How to Play?

Bergan Starchaser TurboScratcher

Interesting enough, there actually is a way to play with kittens and cats.  You don't want them to become aggressive and attack you or your guests.

Never use your hands to play with them.  You are teaching them that it's ok to bite and scratch a human hand.  Use toys to play with them.  You can roll a ball away from them so they can chase after it or use a toy with a poll with a feather attached to it at the end.  This way you are using the cat's natural instincts to hunt.

If your cat or kitten starts to bite or scratch your hand, walk away.   You can say "No" and walk away.  You do not have to shout and definitely do not hit or slap at your cat.  This will make matters much, much worse and could turn into a nightmare of a problem.  Always positive reinforcement!  Just walk away for a few minutes every time your cat bites or scratches you and he will learn that if he bites or scratches his human friend, he will lose his playing buddy and all the attention.  He will soon learn not to do that action.

Cat Dancer Cat Charmer

There are many types of toys out there, either in your local stores or online.  Just make sure that when you take your new cat toy out of the package that there are no parts or pieces of the toy that your cat will swallow and choke on.  Cut off all parts that you think could harm your cat such as loose eyes, tags and prices and sometimes even tails!  Some cats just love to chew off and swallow tails of little toy mice.  Just pay attention to your new toy and what it looked like when you gave it to your cat and you will soon learn what he likes to chew off of it.   Interactive toys are also a great alternative so that your cat can play by himself and keep himself amused when your not at home or asleep.

Petmate Cat Wheel

Good luck and have fun playing with your cats!  It's so rewarding and a healthy way for your cat to exercise too!