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As you know, I am a very cute cat. I like playtime but I don’t play hard. Partly because I grew up with my siblings and learned play etiquette from them. But that’s also because once I came to live here, man discouraged rough play. And this is actually the key to getting your cat to play nicely.
At best, your cat had siblings to play with as kittens. This is the first introduction to the etiquette of playing. Their brothers and sisters are quick to tell them when they go away and learn not to play hard. A cat that was weaned early or grew up as a toddler is at a disadvantage in the field. They may not learn when rough play goes too far.
Either way, once your cat comes to live with you, they may throw out their good habits, or the bad ones may become worse, if you inadvertently encourage aggression. So let’s take a look at the whole thing playing and what it means for cats in the first place.
Playing cats means hunting
Although humans have been pampered for eons now, we cats have never lost our hunting instincts. (Well, maybe except for me). So the game of hunting and killing is a big game for us. In fact, it’s usually our favorite! We love stalking and hopping on prey (which includes your ankles for some cats). We enjoy subduing our catch with a deadly sting (which could mean your hand). If no one tells a cat that it is wrong to play with claws full and bite, how can they tell the difference?
So there should be some ground rules for playtime. And you need to learn it and pass it on to your cat.
- Never use your hand to play with a cat. or any other part of the body. Rough hand play is a recipe for disaster, or at least a torn hand, and if part of that tearing includes a cat bite, a trip to urgent care. So don’t start with it, or if you’ve already done so, stop now. And no, those gloves attached to toys are not an acceptable substitute. Your cat still knows this is your hand.
![A Somali cat inspects an interactive cat toy]( "This is a fun game!")
What to do instead: Use interactive cat toys that keep your hands away from prey (toy). Stick or fishing pole toys are ideal. Interactive play sessions lasting about 10 minutes or so will help your cat release a lot of energy. Catnip Kickers are fun for cats to play with on their own and are a safe way for them to let out their aggressive energy. Just remember – games are games. You are Not the game!
- Do not physically punish your cat for violent play. You are much older than your cat, and cats do not see punishment for doing something wrong. They see this as a severe threat to their safety. If they were already in a high state of excitement, they might react, making the situation worse. And even if they run away, it seriously damages your relationship.
What to do instead: If your cat touches your hand, do not react. Slowly and quietly push your hand towards them. This is the easiest way to get them to release their grip. Once you get your hand back, leave. Go away and don’t punish your cat. The game session has ended. In the future, work hard to keep your hands off a cat that is showing signs of aggression.
- Does your cat have a habit of attacking you as you walk into a room? Stop moving, other than pushing your leg toward your cat to get her to release her. (Similar to what you would do with your hand.) Then keep staying until your cat loses interest. Then he left. In order to be played, there has to be a reaction, so don’t give it to them. You can also hold some of your cat’s favorite toys while they walk in their favorite chase areas and toss them. This gives them something more convenient to chase after.
Here are some signs of aggressive play to watch for:
- Dilated pupils and this “wild” appearance
- The ears are set back
- Tail pulls violently
- Low roar or hiss
- fur shivering
- Hair stands along the neck and spine
Stop handling a cat that shows these signs. They need time to calm down.
If your cat is playing too aggressively, she is probably bored and not getting enough healthy stimulation. Play with them often. Ideally, you should have a play session at least twice a day with your cat. Pick the times when they seem most active for safe, interactive gaming sessions. Also consider teaching them some simple tricks like giving paws or sitting for rewards. Keeping your cat mentally engaged is just as important as keeping her engaged physically.
Hope this is useful!
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