While some cats are perfectly fine spending their day napping or playing by themselves, many feline friends need more play with you. Thankfully, there are many “games” that you can play with your cat that don’t require rules or expensive toys. Playing games with your cat will not only give variety to their day but also serve as a wonderful way to increase the bond between the two of you as you interact in fun and exciting ways outside of meal and cuddle time.
1. One-Cat Ping Pong
Image Credit: Unsplashed
Who says you need two people and paddles to play ping pong? You can play ping pong with your cat if you have any kind of ball that bounces. A real ping pong ball will work too! To keep your cat busy, all you need to do for this one is to bounce the ball on, ideally, hardwood floors. The ball will bounce on its own, and your cat can go after it.
2. Hide and Seek
Image Credit: Unsplashed
Hide and seek with your cat is an easy game to play without any additional toys. Hide and seek will look different depending on who is leading the charge.
If your cat initiates the play, he or she may hide behind a door or under a curtain. Don’t judge if their hiding spot isn’t the best! When you walk by, your cat might jump out at you and then run off to another poor hiding spot. They’ll likely wait there until you go to find them. You can make a show of looking for them just like you would a toddler.
You can start the play with your cat. For example, if you hear your cat getting up for a nap, step into the bathroom and wait for them to come around the corner. You can pop out to spook them just like you would another person. Chances are they’ll go running off and start the game!
3. Chase the Prey
Image Credit: Michael Glazier via Unsplashed
You can sharpen your cat’s natural instincts with a game called chase the prey.
For this game, you have two options. You can use something like your hand or a cat toy to mimic what a prey would do. Think mice, birds, snakes, or any other small games that a cat might chase in the wild. Move the toy around slowly, then quickly when your cat begins to approach. Do your best to make your cat think it is hunting an unsuspecting prey.
You have some automatic options for this too, if you want a toy that your cat can play with without you. There are toys on the market that use batteries to move around, and come in all kinds of shapes, like mice and fish.
4. Chase the Laser Pointer
Image Credit: Unsplashed
Laser pointers are a classic in any household with a cat and provide dozens of ways to give your cat some enrichment. You can use a handheld laser pointer to lead your cat in circles around the coffee table, up and down the hallway, or up the walls.
There are also automatic laser pointer towers that you can invest in. These have different options that shoot the laser pointer around the room for a certain amount of time. The laser towers are a great option if your cat likes to play during the day while you’re at work or during the night when you’re asleep.
5. Chasing
Image Credit: Julian Hochgesang via Unsplashed
Forget the laser pointer for this one! If you have a cat with a lot of energy, chasing your cat in a non-threatening way is a good way to give you both a good workout.
My cat that likes to be chased is usually the one who initiates this form of play. They’ll look at me to get my attention, run, and hide around the corner to wait for me to come after them. I like to chase her down the hall so she can get good momentum. After she gallops into the bedroom and jumps onto the bed, I’ll walk in the bedroom past her. That’s her cue to fly off the bed and run back down the hall, doing the same thing in the living room.
For this one, just make sure that your cat is comfortable; otherwise, it can be scary!
6. Go Fishing
Image Credit: Unsplashed
Many cats love a good toy on a stick – and it’s the best way to “go fishing” with your cat.
Most toys on a stick don’t have a reeling function, but you can still swing the toy up and down for your cat. This toy is also a great way to change the impact of play. You can move the toy like a snake on the ground slowly for an older cat or wave it around in full circles for a younger cat that enjoys jumping. This is also a great choice if you want to make your own toys at home.
7. Fetch
Image Credit: Milada Vigerova via Unsplashed
Not all cats are smart enough to play fetch, but there are some that love it. Bond with your cat by playing fetch!
This is the same as playing fetch with a dog. Find a small, light toy that is easy for your cat to pick up and launch it ahead of you. Your cat will run after it and pick it up, though it’s a toss-up as to whether or not your cat will bring it back. Keep in mind that cats are smart enough to learn to bring the ball back!
8. Apps – Just Like the Rest of Us!
Image Credit: Velizar Ivanov via Unsplashed
For a tech savvy cat (or, well, owner), apps can be a great way to entertain your cat. There is no shortage of free apps that you can pull up on your phone or tablet for your cat to play with.
Some popular feline-centric games include:
- Animals that pop in and out of holes
- Snakes slithering across the screen
- Birds flying around to be caught
One of the first, most popular apps for cats is a single mouse that scurries around the screen. When your cat “catches” it, it squeaks like a real mouse would! While not the most active form of play, apps still provide enrichment for cats of all sizes and ages.
