You can greatly influence the formation of your ARISTOCAT's personality, but you should also know how they play, so you'll be able to tell if what they're doing is playing, or if they're trying something else. Keep in mind that if they are not socialized correctly at this early age, it will be very difficult for them to do so later on, and they will most likely become distrustful adults.
It's best to give them a toy, a ball, a mouse, or any other item that isn't dangerous. Be very careful with threads or strings; if swallowed, they can cause serious intestinal obstructions. Playing with objects sharpens their reflexes and allows them to acquire certain skills, such as hunting. Contact with their owner also gives them confidence and security to become a completely happy adult.
How do cats and kittens play for fun?
According to specialists, there are four types of play that seem to be essential for their complete development. Knowing them will help you understand how cats play and encourage these types of games whenever possible.
- The hunting pounce: In this game, the kitten hides, stalks, and pounces on an imaginary prey. You'll see how cats play with a leaf, a ball, their mother's tail, or any object that has caught their attention.
- Catching prey: using plush toys or toys they can toss. It's similar to the previous one, but it includes batting with their paws to catch the object.
- Tossing objects in the air: If it finds a moving object, it bats it into the air with its paws, as if pulling a fish out of the water. Then it turns to catch it again.
- Scratching posts: are the perfect toy for your aristocat, as scratching is a primitive need most cats have. By providing a scratching post at home, you can prevent them from satisfying this need on your furniture or curtains.
How to teach a cat to use a scratching post?
-Lead by example with your cat: scratch the cat scratching post several times a day so that it makes a good sound when you do it and it's clear where you've done it. This will help you get your cat's attention; you can even play with them until they end up scratching the post themselves.
-Find the perfect spot for the scratching post: Locate your cat's favorite spot for sharpening their claws or the furniture they love to scratch, and place the cat scratching post right there. This way, the next time they go to scratch that spot, their scent will be impregnated on the scratching post. Your pet will gradually use the cat scratching post more and more as they recognize their scent on it. If it's about the sofa, you can also apply this advice using something more specific like sofa scratching posts.
-Reward them when they scratch the scratching post
Watching how cats play is a lot of fun, and it also allows you to supervise them to ensure they don't get hurt and to act if necessary.
When you are at home, you can encourage them to run, jump or perform any type of physical activity, which is so necessary for good muscle and bone development. You can place shelves with toys at different levels so that they have to jump to reach them.
Surely your kitten has its defined personality and prefers some games over others. If you discover what attracts them most, you will have hours of guaranteed fun with your little friend. Enjoy playing with them!