Because, until they do, how can they be sure these are the same things?

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We can use this “check for change” instinct our cats possess to keep our cat constantly amused, even with the same toys. We adjust one dimension for them, and the toy can be renewed.

I used the dimension of location this recent New Year’s Day. When we got our cat tree last fall, I placed the Cheese Chase toy near it in our new Cat Play Area. It gradually lost popularity and got nudged under the dining table.

To celebrate the New Year, I moved the toy into the middle of the living room, and decorated it with some of our herbal cat toys. What followed was three hours of intense play, pairing up each of our four cats with every other cat, with a lot of wrestling and reviving of their favorite trackball moves.

To deactivate the Cheese Chase, I’ll put it back under the dining room table; where it will resume its previous, less attractive, state. If our cat has not seen a certain toy in a while, or has not seen it occupy this particular space lately, they feel compelled to determine if it has changed while they weren’t looking.

It really is that simple.

It’s not that our cat is simple. In their natural environment, anything that hasn’t been under reliable observation could have changed itself. It’s important for our cat to make sure they aren’t going to be surprised at a crucial juncture. So their instincts urge them to carefully examine it, even experiment with it, to become familiar with it again.

We can use this cat ability to our advantage. By periodically moving our cat’s toys in and out of hiding, we can mimic the shifting natural landscape our cat expects to be dealing with; even when living in our homes as pets.

In nature, cats use their considerable intelligence to study, plan, and implement their hunting strategies. When we supply our cat’s play needs, we do even more than helping them keep these abilities sharpened. We are offering ways for our cat to feel contented.

No cat can resist the prodding of their instincts. When we create ways for them to follow the urging of their instincts, they become happy and satisfied.

We have worked hard to make our indoor environment more comfortable, and predictable, than the natural world outside. Both we and our cat can take advantage of reliable softnesses to sit upon and dependable foods to dine upon.

But for the sake of our cat’s mental state, we should change up their playtime as much as we can.

For more about keeping our cat interested, see Toy Rotation.

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Here’s a typical sight on a weekend morning; the two younger kittens, Tristan and Olwyn, have been “removed from the field of play” by putting them in the bathroom, with their Mini-Kong filled with treats.

I have to do this because Reverend Jim needs the whole field.

It’s not just his size; while he is our biggest cat, he has played happily with Tristan since our Tiny Guy was very tiny. But also because RJ loves to do headlong charges; and sometimes our other two kittens don’t know enough to get out of the way.

What happens then is RJ just won’t play. This makes him frustrated. One of my duties as RJ’s Person is making sure that he gets worn out regularly.

Wearing out our cat has to be “another service we offer” because cats do not have the same stimulus in our home as they do in their native environment.

In nature, finding and chasing potential prey is excellent exercise. We fervently hope this same situation is not so abundant in our house.

Once I have put the two younger cats “out of play” RJ recognizes the safety signal, and he can follow the wand toy all the way across the living room and up into the cat tree.

Cats are not marathon runners, like dogs are. They are sprinters who need to expend their stored energy all at once.

That is how we get to worn out, happy, kitties.

Just as our cats are different, they can have different play needs. James Bond wears himself out all by himself, just by joining in during a play session.

But Tristan needs a big session at least every day, while Reverend Jim needs one of his marathon sessions a couple of times a week. If we have cats asking for something and we don’t know what… relief from their stored energy might be that something.

The more demanding our play with the cat, the more tired out they get; and that’s a good thing. Remember, our cats need to explode.

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What does he understand about what is going on? Well, when it comes to figuring out the movie, there’s no end of geeky discussion. But that’s not going to affect Tristan.

What he is doing is trying to interpret the shapes and the motion.

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Some of us might have seen our cats watching birds or fish on our TV screen. Most of us have cats who love to look out the window. It’s all Cat TV. Their instincts demand it.

This does not come up with prey animals who have a different hunting style. Dogs hunt by running in packs and bringing down their prey. So they love running after tennis balls; close enough.

Cats ambush. This takes planning. This takes reconnoitering.

A cat’s vision is very motion-sensitive. They are constantly on alert to “signs of prey.” Part of Tristan’s fascination with the movie credits were how they mimicked motions in nature. While it was symbolic (there was no actual prey on the screen) he saw similar patterns.

We have given our sunniest window to the cats, because the kitty grass will grow there. It’s a wonderful balcony seat to what goes on three stories below, too.

Squirrels climb trees, birds fly past, chipmunks work in the rock wall at the neighbor’s. Tiny people walk down the street and tiny cars go by.

Close enough.

