2023’s Top Cat Games: 10 Amazing Activities to Delight Your Feline Friend

Are you looking for ways to keep your feline friend entertained and healthy? Cats, known for their playful and curious nature, require mental stimulation and physical exercise. In this article, we explore the best cat games of 2023, perfect for enhancing your cat's well-being and strengthening your bond.

Why Play is Crucial for Cats

Play is essential for a cat’s mental and physical health. It helps in:

Stress Reduction: Reduces anxiety and improves overall mood.

Physical Exercise: Keeps them agile and helps in weight management.

Mental Stimulation: Enhances cognitive functions and prevents boredom.

Top 10 Cat Games for 2023

1. Laser Chase

Description: A laser pointer creates a moving target for cats to chase.

Benefits: Enhances agility and satisfies the hunting instinct.

Tip: Avoid pointing directly at the eyes.

2. Interactive Puzzle Feeders

Description: These feeders require cats to solve a puzzle to access food.

Benefits: Stimulates the mind and slows down eating.

Example: ‘Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center’.

3. Feather Wand

Description: A wand with feathers or a toy at the end that you wiggle and swing.

Benefits: Encourages jumping and swatting.

Safety Tip: Supervise play to prevent ingestion of loose parts.

4. Box and Paper Bag Exploration

Description: Simple yet effective – empty boxes and paper bags.

Benefits: Encourages exploration and satisfies curiosity.

Safety Tip: Ensure bags are open at both ends to prevent suffocation.

5. DIY Obstacle Course

Description: Create a course using household items.

Benefits: Promotes problem-solving and agility.

Idea: Use cushions, tunnels, and boxes.

6. Catnip Toys

Description: Toys infused with catnip.

Benefits: Provides euphoria and relaxation for most cats.

Note: Some cats may not be affected by catnip.

7. Ball and Track Toys

Description: Balls trapped in a circular track.

Benefits: Encourages batting and chasing.

Variety: Look for tracks with multiple levels or moving parts.

8. iPad Games for Cats

Description: Digital games designed for cats, like ‘Game for Cats’.

Benefits: Stimulates the hunting instinct.

Caution: Use screen protectors to prevent scratches.

9. Hide and Seek

Description: Hide treats or toys around the house.

Benefits: Encourages natural foraging behavior.

Variation: Change hiding spots regularly.

10. Fishing Rod Toy

Description: A toy attached to a string and rod.

Benefits: Mimics the movement of prey.

Interactive: Great for human-cat playtime.

''A recent study published in Scientific Reports explored the fetching behavior of cats, a topic less frequently discussed compared to dogs. The study, conducted by Jemma Forman, Elizabeth Renner, and David A. Leavens, involved a survey of 924 cat owners who reported fetching behavior in 1,154 cats. Most owners observed that their cats started fetching without explicit training, usually before they were one year old. Interestingly, cats often initiated and terminated fetching bouts more than their owners, demonstrating independent agency in this play behavior.

The study also highlighted the diversity in objects fetched and varied household demographics. Fetching was primarily seen in younger cats and was more common in male cats. Furthermore, the research revealed insights into how fetching starts and the factors influencing these patterns. This study contributes significantly to understanding the unique play behaviors of domestic cats, showing that they have a more active role in initiating and controlling play interactions with their human partners than previously thought.''

https://phys.org/journals/scientific-reports/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some games for cats to play?

A: There are several interactive and engaging games for cats, such as:

Pocket Pond 2: An interactive game where cats can catch koi fish swimming in a pond. It's available on both iOS and Android for free​​.

Friskies Jitter Bug: This game allows cats to practice their bug-catching skills. It's available for free on iOS and Android​​.

Cat Alone: Offers various chase options like butterflies, cockroaches, and laser pointers, available on iOS and Android​​.

Q: Are there free games for cats?

A: Yes, there are free games available for cats, such as:

Pocket Pond 2: Free on iOS and Android​​.

Friskies Jitter Bug: Available for free on both iOS and Android platforms​​.

Mouse for Cats: A free app where a simulated mouse runs across the screen for your cat to chase, available on iOS​​.

Q: Can you recommend some games for cats app?

A: Sure, here are a few recommended cat game apps:

Cat Alone: Offers a variety of chase options, available on iOS and Android​​.

Mouse for Cats: Tests your cat's mousing skills, available on iOS​​.

Cat Playground: A paid app where cats can hunt a mouse, fish, or laser pointer, available on Android​​.

Q: What about video game games for cats?

