How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy - Playtime for Kitty

While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are often left to their own devices, having to find their own ways of exercising if they are kept indoors.

Cats have gone from working animals to creatures of leisure. In the past, a cat spent most of its day hunting, keeping the homestead free of rodents. Today, most cats are pure companions who spend the day waiting for their beloved human to return home. Even if you work from home, it is important to set aside some time to play with your cat. Interacting with you stimulates her physically and mentally, keeping her healthy in body and mind.

The time of day you play depends on your schedule and your cat's natural rhythms. Some cats like a leisurely morning, while others are fired up from the moment they open their eyes. It may take a while to find the time that fits both of you. Once you've found it, however, don't be surprised to see your cat expecting play at that time each day. Cats are creatures of habit, and they feel most secure with a regular schedule.

Play time helps with some behavior problems. A rousing game of chase-the-lure will take the edge off of a frisky feline who tends to attack her owner's ankles. A good dose of interaction also fills her need for your undivided attention and may make her less likely to drape herself across you at an inopportune time.

Remember that if you don't want your cat to play with your plants while you're away, don't' use plant fronds as lures during play time. The same thing applies to hands; if you don't want your cat to pounce on unsuspecting visitors hands, don't use yours as a toy when playing with her. If you purchase toys for your cat, check to make sure that all small pieces are secured tightly.

The best toys for cats are often home-made and only need YOUR interaction.

My favorite is "fishing" with a piece of string or a stick. Hold the string/stick above the head of your cat pretending its a fishing rod. Your cat will delight in jumping and swatting, especially if you let her catch it once in a while.

Another favorite with my cats is to crumple a piece of paper. Just the sound of the paper seems to get them excited. Show the cats the ball of paper and then throw it for them. Watch as they chase it round the room in delight.

Some toys, such as lures attached to string should only be played with when you are there to manipulate it. If you leave it set up for her while you are gone, there is a chance she could become tangled in the string and choke. Pet supply stores carry some captivating self-play toys, such as a ball inside a track that will keep your kitty safely content while you are away. A kitty condo or carpeted tree is good investment. The multiple levels encourage climbing, while the hiding holes allow your cat to indulge her stalking instinct. Toys need not be expensive. Create a cat puzzle by taping a toilet paper roll tube to the floor and placing a cat treat inside. Your cat will enjoy trying o get the treat from the tube.

Be sure that you remain in control during playtime. If your cat starts to play roughly, rub a stuffed animal against her belly and quickly withdraw your hands. This directs her aggressive behavior onto the toy and away from you. If she ignores the toy and continues to play-attack you, end the play session and walk away. Come back in a few moments and try again. After awhile, she will learn that you control the level of play, not her.

Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.

---

Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears

How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More

Veterinarians Set Record Straight

Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More

Pet Ear Infections

Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More

Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?

How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them

Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More

How To Save Money By Testing For Feline UTI Yourself

Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More

Why Should We Get Kittens as Pets?

Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More

Tips to Help Solve the Three Most Common Dog Barking Complaints

Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More

The Need for Pet First Aid Kits

Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More

Choosing Dog Tags for Your Canine

Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More

Seizures in Pets

Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More

Christmas Gifts For Cat Lovers

The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More

Life with the Rat Terriers

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More

One Of The Benefits Of Using RecoveryPets.Com

One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More

Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy

While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More

Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know

So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More

Feeding Bettas

Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More

Why Dont I Understand My Dog?

I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More

Frustrated Over High Veterinarian Bills?

Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More

Doggy Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning 101

Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Spoil Your Dog Rotten

You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More

Why The Horses Eyes Are So Important When Training Him!

They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More

Dogs and Children ? What Parents Need to Know to Prevent Dog Bites

Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 3 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

The Truth About Dog Food

These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More

A Short Introduction To Flowerhorn Cichlids

Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More

Does Your Dog Dig?

Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More

Pet Food Label Secrets Revealed! Know What You Are Feeding Your Dog And Cat

Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More