{"id":3063,"date":"2021-01-18T12:10:24","date_gmt":"2021-01-18T11:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistenteveterinario.com\/?p=3063"},"modified":"2021-01-18T12:32:56","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T11:32:56","slug":"cats-play-how-fundamental-it-is-for-indoor-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistenteveterinario.com\/en\/cats-play-how-fundamental-it-is-for-indoor-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Cats play: how fundamental play is for indoor cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this article, we talk about how fundamental play is for an indoor cat and what are the favourite games. (And also because cats play with their prey)<\/p>\n

Playing as the expression of predatory behaviour for a cat is fundamental. It is in fact considered one of the pillars of the environmental needs of cats (ISFM<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Why the espression of predatory behaviour is essential for cats<\/h3>\n

Play in cats (especially for those who lives indoors) is important for several reasons:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Being able to exercise and vent their predatory instincts. In nature, cats consume a significant portion of their daily hunting activities, which requires both mental and physical activity and concentration. Exercising this instinct makes them active and energized.<\/li>\n
  2. Physical exercise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What does the lack of expression of the predatory instinct (and play) in a cat involve:<\/h3>\n

    The impossibility or lack of opportunities to express this behaviour can lead to obesity or boredom, but also frustration that can be expressed in the form of over-grooming, diseases associated with stress (find out more here<\/a>) or unjustified aggressive behaviour.<\/p>\n

    But why do cats play with their prey?<\/h3>\n

    It is thought that cats play with their prey to better manipulate them and avoid being bitten by small rodents or reptiles.<\/p>\n

    Other hypotheses, on the other hand, suggest that it is due to the fact that some cats do not know how to effectively kill their prey and therefore are reduced to chasing it here and there.<\/p>\n

    The movement then keeps alive the cat’s interest in chasing and killing prey.<\/p>\n

    Another hypothesis is that the cat simply likes to hunt.<\/p>\n

    Read also Pulse-oximetry in veterinary medicine<\/a><\/p>\n

    Some tips (and cat toys to avoid)<\/h3>\n