Fishing pole-type toys are one of the many ways owners can play interactively with their cat and can be used to create a prey-like experience for them; bringing their inner hunter to life.
The toy should be moved so it acts like prey e.g. it should wiggle, slide, dart, creep and jerk around so the cat(s) only have to focus on being the predator rather than having to take on the role of predator and prey when using ‘dead’/inanimate toys. The ‘prey’ should move across the cat’s field of vision - which is wider than ours - so their prey drive is triggered and should vary between fast and slow movements as prey naturally would. They can be used with one or more cats and have a range of benefits, including:
Creating trust and a bond between the cat(s) and its owners.
The cat(s) benefits from regular exercise by chasing after the toy. This will strengthen the cats’ bones, muscles and ensures they remain in good shape. This is particularly important with indoor cats.
Exercise stimulates a healthy appetite.
The cat(s) are mentally stimulated through play and thinking about how to catch the prey as it moves around in a range of ways at different speeds - like brain training for us!
Interactive play enables a cat to display natural cat behaviour with exercise boosting its mood through the release of dopamine and serotonin - just like us after a good gym session! This helps to:
Relieve boredom.
Provides cat housemates with a way to play together and become ‘friends’ reducing conflict between them and allowing them to share territory in a fun, sociable way.
Build a cat's confidence by ensuring they catch their prey successfully.
The prey should be an appropriate size for a cat and mimic their natural prey rather than being seen as an opponent. Play should be regular e.g. one or two 10 – 15 minutes slots a day, with the prey becoming tired when the game winds down. The toy should be put away when not in use so it is not seen as a dead toy when static but is special and animate.
This should prevent and reduce a range of behaviours, as if:
Cats are happy and confident not stressed and nervous they are less likely to display behavioural problems, like spraying, scratching furniture and over-grooming.
Cats in a multi-cat household play together they are less likely to fight and bully one another and there should be fewer territorial disputes.
Cats are of an appropriate weight and are healthy they are less likely to become ill with the attendant behavioural issues that arise e.g. obese cats who become arthritic can become aggressive when touched due to increased sensitivity.
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