Encouraging Natural Hunting Behaviour With Your Cat 

Interactive play sessions are important for your cat’s physical health and mental wellbeing. They encourage natural hunting behaviours helping to release energy and reduce boredom, stress and anxiety. There are many toys available that help to encourage this behaviour. 

What is the best way to play with my cat? 

All cats have a natural hunting instinct, and most toys will resemble prey animals such as mice or birds. Normal hunting activity tends to happen at sunrise and sunset so try and implement play sessions around these times. Short sessions are better than one long daily session and most cats will benefit from 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily. Over grooming and excessive vocalising could be due to boredom and more frequent interactive play sessions may be required. 

Play sessions should mimic the three elements of hunting which are hunt, catch and kill. Your cat will show these behaviours by stalking then jumping or pouncing and catching the toy. Cats that go outdoors will likely hunt or show hunting activity, but indoor cats may need more encouragement. If the cycle is not completed, for example your cat doesn’t ‘catch the prey’, this can leave them feeling frustrated. They should be allowed time to play with the toy after they have caught it to keep satisfied. Giving treats after your cat catches a toy will also provide the reward of catching and eating prey . This will release feel good hormones and reduce frustration, keeping them mentally stimulated.   

Be careful not to tease your cat with fingers or feet as this could encourage grabbing and biting. If your cat shows any signs of aggression during a play session, such as hissing or tail thrashing, the session should be stopped. They are showing you that they are no longer playing and need to be left alone to calm down.  

What toys are best for interactive play?  

Toys that can move in rapid and unpredictable ways to mimic being alive will help to encourage hunting behaviour. Every cat is different and some may prefer to chase toys through the air whilst others will enjoy stalking on the floor. Cats will show less interest in toys scattered along floor as this could look like dead prey. interactive play better mimics natural hunting behaviours.

Fishing rods and wands are excellent at keeping your cat engaged and encouraging hunting behaviour. Lifting fishing rod toys too high for your cat to reach can result in frustration and they may lose interest so make sure they are able to catch them.

Lasers can be good toys, but again frustration can be seen because your cat will not be able to ‘catch the prey’ so only use these briefly at the start of a session. Window teasers with a suction cup to stick the rod to a window allow your cat to play independently. This can also be provided with battery operated toys and toys attached to devices to move them mimicking prey movements.

Puzzle feeders and feeding balls will create entertainment and mental stimulation during mealtimes. These can be created easily using a plastic bottle filled with food with holes in so that food is slowly released as your cat bats and plays with the bottle.  

Why is it important? 

Hunting behaviour is important to keep your cat mentally stimulated and improve overall emotional well-being. There are many toys that can be used during interactive play sessions to encourage this behaviour. This time with your cat will also help to create trust and develop a bond with your pet.