Games you can play with your cat

Cats are extremely playful and fun loving, and will spend lots of time inventing new games. Here are some games you can introduce to your cat, along with a few toy ideas.

Most cats have a mind of their own, so you can't just walk up to them, wave toys in their face, and expect them to suddenly wake up and become interested in playing with you. Getting them to play, jump around and exercise to a schedule is not going to happen. Cats are very independent, so the key is to get them to think it's their idea. It's not difficult - most cats really do love to play.

Games cats can play on their own

Cats can and will amuse themselves for hours inventing their own games. All you need do is provide something to play with - ping-pong balls, a ball of wool, or catnip toys. If you use a catnip toy, remember to replace it when your cat loses interest, because catnip loses its scent after a while. Some cats like to eat wool, so if you give her a ball of wool, make sure she's playing not eating.

Most cats will enjoy playing with a catnip toy or cat goodie in an old cardboard tube. Your cat will play with it until she gets the goodie out and claims her reward.

Cardboard boxes

The humble cardboard box can be a great gift for your cat. She might hide things inside, or hide inside it herself. If you have two cats, you may even discover them playing hide and seek. Make sure the box is fairly sturdy so that your cat can climb out after she climbs in, and check she hasn't been chewing it as well as playing in it.

Fake mice

Try putting a little fuzzy thing on a string and dangling it in front of your cat. She'll know it's not a mouse, but she may be willing to pretend it is to play a game with you. It's her chance to indulge in fantasies of being a ferocious hunter out stalking prey and this game can keep your cat amused and active for quite a while. Dangle the fake mouse in the air, or drag it along the ground. Just make sure you move your hand away quickly so you don't get scratched. Feathers and other objects your cat can bat at will work well too.

A ball of rolled-up tin foil might also entice your cat to play. Be sure it's rolled up tightly enough that she doesn't chew it or swallow parts of it.

If your cat seems to like sniffing your leather shoes, she might like her own leather toy to sniff and play with.

Other toy ideas

Some cats like to rustle under newspapers because they like the sound and feel of rustling paper. If your cat's one of these, a large paper bag might keep her amused for a while. Putting some toys inside will make it even more fun.

Other ideas for improvised toys include sturdy corks; empty wrapping paper rolls with a long piece of colourful string attached; empty lipstick containers; old tennis balls; fabric stuffed with old stockings.

If you can, it's a good idea to provide places for your cat to climb inside. Scratching posts and climbing frames give her an excellent opportunity for exercise and stimulation.

Will she play fetch?

Most cats don't fetch, at least not like dogs. However, some cats do actually start spontaneously fetching toys and bringing them to their owners to throw so they can run and fetch. Other cats will have to learn a more "cat-like" version of the game. As you might expect, it will have to be done on their terms. Here's how you can coax your cat to fetch:

Pick a small toy that your cat really likes, something small, light and easy to throw. Call your cat's name. She might pretend she doesn't know it, but she does. Throw the toy up and down a bit, catch it yourself. Play with it. Jiggle it. Have some fun with it.

Is your cat watching? If so, keep going. If not, give the game up.

Keep the toy visible, sit in a chair and toss the toy so that it lands near your cat. Let her play with it. Just as she's about to get bored, call her while you're still seated. If your cat looks, go to the toy, pick it up and return to your chair.

From your chair, do the throwing routine again. Do it for about 10 minutes or so, twice a day.

Some cats will get the idea and start bringing the toy back to you. Now they know it's a game, you can make it even more fun - for instance you could try throwing the toy behind obstacles to make her hunt for it.

Not every cat will be enthusiastic about this. If yours isn't that thrilled by the game, at least you'll get lots of exercise trying to get her involved.

Running games

Sometimes, your cat will start a game in the hope you'll play it with her. A good example is when she runs round the house to try to get you to chase her. Some cats do this every day at a certain time, usually at night when you're ready to relax and go to bed! If your cat runs across the room in front of you and hides behind curtains, run after her, peek behind the curtains and watch what she does. If she then dashes off across the room to hide in a closet, and peeks out at you, this means she wants you to continue the game and run after her. This is a great way for both of you to get some exercise!