Play with your cat

Water

Cats generally don’t need to drink lots every day. However, always ensure fresh, clean drinking wate is available at all times.

This is best placed away from their food, as cats generally prefer not to eat and drink in the same place.

More information about water and drinking is available in Cats Protection’s Essential Guide: Feeding and obesity .

Play

Cats that have free access to the outdoors will often engage in hunting activity, including playing with fallen leaves or grass blowing in the wind if there is no access to prey. The drive to hunt is not triggered by hunger. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. It is important that our pet cats are given frequent opportunities to play to keep them mentally stimulated.

Keeping your cat amused with toys can help to keep them happy, provide good exercise and strengthen your bond with your cat.

Toys don’t have to be expensive. A cardboard box with holes cut into it provides a fun hiding place. Even a ball of tin foil makes a perfectly adequate toy, as long as the cat can’t swallow it.

Play is more fun if you get involved too – you could use fishing rod toys with feathers on a string to mimic their prey! Allow them to catch and ‘kill’ the toy periodically to avoid frustration.

Older cats will love playing three or four times a day, while younger cats will be happy to play ten times a day or more.

Very short games of one to two minutes are fine. Swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting, but don’t leave your cat unattended with toys which could be shredded and eaten or cause entanglement.

 Check toys regularly for signs of wear, replacing them when appropriate.