Benefits of Play

• Exercise. Obesity is the number one health problem in cats. According to a recent survey, 55% of America's cats are overweight or obese. In addition to feeding a species-appropriate raw or canned diet, exercise is the best way to keep your feline charges fit and trim.
• Relief of boredom. Cats who don't get challenged or entertained get bored, which can lead to depression. This can be a problem especially for single cats. I learned this the hard way when Amber died shortly after I adopted Allegra as a 7-month-old kitten. We both learned together what it takes to keep a single cat happy.
• Stress relief. You may wonder what our pampered house cats could possibly be stressed about. Feline stressors range from changes in their environment to picking up on stress from their humans. One of the best ways to counteract stress in cats is through regular playtime.
• Help with behavioral challenges. If you watch Jackson Galaxy on My Cat from Hell, you will have noticed that "play therapy" is part of Jackson's recommendations in almost every case he tackles.
• Increase of the bond between cat and human, and between cats in the same household. Cats chasing each other and playing with each other is a great way to build a bond between cats in the same household. Playing with interactive toys is a wonderful way to increase the bond between you and your cat.

Creative Playtime for Cats

How you move the interactive toy is important. Don't wave it around frantically just to give your cat an aerobic workout. That's not how cats naturally hunt. Stick to what's natural for your cat. In the wild, a cat would stalk her prey while staying as quiet and invisible as possible. She would inch closer and closer and then, when she gets within striking distance, she would pounce. Cats don't have the lung capacity to chase to exhaustion so don't conduct marathons throughout the house. Move the toy like prey, alternating between fast and slow motions so it gives your cat time to plan her next move. Here's a tip: movements that go away from or across your cat's visual field will trigger her prey drive. Don't dangle the toy in her face or move it toward her.

©Ingrid King 2014. All Rights Reserved. 

• Improved circulation. The increased blood flow to the muscles removes toxins, and can help speed up recovery from injuries.
• Better posture, balance and coordination. Stretching prevents muscles from tightening up, and the increase in flexiblity provides better balance.
• Stress relief. Tight muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders, are often a by-product of stress.
• Increased flexibility. Do you remember a time when you could touch your big toe to your nose? For most of us, those days are long gone. While stretching may not restore the level of flexibility we had as a child, it can go a long way toward making ordinary tasks such as bending down to tie your shoes easier.
• Ease lower back pain. Tight muscles in the lower back, hamstrings, buttocks and hips are the most common causes of lower back pain. I can attest to the fact that a regular stretching routine is key to maintaining good back health.