Cats play this way, too. They love to chase a sponge ball and each other, because that mimics the actual ambush. But they also need the “play” of the observation phase; studying the prey’s movements, making plans to be where the prey is going to be, and figuring out how they will respond to any defensive or offensive maneuvers on the part of their opponent.

This is all part of what cats do. They are happiest when we make the effort to provide what they need; even if it doesn’t, at the end of the day, all hook together.

It just all has to be there.

Read more about the Cat TV concept and explore movies to watch with our cat.

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Go Beyond Catnip to find a unique blend of scents that will both excite, and relax, the cat.

Click here to find out more.

Catnip is part of the nepeta genus, sharing the mint family traits of easy spreading and purple flowers. The scientific theory about its effects is that it trips cats’ pheromonic receptors, though they are not sure which ones.

Catmint has sedative qualities in humans, but in susceptible cats, it can act as a stimulant. This is not due to any pharmaceutical effects, even if the cat eats it (and it’s good for their tummies!)

It turns on a brain switch which says “This is worth checking out.” Cats who are excited by exploration and curiosity find this experience mentally stimulating.

About two thirds of cats have inherited the ability to react to catnip, though it varies by geography and gene pool. In my career of taking in mixed breed cats in the Northeast, I would have put it at 90%, while Australia is noted for having a cat population which mostly does not react.

Catnip is a common additive in cat toys to provoke interest. But the volatile oils the cats react to are broken down by age and light. Health food stores often have the dried leaf in bulk for use as an herbal tea. This is also fine for cats.

With light, well-drained soil and plenty of light, catnip is an easy plant to grow, but it will attract cats, of course. My own experience, growing it indoors, is that the cats will develop Houdini powers to get into the room with the catnip, even when it has barely sprouted.

Outdoors, it’s a lovely, easy-care plant which can protect the rest of our garden from cats. Most gardeners will site the plant at the borders of their garden, where it effectively keeps outdoor cats less interested in the other plants there.

Most cats will react to the minty scent with a burst of activity. Some find it too stimulating, and will become anxious, while others will react with relaxation and become contemplative. There are no known ill effects from catnip.

If our cats enjoy it, catnip is an excellent way to promote mutual good feelings in multiple cat homes or kick off a play session. Catnip can spark interest in scratching posts and cat trees to help with training.

We can’t equate catnip with human drug use, unless a nice cup of peppermint or chamomile tea for a human qualifies, too. Cats react to shiny objects, waving toys, and bouncing sponge balls too.

Catnip happens to mimic strong scents the cats like, and they will want to investigate the source of the interest. The effect is short-lived, (no more than twenty minutes in experiments,) and then their scent receptors are saturated and need a few hours of rest before they will react again.

Cats react to catnip in the wild, and it might have evolved as a way of letting cats know which plants are good to eat for their small, but real, greens needs. So go ahead and put out some catnip.

Most cats will enjoy it, and we can enjoy the show.

Say I love you to the cats. Explore our our line of herbal cat toys.

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The puzzle box is one of our favorite ways to keep Tristan busy.

Kittens love to be busy. Our challenge is to encourage them to be busy in ways that won’t get them in trouble.

By hiding small toys or treats in ways small hunted animals would act, we activate our kittens’ “prey” switch, which turns on their “play” switch, too.

As seen here, we don’t have to get fancy.

A bent drinking straw and a small shipping box will also keep Tristan challenged.

By opening the flaps and balancing them upright, the instability and small openings create suspense.

Mini Kong: Any toy and any container can be combined into a quest for our kitten or cat. But this small, classic, dog toy is also a way of keeping our cat busy.

By filling it with treats, we have a way for our teething kitten to get the chewing they need, safely.

The irregular shape rolls erratically and the small opening keeps the treats inside for a while.

While there are a few different kinds of treat dispensers for cats, most of them are too small, and too easily rolled under heavy furniture.

I like this one because it’s so easy to find again!

Cat Play Cube:These play cubes are easily folded and put away so that bringing them out again is an occasion.

They are also psychologically useful; small kittens don’t like to admit they are intimidated by their environment, but they can be.

Having a safe place to retreat to, one they can call their own, builds confidence and lowers stress.

A toy tossed into a play cube is instantly more interesting; these toys are trying to hide. Sneaky little toys!

Tristan has loved this particular cube to literal pieces.

Even though now, months later, it is shaped like a pup tent, it’s still a favorite.

Even Reverend Jim, who fills the bottom of the cube, loves to “hide” in it.

It’s a toy in itself, and it plays well with other toys.

Sponge Balls: We can’t have too many sponge balls.

