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Normal Play Behaviors -
Preventing Play Destruction
What is normal?
In nature, cats would use their sharp incisor teeth
to tear prey into bite size morsels of food. So, why
wouldn't cats try to tear apart prey-like toys in
prey-play?
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Play is important to stimulate your cat's mind, and exercise your cat's body. A tired cat is usually a better behaved cat. |
Why is is important?
By five months of age, kittens
begin to
practice rough play with each
other and practice hunting
behaviors. In
nature, play builds muscle and
exercises the nervous system, and respiratory
organs.
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Safely interrupt destructive play.
Toss in treats to prevent the
cat from trying to digest
non-food items as the prize
winning of a play session. |
What to do
Supervise your cat during play, especially when
presenting a new toy.
If your cat's arousal level goes to high and you see
destruction about to occur, take a time out. Try
playing with a piece of string or a less
destructible toy.
Cats
enjoy interactive play. Toys that are left out all
the time may become less interesting to some cats. The novelty
of toys is when they show up with you making them
mimic real prey. These play sessions allow your cat
to be true to his species and exercise normal
natural behaviors and needs.
Use play
sessions as a reward after a brief training session.Allow
your cat to periodically catch the toy being chased. Toss
in treats to secure the win! Praise your cat for this successful hunt, and you will see
your cat's interest in the game increase.
Normal Cat
Development
Feline
Older
Adult
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7 years
and older
[1]
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Appetite changes -
Provide food puzzle and
food toys. Do not
overfeed by providing
only food your cat likes
the best. Monitor
weight, food and water
intake. Take cat to the
veterinarian if
increased thirst, weight
gain or loss.
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Social play decreases
- may play more if
living with a cat that
is socially compatible.
Continue interactive
play with food treats to
reward "catching the
prey" toys. Vary the
games every few minutes
to different prey-type
toys and movements.
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Increased Vocalization
- may occur if your
cat if feeling some
discomfort or other
stress. Take cat to the
veterinarian for a
comprehensive exam and
diagnostic testing
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Litter box use. If
cat is spraying or not
using the litter box
every time, read library
topics on feline litter
box training and
inappropriate
elimination. Scoop 2x
daily at a minimum and
add a box with a
sand-based odor free
litter. Take cat to the
veterinarian to evaluate
cognitive disfunction
due to aging.
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Cat resources -
Provide your cat lots of
comfy beds, tall
scratching posts,
horizontal cardboard
scratching areas, and
protect against weather
that is too hot or too
cold.
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Behavior changes are
often the first sign of
a physical problem.
Aging cats may require
special diets and
medication prescribed by
a veterinarian to
lengthen life and
quality of life.
[1]
AAFP. (2004). Feline Behavior Guidelines. Pg. 10.
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"Helping you raise a fabulous feline
friend for life." |
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