Cats love interactive play.  Meaning, try joining in the fun with string toys, laser pointers, tossing mice around, hiding the end of a rope under a rug and tease it slowly out from under…Be creative!  In my opinion, cats have the best sense of humor of any type of animal.  Simple things can be extremely entertaining to them, like cardboard boxes, brown paper grocery bags, and plastic lids and rings.  If a cat does not play, he has probably never learned how.  He will likely need extra assistance from you.  Therefore, it’s even more important to heed the above-mentioned advice. 

     Cats can learn to play chase, hide-and-seek, fetch, “soccer” and yoga!  I even knew a cat who answered the phone when he was home alone!  They love having little tents or hiding places to run into and pounce out of.  Playful exercise helps to combat obesity, boredom, destructive behavior, arthritis, diabetes and “depression.”  Many cats will create their own games if they are in a safe environment.  Many will readily play with dogs they trust, or even other animals.  If you are creating all the contributing factors for fun, and your cat still will not play, then have them examined for pain or stiffness in the joints, sore gums or teeth, or other health issues. 

     Medical issues and stress are common reasons animals will not “lighten up.”  Stress can be not having their daily needs met, inappropriate nutrition, lack of stimulation, noise or bothersome animals, changes in the household, anxiety or haste in their human family members, or even more subtle things.  (see “How to bond with a pet” and “Bonding with your pet alleviates stress”) 

     Remember to be cautious of threads, tinsel and other small or thin items that can be swallowed and cause obstructions when choosing toys for cats.  Even though cats like feather toys, if they go outside at all, you could be teaching/encouraging them to hunt birds if you use these as toys.  To be a good steward for your animal companion, use common sense.  When in doubt, ask a vet first

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