These soft little wonders won’t damage anything, are lively enough for any kitten, are resistant to destruction, and can be stepped on in the middle of the night without harm to anyone.

I really like tossing these for kittens, because they go quite far, thus giving the kitten a workout.

But it doesn’t matter if my aim is bad, because they are light enough to bounce off even delicate objects without harming anything.

We only need to make sure the kitten is not too close behind; they don’t get along as well with delicate objects.

Ramp things up by using these toys in combination. Put the sponge balls in the puzzle box to impede the swift retrieval of treats. Hide the Mini Kong in the play cube. Put the opening of the play cube over the puzzle box.

We are limited only by our imagination.

And so are our cats.

A great idea from a commenter: The Muffin Tin Game. See Allegra demonstrate in a video!

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What delights one cat might bore, or frighten, another. Once our cats grow out of reflexive kitten playing, we need to offer toys which will complement their personality.

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Here’s some tips for matching toy to cat:

If we have an Alpha, we must exercise their mind, as well as their body. If we make the toy a bit of a challenge to get to, this will extend playtime, and give our cat the satisfaction of a hard-won triumph. If we have a cardboard box on its way to recycling, upend it and use it to hide a toy under. It can stand on the flaps if they need to see it, or up the skill level by folding the box flaps in.

In many ways, our Alpha is the cat most likely to still play like a kitten. So the remote-controlled mouse and laser pointer can stay in our toy box. Our Alpha, of any age, is the most likely to need the variations offered by a toy like the Design Senses Play Circuit, which lets us reconfigure the track.

Other good options for our Alpha or a lively Beta is the Hide-A-Bee Pet Toy, Paw Hide Treat Toy, or a Busy Buddy Toy.

If we have an Beta, we must go for prey facsimiles. Fuzzy mice and small stuffed animals need to be acquired by the bucket load. The more realistic, the better.

“Something worth stalking and dispatching” is the Beta’s motto. Even if they know they aren’t going to eat it. Of course, they know they aren’t going to eat it. The play’s the thing! Keep them busy with an Ultimate Turbo Track.

The more a toy reminds them of actual prey, the more they will come up with ways to play with it that will simulate the way it moves, and hides, in nature. We can help this process with such toys as the Play-N-Squeak Mouse, the changing shape and texture of the Cat Charmer, and the continuous chase opportunities of the Turbo Scratcher.

If we have an Gamma, we need to look for interesting details and subtle changes. Alphas need the stimulation of new toys, while Gammas become fond of their old ones. So getting well-made toys will be beneficial to our Gamma, who will tend to treasure them for their familiarity.

People often don’t understand a Gamma’s toy preferences, because what appeals to them is so different from the other two cat types. While all cats can enjoy something simple and natural like the Crinkle Ball with Feathers, an Alpha will like it because they can get height and distance, a Beta will like it because the feathers simulate prey, and a Gamma will like it because a small touch creates a little crackle, and the light will shift on the feather pattern.

All cats like Cat Cubes, but a Gamma will want to just sit in it more than other cats. They are the most likely type of cat to enjoy a homemade toy which includes Holographic Bird Scare Tape, because they will love how one little touch creates so much visual stimulation. Reviews vary widely on such toys as the Crackler Frog because some cats love it… and some cats don’t.

Gamma cats are more likely to like something subtle; Beta cats want to outwit and outrun; Alpha cats want some kind of Big Bang. But all cats enjoy their toys more when they can share playtime with us. My cats will carry toys to where we are, or cry and ask for them to be moved.

How else can we admire their technique?

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This is a natural focus for interaction, on a subject our cats find immensely appealing. With their enthused help, we have another tool for training and affection.

We can’t have too many of those.

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Like meal time and sleep time, play time is a vital cat interest which brings many benefits when we treat it with respect and attention. We should have a reserved play time with our cats at least once a day, and ideally, more.

When we schedule a play session in the morning before we leave for work, we encourage them to take a nap after we leave. This blunts the effect of any separation anxiety or immediate boredom when they are left at home alone.

After we come home, we take advantage of our cat’s naturally high energy level at this time. They have missed us and want to spend time with us, so “wearing them out” will make it more likely we will have some uninterrupted time to get projects done. Playing with them at a set time in the evening will make us an object of attention and affection.

At any time, an energy-depleted cat is more open to cuddles and quiet observation. So with such benefits to be reaped, why not help matters along by organizing a designated place for this important activity? Like a toy box?

Focus: Cats are geographically oriented, and naturally curious about what is in boxes and cupboards. If we gather much of their play stuff in one container, we have something they can focus on when they want to ask us to play. We have a focus for us to train them how to ask.

