Why Playtime is Important

We interrupt this program for a word from our sponsors...

Just kidding. I don't have any sponsors. 

But I have been so busy compiling the "Cat Toy Hall of Fame" that I forgot to mention WHY I suddenly decided to discuss cat toys. It is perhaps not that out-of-place, since this is a cat blog, after all, but I actually did have a specific reason to start this thread.

I briefly touched on it in my first Cat Toy Hall of Fame post, and it is this: playing with your cats is very important. I've said it once, I'll say it again: a bored cat is an unhappy cat.

But it not just about entertaining your cat. You may be aware, but in case you're not I'll enlighten you: obesity in household pets is becoming an epidemic in America, much like with humans. Obesity contributes to a number of health issues in pets (again, similar to humans): heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes are just a few. Still, it's becoming commonplace to see dogs with swaying bellies and cats shaped like basketballs. Why?

I have given this some thought, and since our pets tend to lead the same lifestyle we do, I actually didn't have to think too hard. I've come up with two reasons: 

1. Lack of exercise. Face it, America: we're lazy. And so are our pets. I know, I know; when you get home after a hard day of work, the last thing you want to do is take the dog for a long walk, or chase your cat around the house with a cat toy. But dogs and cats were simply not designed to loaf around all day, every day. Think about their ancestors: both wild dogs and wild cats are constantly on the move, patrolling their territory, competing with others of their species, and hunting down their next meal. Our household pets have similar instincts, and it's important they be allowed to channel those drives into appropriate activities, even if it's a little inconvenient at times. If you take some time to exercise your animals, not only will they be happier, they'll be healthier, too. 

2. Unhealthy eating habits. This one is a bit trickier, so I'll probably delve into it in a later post. Every cat is different and will have different dietary needs, but for now let's just say that if your cat is shaped like a basketball, then you probably need to readdress your cat's diet. I recommend consulting your vet to create a plan that will work for your individual cat.

I have a theory that some people think food = love. We sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time with our pets, so we compensate by filling up their food bowls. Then, because our pets are so bored, they eat it. Then we fill the bowl again - it's a cycle that benefits no one. Or, perhaps we're busy paying bills or cooking dinner or watching tv, and we just don't have the time or the energy to play, so we throw them a handful of treats to keep them out of sight and out of mind for awhile.

But we really mustn't let food be the only way to demonstrate our affection for our pets. One of the best ways to express love to them and bond with them is to play with them, one on one. I recommend playing with your cats for at least fifteen minutes a day. Do something they really love, whether it's playing fetch with a mousie or a ball, playing hide-and-go-seek, or even something as simple as playing with a laser. As long as it gets them moving, it will help them get into the shape they were meant to be in. It will also increase their affection for you.

My cats get so excited when I pull out their toy box, or open the special drawer that houses their most favorite toys and treats. They love playtime - not just because they've been sleeping all day and they finally get to burn some energy, but also, I think, because they know I'm paying attention to them and only to them. Some cats like being the center of attention, and ALL cats appreciate some degree of acknowledgement. Playing with your cats is the best way to say "Hey, you're important to me. Let's spend some time together." You'll probably discover that it's really a lot of fun for you, too.