One thing is for sure: Cats are very entertaining creatures! Their curiosity and spontaneous reactions can leave us speechless or create hysterical pictures and videos. This is one of the reasons we love to introduce them to unusual objects and new toys.
There are times, however, when you just crave human-to-cat playtime without any distractions. So here it is! We have come up with six fun ways to play with your cat without any toys.
How to Play With Your Cat Without Toys
1. Lights & Shadows
Cats love to chase things. Having light beams dance around the room is sure to drive your feline wild. It may not always be easy to find a way to set up the lights, but play around with flashlights and crystals until you find something that works.
Once you find a way to create a stream of moveable lights and shadows, your cat will appreciate the physical and mental stimulation.
2. Hide & Seek
You can hide behind a door, under the bed, or behind a window curtain. Playfully call the cat’s name but stay very still until the cat finds you. Once you find each other, be playful and excited and pet your cat. Your cat will love playing this game with you.
3. Training
Spend some quality time learning a new trick with your cat. They can be trained in the same way as dogs, with positive reinforcement. Tricks such as sit, fetch or target can be taught and are rewarding for both of you.
If the cat does not engage and just looks at you like you are crazy, that’s okay. Try again another day when they are in a more curious mood.
4. Hide Some Treats
Get some of your cats’ favorite treats. Show them the treats and then hide them under a pillow, blanket, or anything in the surrounding area. Having a treat hunt around the room will give them lots of mental stimulation.
You can also make a cat treat dispenser out of a toilet paper roll. Cut one or two holes in the roll so the treats will come out.
5. Make a Playground
We all have cardboard boxes in our houses or garages. Use them to build tunnels and hiding spots for your cat. Hide some treats inside some areas and cover others with blankets or sheets. Make the playground with boxes at different heights and widths.
It is amazing how fascinated cats are with boxes. They love to play in them!
We're big fans of using cardboard as a material for cat scratchers, which is why it's no surprise that our favorite scratcher, the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher, is made with cardboard. With a durable, sturdy, and modern-looking birch plywood frame, this scratcher is designed to make both cats and their hoomans happy. You can set it up in three different ways, too, to keep your cat fit and entertained. Click here to learn more.
At PangoVet, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
6. Just Be Loving & Playful
Spend a little time with the cat by just petting, snuggling, and talking to them. Whisper sweet nothings into their ears and tell them how much they mean to you. The soft tone in your voice and the sweet caresses are sure to make them feel safe and loved.
Final Thoughts
Whether you enjoy playing hide the treat or taking a nap with your cat, the thing that matters is that you and your pet are spending some quality time together. When you spend time playing and interacting with your feline, it strengthens the bond and reminds your cat that you love them. We are sure they will appreciate your creativity too!
Featured Image Credit: Stokkete, Shutterstock
