How Do Cats Play With Humans? 5 Common Ways

The 5 Common Ways Cats Play With Humans

1. Stalking

Because it is enjoyable for them, cats like stalking their prey for sport. Therefore, if your cat attempts to stalk your hands or feet while you are moving, they are likely attempting to play with you.

However, this form of play can involve scratching and biting, so it can be uncomfortable if the cat gets carried away. When the play becomes too rough, you should not be hesitant to punish them (without shouting or striking).

2. Chasing

Additionally, cats like playing by chasing anything, especially their human family members.

If your cat is feeling playful, he or she may pursue you around the home or rush at you many times from across the room. Typically, this form of play is neither damaging nor unpleasant.

3. Batting

A cat that bats its paws towards you is eager to engage in serious play. They desire to be physically active and perhaps engage in some play fighting.

While fighting with your cat is never a good idea, now would be a wonderful time to get out a toy for interactive play.

4. Pouncing

While it might be alarming when it occurs, a cat that leaps is only being fun. If you’re sitting down to read a book or attempting to sleep and your cat pounces on you, you shouldn’t be alarmed or assume they’re terrified or violent. They are most likely attempting to have fun.

5. Investigating

Another way cats play is by inspecting their target play toy, which is occasionally you. Your cat may suddenly begin smelling your hair or clothing. They may appear to be evaluating you. They may even begin to bat at you throughout the procedure. All of it is simply a game to them.

Fun Ways to Engage With Your Playful Cat

When your cat is feeling frisky and active, there are a number of safe and entertaining activities you may engage in with them.

If your feline family member does not have sufficient playing, he or she may become disruptive in the home and begin destroying items.

Here are some amusing recommendations to consider:

• Pull Out a Laser Pointe – A laser pointer may assist your cat in expelling excess energy when it is in the urge to hunt and chase.
• Activate a Motorized Toy – Lie on the ground and begin tossing a motorized toy with your cat. This will prevent your cat from “attacking” you while allowing you to continue spending valuable time together. 
• Play Hide and Seek – Hide a few goodies about the home where your cat can readily locate them, and then send them on a treasure hunt. This should keep them active and engaged for several minutes!

How Not to Play With Your Playful Cat

You may play with your cat as frequently as you desire; however, there are a few ways you should not play with them for safety and behavioral concerns.

You should not, for instance, chase your cat after it has chased you, since this might frighten them and cause them to mistrust you. It may also result in your cat climbing on curtains and shelves and causing damage.

Here are other considerations:

• Don’t Force Gameplay â€” Cats are independent creatures who dislike being coerced into doing anything, including playing. The more you attempt to coerce them into playing, the less time they will want to spend with you in the future.
• Don’t Play Fight â€” If you indulge in play fighting with your cat, you may be encouraging them to be harsh when they play with humans, which can be harmful for youngsters and other unprepared individuals.
• Don’t Forget About Reprimand — If you don’t discipline your cat when they get too rough or play in a way that you don’t like, you will reinforce negative behavior, which will eventually damage the quality of your playing together. A short reminder to refrain from biting and scratching may be required each time you play together.

Conclusion

Cats may be quite lively, so it is essential to recognize when they want to play and how to play with them appropriately.

We hope The article “How Do Cats Play With Humans? 5 Typical Ways” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) inspires you to engage in quality play with your kitty companion in order to create a lifetime, unbreakable connection. The only requirement is to set acceptable play rules.