Ownership: Letting our cats know the stuff in the toy box is “theirs” will help when they want to play with something inappropriate. Just opening the toy box and exclaiming over all the bounty inside will distract them, at the least.

Interaction: Rituals around the toybox have their own appeal. Which toy will we pull out? Does anyone have a preference? Keep the suspense going. Putting away the toy can be just as exciting as taking it out.

Toy Rotation: Remember, an old toy they haven’t seen for a while is now a new toy! We should always keep a few toys out of sight; and out of mind. Even if our cat remembers the toy, they haven’t played with it in a while.

Organization: It works for us, too. If we want to vacuum, or simply tidy up, having a place to put the toys helps our cat know where they are if they want to amuse themselves. And why shouldn’t they? When they come up with their own ideas, we don’t always like them.

While wand toys, and other toys which need supervision, should be put out of their reach, the best cat toy box is one they can operate themselves. Our kitten Ordell loved his many toys, and his toy box. He would actually put a toy away when he was done with it, and then take out a new one. When Reverend Jim was a kitten, he loved knowing where his toys were, and that he could fish them out himself.

We had a guest over for the first time who looked over our living room; tidy, but there was a puzzle box tucked away here, and a toy box over there. She said, “It reminds me of how parents with toddlers have their living room set up.”

It’s kind of like that.

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How do we know this? Because they tell us so.

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We recently watched an BBC documentary called Prog Rock Brittania. Reverend Jim spent most of it curled up in my lap. Now, it’s not like he doesn’t spend time in my lap. But he doesn’t spend that much time there for any other music. From the time he was a kitten, the combination of prog rock and lapsitting create an irresistible object in his mind.

We are used to thinking of music as something created and consumed by humans. We might forget that sounds have an affect on everyone with hearing and a heart to be played upon.

We have observed each of our cats showing up for the music they like, and leaving when the playlist shifts. If we pay attention, we might notice how our cats respond to our tone of voice, from sweet loving notes, to stern warnings, or even babytalk. That’s because cats are highly reliant on sound cues for their behavior.

Hunter/hunted: The slightest rustle, scrape, or squeak means dinner to our cats. So they are always up for investigating interesting noises. James Bond has drawn my attention to noises inside the refrigerator that I couldn’t hear until I opened the door.

The other side of this coin is how cats must always be on the alert to someone who is going to steal their dinner, or even make them dinner. And not in a good way.

Friend or foe: Any approach by another cat needs to be evaluated. Perhaps they are a friend… in a bad mood. Perhaps they are an enemy… in a good one.

Cats signal each other about their threshold for being bothered or engaged with various tones. From the chirp of friendship to the ear-splitting yowl of impending attack, cats are very alert to what other cats are trying to tell them.

Learning humans: With domestication, cats added another category to keep track of; human attention and intentions.

Cats love to be talked to. We might debate how much cognitive recognition goes on, but there’s no denying how cats are drawn to soft, happy, voices. They are alert to high, harsh, or distressed tones; they run from anger, and console our sadness.

When we consider that singing is actually “acting to music,” we begin to grasp how music, to our cats, could sound like a wonderful blend of many voices; even orchestral music. My cat Lawrence ignored all music except saxophone, which would lure him over to rub his face on the speakers. Sax is the instrument that sounds most like a human voice, and he certainly thought so.

Our kitten Ordell was a Devo fan; when the video “Freedom of Choice” was in rotation on VH1, he would show up reliably, every few hours, and then go back to what he had been doing once the song was over.

So if we notice our cat appearing at odd times, or showing up for “their song,” we have one more thing to share and enjoy with our cats.

Shared interests are one of the things friendships are built upon.

For more about cats and music, see Cat Affection Move: Their Song.

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Cardboard! (I gave it away in the headline.)

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Olwyn, a year old, loves to bite into any cardboard box, so we give them to her and let them sit around for a few weeks. Everyone loves to hide in, chew and slash, and jump on top of a big cardboard box.

But there are other ways cardboard works for us. We can make things with cardboard for the cats to play with. Cats will find the process very interesting, and then when they get the end result, they are thrilled.

Corrugated cardboard, the kind grocery stock and moving and mailing boxes are made of, has a near-perfect texture for cats to sink their teeth and claws into. We don’t mind them doing it because we are going to recycle this box, anyway.

We get rid of the box whenever we like, and get our cat… a new box. We do a lot of our shopping online, so we always have boxes in the pipeline.

Yes, cats leave shreds of cardboard around. But they don’t stain or stick, and won’t ruin the carpet if left overnight, either.

Here are some cardboard ideas:

Here’s some downloadable templates to make your own cardboard cat toys.

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