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#The Life of Your Cat: Play

Cats are predictable creatures and follow a fairly identifiable routine. All cats are different in their personalities but all follow a fairly recognizable pattern and lifestyle:

Play: Most animals like to play and cats are no exception. This is more noticeable in very young cats or kittens, but most cats like to play at some time or other.

Kittens will spend most of their time either sleeping or playing games. They can go wild at times - clawing up curtains, rushing around, jumping, and play-spitting. This can be great fun for owners - have your camera ready!

Cats and kittens like to play in a variety of ways but are especially amenable to "hunting and stalking" type games. Using a piece of string, a paper ball, or something soft and mobile will give your pet hours of fun and games.

Rolling items along the floor for your cat to chase is often very effective as is dangling things above their heads. Cats love movement during play - juggling or moving the play items can be just the stimulus the cat needs to join in.

It can be a delight to watch your cat playing. Their eyes become focused on the moving objects, they can dance and jump, pounce, stalk and spit - and you will have many hours of fun and laughter yourself!

The need for playtime diminishes as the cat gets older. Older cats often do still like to play and it is good interaction for you to encourage this. However, be sure that an older cat has not got any significant health problems that could adversely affect it during play.

A visit to your local pet store will reveal a great variety of cat toys for you to choose from. These include:

- Balls - cats love moving, rolling, and bouncing balls, especially if they are lightweight

- Toy mice - these are often wind up which move in rapid circles or soft ones that have catnip in them - cats LOVE catnip! Watch as your cat throws the soft play mouse into the air, pounces on it, and chews it.

- Dangling toys - these are in the form of a soft toy on the end of a fishing rod design - you can dangle these at a distance above the head of your cat and watch as he jumps, wriggles, and turns in rapid circles.

Don't forget that you can make toys at home very cheaply. Rolling up paper into the form of a ball is very effective - don't make the ball too big. Ping pong balls are also very successful as they are light and can be easily maneuvered by your cat.

Avoid the use of thread or plastic bags. Although they may be fun for you and your cat, their use can lead to health problems or even death. Always supervise your cat during play.

Playing with your cat, and providing safe and effective play toys, can lead to countless hours of fun for you and your cat.