I spend a lot of time working at my computer, so it's always a nice break when Emma, my charming and very persistent tabby cat, decides she wants to play. She will go as far as to sit on my hand while I'm trying to operate my mouse and since work is almost impossible under those conditions, and since I'm Emma's only companion, I usually take the bait and spend some time frolicking with her. I've found that this is one of the best ways to strengthen the bond between us, and besides, any excuse to tear myself away from work can't be all bad.
One thing I discovered since Emma invaded my household five years ago, was she didn't take too much to store bought cat toys. Sure, at first when she was still a kitten, those fake mice toys held some fascination, but after awhile she lost interest, probably because they just lie there, making them boring prey that are too easily conquered.
What I discovered is that a balled up piece of aluminum foil in the shape of a hockey puck developed into a game that I call Paw Hockey. This game works best on an uncarpeted hardwood, linoleum or tile floor. I simply drop the puck on the floor, then push it around so the sound of the foil bouncing and gliding across the room catches Emma's attention. She quickly starts to copy my kicking the foil across the floor and starts pawing and knocking the puck around as well. She's quite a good passer, but since we don't have any goal posts setup, it's difficult to determine which of us actually wins the game.
Another aluminum foil game is Chase the thing on the String. This game involves tying the ball of aluminum foil onto a long stick (the use of twine works best), and then jiggling it around in front of Emma while she paws at it and knocks it around. Even an old shoelace will work. When playing this game, it's always good to let your cat grab the object with his or her paws regularly so that s/he gets the sense of being a successful predator. Games aren't much fun if you don't win the game once in awhile.
The Chase the Thing on the String game can also, of course, be played with objects such as rubber mice that can be attached easily to a poll with a string. However, there's something about the sound of foil getting banged about that seems to work very well to keep her attention.
Another game you can play with your cat requires a ping pong ball. Staircase Dash, of course, will require stairs. If you place your cat at the top of the stairs (or pay attention for an opportunity when your cat is already waiting at the top of the stairs), then the game can begin. From the base of the stairs, fling a ping pong ball against the side wall of the staircase, about two steps below where the cat is hanging out. The ping pong ball will then bounce down the steps, and your cat will vigorously chase after the ball as it bounces its way down. This is good exercise for your cat and yourself if you decide to join in the game of chasing the ball down the stairs.
Another place a ping pong ball works really well is in the bathtub. First, clear any shampoo and soap bottles from around the outside of the tub, and clear out any bathtub toys. Then, put your cat in the clean, dry bathtub, and show her the ping pong ball. After that, just bounce the ball off the side of the tub to get it moving. Of course, what cat can resist that sound of a rolling ping pong ball in the bathtub? Emma's favorite place to play has always been the bathtub and she will chase after the ball as it bounces around for quite some time. Of all the games we play, this is definitely at the top of her list of favorites.
Something else you can try is to play shadows on the wall, which requires a flashlight and a few small objects. First, you should start by shining light onto a wall in a dark room. Then you can take small cat toys or other small objects, and your cat will chase after the shadows, as if he or she is chasing after a predator. If you're good at making shapes with your hands, try to make bird or mice shapes that will create shadows on the wall. Your cat should recognize the shape of these shadows and chase after those as well.
Finally, blowing bubbles for your cat is another game, and this one can be played indoors or outdoors. You can purchase a pre-made bubble mix or make some of your own. Take a bubble wand, and blow bubbles in all different directions around and just watch the fun your cat will have running and jumping to try and catch the floating bubbles. This will keep you and your cat happy for quite awhile.
If you need a recipe to use to make your own bubbles to use for the Chase the Bubbles game, try the following: Mix 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons glycerin, and 1/2 a teaspoons of sugar together. This is the same recipe that is usually used for creating bubbles for children.
So, if you want to bond with your cat and at the same time, make sure s/he's getting enough exercise, try a few of these games and you'll both get a good workout.
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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.
Visit his websites at: The Complete Cat.com and How To Classics.com
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Published by Glenn Cutforth on April 15, 2006 11:21 AM
