{"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 Play in cats (especially for those who lives indoors) is important for several reasons:<\/p>\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 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 ? Avoid laser pointers. It can be harmful and the frustration of never reaching the pointer can put stress on the cat.<\/p>\n ? Some cats really like small stuffed toys and furry objects that can be caught and manipulated.<\/p>\n ? Make sure the cat can catch the toy from time to time during play. You can also help\/encourage them to keep playing with some treats when they catch it.<\/p>\n ? if you have multiple cats, maybe be better to separate them to play. Cats are solitary predators and may get stressed out playing in groups. Make sure you hide games in different areas of the house to multiply resources and reduce competition.<\/p>\n ? Older cats also need to play. Always be careful to ensure that play is safe and prevents joint trauma.<\/p>\n ? You can use food treats to encourage hunting. Hide food around the house or use puzzle feeders. They can be made at home at no cost (for example<\/a>) (or as Dr Monia did in this video<\/a>) or bought on the internet like this<\/a>.<\/p>\n ? What about catnip<\/strong>?<\/p>\n Cats are naturally attracted to Nepeta cataria, an aromatic herb that has a relaxing and diuretic effect on humans but exciting on cats. It acts like a ‘drug’ but its effect is short and completely harmless.<\/p>\n Some theories say it reminds them of feline pheromones this has not been proven.<\/p>\n Many games on the market contain it, such as these<\/a> that I find super cute.<\/p>\n ? Don’t forget to provide your cat with lots of different and fun ways to hide.<\/p>\n Providing a safe place is also among the pillars of the cat’s well-being and this allows them to have control over their environment, to decide whether or not to interact with the other housemates at that particular moment. An example of a game and hiding place is the tunnel<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the event that the cat has to spend several hours in the clinic, veterinary hospital cat cages should be large enough to allow all resources to be present and well-spaced.<\/p>\n These include a place to rest and hide, food and water, and the litter box, preferably located away from the bowls.<\/p>\n Veterinary staff have the opportunity to inform and sensitize owners on the environmental needs of cats, helping them to achieve a more peaceful coexistence for both.<\/p>\n In conclusion, playing with your cat in a way that expresses his predatory instincts is a way to show him love and satisfy his intrinsic needs.<\/p>\n Do you have any other suggestions or comments? Let me know if you liked it below ?<\/p>\n Resources In this article, we talk about how fundamental play is for an indoor cat and … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2005,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[162,161],"yoast_head":"\nWhy the espression of predatory behaviour is essential for cats<\/h3>\n
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What does the lack of expression of the predatory instinct (and play) in a cat involve:<\/h3>\n
But why do cats play with their prey?<\/h3>\n
Some tips (and cat toys to avoid)<\/h3>\n
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\nKittens usually have a lot more need and desire to play. Make sure the toys are the right size and the textures are safe for their fragile and sticky nails. They often need to play together with other cats and with greater intensity.<\/li>\nSome tips to encourage your cat to play (and recommended games):<\/h3>\n
And when the cat is admitted to the clinic? Tips for veterinary nurses<\/h3>\n
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Conclusion<\/h3>\n
\nhttps:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/why-do-cats-like-catnip\/
\nhttps:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/why-do-cats-play-with-their-prey\/
\nhttps:\/\/www.thecatvet.co.uk\/uploads\/1\/1\/4\/0\/11405474\/_isfm_aafp_cat_environmental_needs_guidelines.pdf
\nhttps:\/\/icatcare.org\/education\/?fbclid=IwAR176ZiGjAC4bxTeJcbQpQwvmbAkjGOSlgXLYw4YjbJi9knT0vghjfAB9Dg<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"