treat as a challenge. This will encourage their hunting skills as they have to work for their food, making mealtime more exciting.

• Scratching posts

For any cat, it’s important that you have a scratching post or pad in place. Cats need to scratch to remove the outer sheath of their claws, to stretch before and after naps, and to relieve their stress and anxiety.

• Toys with noise and movement

You can leave out any toys that make a noise or move around as a game for your cat to play. They will have fun pushing and chasing the toy, especially a ping pong ball or a wind-up mouse toy, and any toys with sounds will keep their attention.

DIY Games for Cats

While it’s tempting to buy lots of different toys and games for your cat to play with, you’ll find that often cats will have fun with simple things lying around. In fact, you can make great toys and games for cats out of odd items you have around the house. 

• Cardboard Box

Cardboard boxes can provide plenty of entertainment for your cat. They will be happy jumping in and out of the box, exploring it for treats, or curling up for a quick nap. 

• Hide and Seek

Besides playing hide and seek around the house, you could even cut out small holes in the cardboard box. Your cat will enjoy hiding and popping out of these holes.

• Treat Hunt

Like a puzzle feeder, you could also place treats around the house for your cat to find. They will enjoy using their senses to hunt for their food and will get rewarded each time.

There are plenty of other DIY games you can come up with to keep your cat active and busy. If you’re having problems with your cat scratching the carpet, games for cats can keep them stimulated so they can use up their excess energy.

Games for Kittens

There are many games for kittens that you should know as a pet parent. Playing with your kitten not only encourages their individual development but also helps strengthen your bond together. You’ll want to play games that nurture their skills, including coordination and hunting, as well as using up their excess energy. Socialising your cat will also help them learn to play-fight without hurting you.

What do Cats Like to Play With

Here are some things that most cats usually like to play with: 

• Catnip
• Cardboard boxes
• Paper bags
• Ping pong balls
• Scrunched-up paper

What games to play with your cat?

The best games to play with your cat depends on what piques their interest the most. Simple items like boxes and ping pong balls can be exciting, as well as games with a fishing rod or laser pointer. Try to mix it up so your cat can practise different skills.

How can I play with my indoor cat?

You can play with your indoor cat using interactive toys like screwed-up paper and laser pointers. Even something as simple as a ping pong ball will have them darting around the house. They’ll also enjoy having cat furniture, like climbing trees, that they can explore, as well as retreat to.  

How do you entertain a bored cat?

To entertain a bored cat, you’ll need to have toys and games that they can play by themselves. Puzzle feeders are a great way to engage your cat mentally, as well as catnip toys to stimulate them. A window perch also allows your cat to be entertained by nature.

Can cats be a good pet?

Cats are fun to play with because they have plenty of energy. Their quick reactions to your movements will create a back-and-forth that will be exciting for both you and your cat. Seeing your cat engage in their natural instincts will help you understand them better, creating a stronger bond.

We’ve given you plenty of inspiration on games for kittens and cats, so it’s up to you to find what games your cat will like to play the most. Playtime is an important part of caring for your cat as it helps you understand them more. The more you learn about your cat’s communication, the better you can respond to their needs, the stronger your relationship will be.