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Natp263's Avatar
Catsey Junior
 
Cats owned: Tabby
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 28
06-03-2014, 02:05 PM   #1

Playtime


Has anyone got any tips on good things to get my cat a bit more playful with us?
She's very playful at night and she's slowly getting there it's just a matter of finding things for us to do together



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Shelley123's Avatar
Catsey Veteran
 
Cats owned: NA
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Preston UK
Posts: 6,995
06-03-2014, 08:49 PM   #2

Re: Playtime


have you tried cat nip, you can get it in toys and also dried catnip to just sprinkle on the floor. Most cats react to it and it can make them very playful.
I have some in the garden which has spread to the top of the drive. There is a fluffy patch on the drive where the local cats come to get their fix,lol.
I think some cats can be very active at night, our two boys used to sleep a lot during the day and then come awake at night.
Maybe she's still feels more confident playing when no one else is around



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Catsey Senior
 
Cats owned: 4 moggies and 1 ragdoll
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: lancashire, UK
Posts: 806
06-03-2014, 09:00 PM   #3

Re: Playtime


All my cats play when they want to. They are mostly indoor cats with access to an enclosed yard with planks for climbing and trays of grass and cat friendly plants including catnip. They usually play with each other. A good toy for playing with cats is a feathery thing on a long string but I always supervise my cats with this in case they get it wrapped round them. Also cats love ping pong balls.



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Natp263's Avatar
Catsey Junior
 
Cats owned: Tabby
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 28
06-03-2014, 10:23 PM   #4

Re: Playtime


Yeah we have catnip she's not too bothered by it ATM. She's reacting to it more than when we first got her and some of her toys have catnip in. Hopefully she will play soon I'll just enjoy my evening cuddles for now x



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Catsey Junior
 
Cats owned: Oriental
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London, UK
Posts: 91
07-03-2014, 12:00 PM   #5

Re: Playtime


Not all cats react to catnip, estimates vary from 50-75%, which still leaves quite a few who don't. My 2 aren't fussed by it.
The feather thing on string is definitely a winner for play! Leaps from both all over the place. Also can't leave it out otherwise it gets destroyed. Metallic pipe cleaners and small fake mice are winners also. Toilet rolls with treats hidden inside. Cardboard boxes. Wiggling things under paper or rug.
I try to tire my 2 house cats out during the day, so I get left alone during the night mostly



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angieh's Avatar
Catsey Veteran
 
Cats owned: Magnificent moggies
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Hampshire, UK
Posts: 21,718
07-03-2014, 12:15 PM   #6

Re: Playtime


Feliss above gives some great ideas .... I'd add a plastic bottle top, make a hole in the top and thread a piece of string through, make a knot, leaving a bit to fray at the end. Just walk around the house trailing the string and bottle top. I used to do that with two cats following me around house and garden. Hours of fun and pouncing!



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Natp263's Avatar
Catsey Junior
 
Cats owned: Tabby
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 28
07-03-2014, 12:27 PM   #7

Re: Playtime


Ah you guys have got loads of great ideas!! She's just a lazy mare she won't go for anything unless she can reach it with minimal movement lol!! I'm trying to get her out of the habit of running the house ragged at night. We think she's been sliding around on the rug �� while we are asleep



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Velvet's Avatar
Catsey Veteran
 
Cats owned: 5 DSH. 2 DLH
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Nth Ireland - UK
Posts: 3,605
07-03-2014, 02:54 PM   #8

Re: Playtime


If shes been st the rescue from a young kitten
It will have been very busy all day long & probably very limited movement esp if sharing with older cats. At night it is quiet, no one around - so you come out & explore

It will just take time

Have you got a laser pen/toy? Pet shops ebay etc. When you point it at the floor & press the switch a red light / dot displays & they absolutely adore chasing that light. A few minutes play 2/3 times a day. Just do it slowly at first & let her think she has "caught" it. Great fun for cat & owner. (Never point it at her face /eyes).



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