A: Video game-style apps for cats include:

Cat Fishing 2: A fishing-themed game for cats, available on iOS and Android​​.

Mouse for Cats: Simulates a mouse running across the screen, available on iOS​​.

Q: Are there touch screen games for cats?

A: Yes, there are touch screen games specifically designed for cats:

Pocket Pond 2: Allows cats to interact with koi fish on the screen, available on iOS and Android​​.

Mouse for Cats: Lets cats chase a virtual mouse on the screen, available on iOS​​.

Q: What are some Android games for cats?

A: For Android, you can try:

Cat Alone: Available on Android and iOS​​.

Mouse for Cats: Available on Android​​.

Cat Playground: Specifically designed for Android devices​​.

Q: Any recommendations for games for cats on iPad, specifically free ones?

A: For iPad, you can check out these free games:

Pocket Pond 2: A relaxing and interactive game, free on iOS​​.

Cat Fishing 2: A catch-and-release style game, free on iOS​​.

What games can my cat play?

Cats enjoy a variety of games, including the paper bag game, wind-up mouse chase, hunting through boxes, chasing a feather on a pole or ribbon, and playing with ping pong balls. These games provide both mental and physical stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your cat​​.

What can you play with cats?

You can engage your cat with toys you make at home or buy, like paper bags, wind-up toys, or homemade mazes from boxes. Cats love chasing things, so games that involve movement, like a feather on a string or a ping pong ball, are great options​​.

What do cats love to play?

Cats love games that cater to their natural instincts, such as chasing, pouncing, and hunting. This includes interactive toys like feathers on poles, laser pointers, and moving objects like balls or wind-up mice​​.

How do I interactive play with my cat?

Engage in interactive play by using toys that stimulate your cat's hunting instincts. Use a feather wand or laser pointer to mimic prey movements, encouraging your cat to stalk, pounce, and leap​​.

Do cats love kisses?

This depends on the individual cat. Some may enjoy affection in the form of gentle kisses, while others might not. Understanding your cat's body language and preferences is key.

What petting do cats love?

Many cats enjoy being petted on their head, under the chin, and along their back. However, each cat has its own preferences and boundaries.

How do I tell my cat I love him?

You can show your love through gentle petting, playing with them, speaking softly, and respecting their space. Mimicking a cat's greeting by slowly blinking at them can also convey affection.

Do cats know their names?

Cats can recognize their names, but their response to being called may vary based on their mood or how they’ve been conditioned to react.

Do cats understand crying?

Cats may not understand crying in the same way humans do, but they can pick up on changes in their owner's mood and behavior.

Can cats smell depression?

Cats are sensitive to changes in their owner's behavior and mood, but it's not clear if they can specifically detect depression through smell.

Do cats know when you are sleeping?

Cats are observant and can likely discern when their owners are asleep, often adjusting their behavior accordingly.

Do cats know when their owner dies?

Cats may not understand death in the human sense, but they can notice the absence of a person and may show changes in behavior as a response.

Can cats sense a good person?

Cats are very intuitive and can pick up on human emotions and energy. They might be more comfortable and friendly around people who are calm and kind.

Why do cats lick you?

Cats lick as a form of affection and bonding. It's their way of grooming and showing care, similar to how they groom other cats in their social group.

Do cats worry about their owners?

Cats can become anxious or stressed if they notice changes in their owner's routine or emotions, indicating they may worry or sense when something is off.

Why does my cat bite me gently?

Gentle biting is often a form of affectionate play or a way to get attention. It's a cat's way of interacting and showing fondness without being aggressive.

Why do cats lick you then bite?

This behavior, known as 'love bites,' can be a part of affectionate play or overstimulation during grooming. It's usually a gentle, affectionate gesture.

Is it okay to trim a cat's whiskers?

No, it's not okay to trim a cat's whiskers. Whiskers are highly sensitive and crucial for a cat's spatial awareness. Trimming them can disorient and stress a cat.

Here's a summary of the sources used for the information provided:

General Cat Behavior and Games: The information about cat games, their behavior towards people, and interactive play with cats was sourced from Bella & Duke, which offers insights into cat behavior and enrichment activities​​.

Cat's Sensory Perception and Affectionate Behaviors: The insights about cats licking their owners, sensing emotions, gentle biting, and 'love bites' are based on general knowledge about feline behavior, commonly understood and accepted by cat behaviorists and veterinarians.

Cat's Whiskers: The information regarding not trimming a cat's whiskers is a widely recognized fact in feline care, supported by veterinarians and cat care experts.

Conclusion