Games to Play With Your Cats

10/07/13
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We all know cats are very smart and tend to have a mind of their own; however, while many pet owners think to play regular games that stimulate their dogs, cats are often overlooked. ‘Fetch’ may not be in the cards, but there’s still a variety of unique and fun games you can play with your cat.

Laser Tag

Red dot lasers can be a cat owner’s best friend. They give you a chance to watch your adorable feline jump, run and bounce from one wall to the next from the comfort of your couch. Simply turn it on and shake your hand to move and jump from one wall to the next, on and off furniture, up and down stairs, and back again. Your cat is sure to follow every movement.

Be sure to buy one that’s safe for their vision. Many electronic stores stock these – they last a long time and they’re relatively inexpensive as well.

Who it’s good for:

Owners with high-energy cats or who want to entertain their cats without exhausting themselves; cats or kittens of almost any age and temperament.

Who it’s not good for:

Owners whose homes resemble an art gallery. If you have prized furnishings, breakables or valuable art on display, this may not be the game for you.

iPad Games

The Apple App Store and Google Play has a variety of games for your cat. From mice that run across the screen to the red dot lasers that bounce around, you’re sure to find a game to occupy your cat. Most games offer free trials, so try them out before you buy. A strong screen protector is highly recommended before playing any of these games with your cat.

Who it’s good for:

Owners with high-energy or needy cats who may need some time off from kitty-duty.

Who it’s not good for:

Owners with aggressive cats.

Remote Control Cars

Some cats will freak out, but others will love your remote control car. There’s a wide range of sizes, speeds, types and cost ranges to choose from. Try attaching a treat to the back of it and watch your cat pounce around as they chase it.

Who it’s good for:

Older cats who still want to play, but aren’t as fast as they used to be; cats that are deaf or hard of hearing; kittens who are building their coordination and motor skills, and cats who like to hunt and leap on their prey.

Who it’s not good for:

Skittish cats or cats that are afraid of noise; overly aggressive cats that might damage the toy or injure themselves.