Kittens At Play ? A Time To Develop Their Potential

The fun begins when kittens are about three weeks of age and begin to play. Other than taking time out to eat, kittens spend most of their waking hours playing.

Kitten-play is more than fun to watch. It is a learning time for kittens as they learn eye and paw coordination. It is also a time when a kitten learns and practices activities needed for survival fighting, hunting and territorial defense. Although household cats no longer need to perfect these activities, the genetic program remains.

Establishing Behavior Patterns

A kitten’s behavior patterns are formed at a very early age. The influence of its mother and littermates and its interaction with humans help determine what these patterns will be.

In establishing behavior patterns, avoid playing with hands when interacting with a kitten. A moving hand becomes a play object and the kitten can inadvertently inflict damage as it matures.

Encouraging kittens to play with toys stimulates their sense of play. This interaction helps them grow into happy, intelligent cats.

By making playtime with you kitten part of your daily routine, you are also establishing a bond between you and your new pet. Continuing playtime as your kitten matures strengthens this bond.

The Right Toys

Toys with kitten-appeal can be as simple as a ping-pong ball or crumpled paper. A string can be trailed along the floor to encourage a kitten to stalk and pounce. However, string should be places out of a kitten’s reach after a play period. If swallowed by a kitten, string may cause intestinal damage.

Fishing rod toys and wands are fun for kittens. Kittens also enjoy small fleece toys. Avoid any objects for play that are so small they could be ingested and cause intestinal blockage.

Kittens, as well as mature cats, enjoy exploring paper bags. Although plastic bags also invite exploration, they should be kept away from kitten’s reach to protect it from being smothered.

Climbing poles and scratching posts entertain kittens and accustom them to sharpening their claws on these objects rather than furniture.

Play Behavior Changes

After about five months, a kitten’s play generally declines. The reason is not understood. Some behaviorists suggest that a kitten has come to the end of a learning period. However, some cats continue to be playful for many years.

This playfulness can usually be encouraged by continuing regular playtime periods. Play periods aid in helping a cat maintain good body condition by promoting muscle tone and suppleness. Playtime for an older cat continues to enrich its environment and strengthen the bond between you.