Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
If you’ve been having trouble enticing your cat into a play session, it could be because she has a play preference. Most cats will play regardless of whether the toy darts along the ground or flies up in the air, but there are some kitties who really prefer one particular method.
I have many clients whose cats only show interest if the toy that’s being dangled on the end of the wand stays close to the ground. The minute the little toy on the end of the string heads skyward, the cats walk away. On the other hand, there are the cats who love to show off their incredible athletic ability by leaping, doing flips and capturing the toy in mid-air.
Cats Can Have Play Preferences
Preferences for air play or ground play may be apparent from a young age or they can change as the cat matures. A cat who once did gravity-defying leaps to capture the fuzzy mouse five feet off the ground may now prefer stalking and pouncing with all four feet close to the floor now that she’s a senior citizen.
If you tend to use an interactive toy in the same way every time, your cat has probably learned to adapt to your style and may have abandoned any previous preference. On the other hand, if you do tend to move the toy in the same way each time and your cat has never responded much it might be because her preference is very strong and you’ve missed the mark.
Ground Play
There are so many opportunities for varying your movements when it comes to ground play. depending upon the toy you choose, it can slither like a snake, skitter like a mouse, or dart around like a cricket. From the beginning, choose several toys so you can vary the types of movements you do during different play sessions. If, however, you have a cat who shows a strong preference for a particular toy or a particular type of movement, go with it. The point is to make this a fun time for your cat.
Use the Environment
During ground play, your cat will depend on stealth, speed, and accuracy when it comes to capturing the toy. Don’t just play in the middle of room where there’s no way for your cat to conceal herself. Cats rely on their stealth when hunting so include objects in the environment that will allow your cat to be invisible. Whether it’s a few pillows tossed on the floor, an open paper bag or a box, she will appreciate being able to sneak up to prey.
A timid cat who is unsure of the environment may initially prefer ground play and may even prefer being able to remain somewhat hidden during play. As the cat becomes more confident though, you may discover she enjoys it when you incorporate air play into the session.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
Air Play
When it comes to air play, keep in mind the toy shouldn’t be in motion over the cat’s head 100% of the time. Even birds have to land at some point. Provide your cat with the opportunity to leap into the air, but also periodically let the toy make contact with the ground so your cat can pounce.
Another tip when it comes to air play is that the toy shouldn’t be totally out of reach. If you keep the toy too far over your cat’s head then she’ll end up just sitting and watching it instead of being an active participant in the game. This can lead to frustration.
Regardless of whether your cat is an air player, ground player or both, what’s most important is that you allow her to have several captures so she can enjoy the feeling of success.
Need More Information?
For more information on cat behavior and training, or for detailed instructions on interactive play techniques, check out the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
