Veterinarian recommends playing with cats twice a day 0 12

“Physical activity is just as important for cats as it is for humans. Cats that do not get enough physical activity are at risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” explains Alexandra Alexandrovna.

Moreover, play develops hunting skills in animals. The veterinarian reminded that cats not only catch their prey but also play with it during the hunting process. “This way, cats improve their appetite and train their basic chasing instincts,” emphasizes the expert.

Games also help cats cope with stress and release negative emotions accumulated throughout the day. During joint play, cats develop trust and emotional attachment to their owner. It is important to interact honestly with the animal: do not grab or squeeze it, notes the veterinarian.

Games contribute to the intellectual development of pets. Kittens, while playing, acclimatize to a new environment, explore the home, learn to build social connections with those who play with them, and develop various hunting skills. The veterinarian recommends playing with kittens every time they show interest in it.

“Adult animals should be engaged in play activities at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. For older cats over 12 years old, one play session a day is sufficient, preferably in the evening, no later than 2 hours before bedtime, so that the pet has time to calm down and rest after play,” advises the expert.

It is also important to control the duration of play. “It is better to stop when the pet is still interested in continuing. This will allow the desire to play to quickly resume next time. If the animal becomes bored, it may not show activity in response to subsequent calls to play,” explained Alexandra Alexandrovna.

For play, the veterinarian recommends using both homemade and store-bought toys, but under no circumstances should one play with the pet in a “mean hand” manner or encourage hunting for legs. “As the pet grows, this habit can become ingrained, and a chasing and biting adult cat is not the best pet,” she concluded.