Cat health is not just about the correct diet, nutrition, and regular trips to the vet. Play is another critical factor in ensuring that your feline friend has a high quality of life. Studies show that each cat should have at least two 15-20 min play sessions per day. A cat will become depressed if you never play with them, so you must consider if your schedule permits you to meet this need for play before acquiring a cat.
Obesity is a big problem among pet cats, especially if they live as indoor cats. Regular play sessions help your cat exercise and keep a healthy weight. Play is also an essential source of enrichment for your cat. Through play, domestic cats will imitate natural hunting behaviors and experience the triumph of “the kill” once “the prey,” in this case the toy, is caught. Play alleviates boredom and stimulates your cat’s cognitive and physical skills. Without regular play sessions or access to toys, cats may become lethargic, depressed, or develop compulsive behaviors.
If you need advice on how to create a cat-safe home environment, Smiling Kitty can help! We can assess your home for you, tell you what to avoid and what to improve on, and provide reliable information about toxic houseplants, cleaning aids, and perfume products—in short, we can teach you how to keep your cat safe and protect them from common home hazards. Book a Cat Care Consultation with us to assess your living situation and improve your cat’s home!