How to play with a cat so you both have fun

Updated 04/10/2024

Does your furry friend seem a bit bored of all their toys? Or does your cat leave you hanging by wandering off mid-play? Sounds like you need to shake up your play routine.

Before throwing all the toys out of the pram in frustration, let’s take a step back and explore how to play with a cat, the right way. Keep reading to find tips on how to stimulate your furry feline’s playful streak, plus some great games to play with cats.

How to play with a cat

Playing with cats isn’t just for fun; it helps kitties blow off steam, keeping their brains sharp and their bodies active. And when you (aka their favorite human) join in, it also becomes the perfect opportunity to bond and socialize.

Playing is an important part of pet care, but if your furry feline’s giving you the cold shoulder, this could be down to two potential reasons: the way you play with cats or the toys you choose to give them. Let’s start with how to play with cats.

Simulate the hunt cycle

Warning: Things might get a bit wild!

These adorable little fur balls have a fierce side, and they get a real kick out of games that fire up their natural hunting instincts. That means stalking their prey, pouncing on it, and the grand finale: eating it.

Here’s how the hunting cycle plays out in your cat’s world: 

1. Observing and finding prey
2. Stalking and planning their attack
3. Chasing the prey
4. Catching the prey
5. “Killing” the prey
6. Eating the prey

It’s important to let your cat play out the whole cycle to keep them satisfied. If you don’t want them to start devouring their toys, it can be handy to have some treats to reward them with instead. 

Keep it challenging

Learning how to entertain a cat starts with making them work for their reward. Dangling a toy right in front of their face or leaving toys scattered across the floor isn’t likely to reveal their inner predator. It’s too easy, and without enough of a challenge, your kitty is likely to get bored and move on to something else.

Move toys back and forth to keep cats on their toes (paws) or you could even try hiding them – just make sure your purr pal sees where, or you could be in for a long waiting game!

Mix it up

Doing the same old thing gets boring after a while, and this could be why your furry feline’s losing interest in your play sessions.

Vary the speed and style of your movements, making the toy act like real prey. Let it dart, hide, and then slow down as if it’s getting tired. And don’t forget to rotate toys every few weeks to keep things fresh.

Engage all the senses

In the wild, your cat would use all five senses to hunt, and the same should be said for your hunting game. Toys filled with catnip can smell irresistible to most kitties, and balls with bells inside or plush mice with crinkly textures can make the chase more engaging.

Time it right

Pay attention to when your furry feline is most playful – chances are, this is at sunrise and sunset. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during these twilight hours. You might also want to time play sessions around meals, so your kitty gets the reward of a full belly after all that hunting.

What do cats like to play with?

When the real thing isn’t an option (thankfully!), cat toys can make great stand-ins for “prey”. Some fan favorites include teaser wands, plush toys, and even electronic gadgets. But don’t overlook the things already lying around your house – ping pong balls, cardboard boxes, corks, balls of paper, or even the inside of a toilet paper roll can make for hours of entertainment.

A word of caution about laser pointers: While they can be fun, some cats find them frustrating as they never actually “catch” anything. If you do use a laser, follow it up with a toy they can pounce on and “kill” to complete the hunt.

Fun games to play with your new cat

You can play these games with kittens and adult cats too.

Hide and seek: You’re the prey in this game! Hide, call your cat’s name, and see if they can hunt you down.

Fetch: Yep, cats can play fetch! Call your furry friend’s name to get their attention then toss their favorite toy into the air. They should pounce on it, and they may even learn to bring it back to you.

Treat puzzle: Cut holes into a cardboard box and hide treats inside. Your kitty cat will need to work out a way of getting to the tasty “prey” inside.

Chase: Use a small toy as bait and let your purr pal chase you around the house.

How long should I play with my cat?

Since playtime should mimic a real hunt, it’s best to keep sessions short and sweet – about 5-15 minutes is ideal. Several mini-sessions throughout the day work better than one long playtime. And remember, a stimulated and engaged cat is a happy cat, but you should never force cats to play if they’re not in the mood.

And the fun doesn't have to stop when you go away. Find a loving in-home pet sitter to carry out safe play while you're away.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators. 

Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean your cat has to miss out on all the fun. Getting a live-in cat sitter who can keep up with the games while you’re away means the fun doesn’t have to stop. Just make sure they’re clued up on your cat’s favorite toys and play routines, so they’re well-equipped to take the best care of your precious purr pal.