Dear Alice,
I adopted a stray cat from my local
shelter. Although he is barely more than a kitten, perhaps a year or two
old, he never seems to play. Can you suggest some toys to bring out the
kitten in him?
-- I. M. Playful
Truman, at age 16, is still playful.
Dear Playful,
Sometimes stray cats spend so much
time surviving they do not learn to play. But, if you work with him, he
will learn to play.
First, a few cautions: Yarn and other
string-like materials are not appropriate as toys. Too often the cat will
chew off pieces and swallow them. This can become a medical emergency if
the yarn/string obstructs the cat's intestines. Also, commercial toys with
bells on them or other loose pieces are dangerous. Most cats will swallow
any pieces that come off toys during play. It is also inappropriate to
use your hands or feet as toys. Your kitty will not understand that he
is hurting you when he bites or claws in the act of play. Later, when he
is playful and you are not, he may again attack hands and feet. You can
avoid getting hurt and avoid teaching him a bad habit if you never allow
him to view any part of you as a toy.
One of the best toys for a kitty who
is unfamiliar with playing or who is just plain shy, is the Kitty Tease
(The Galkie Co., PO Box 20, Harrogate TN 37752, 615/869-8138.) This is
a fiber glass pole with 50 pound test braided Dacron line attached. At
the end of the string is a piece of denim. The toy is designed to be safe
for interactive play, but should be put away when play time is over. There
are lots of ways to play with your cat with this toy. You can drag the
string along the floor while he chases or you can make it hop and watch
your cat jump to catch it. Your cat will tell you which movement of the
toy he finds most intriguing. If your cat is not used to playing, you may
have to "annoy" him with the toy to get his attention at first. Dangling
it right in front of his face is sure to get a reaction if you are patient.
Catnip toys are also good because
they attract the cat with their scent. Be careful that the toys are "cat
safe." Much like toys for babies, they should not have any pieces your
cat can get loose and swallow. You don't want play time to turn into a
trip to the emergency clinic! If you want to make your own catnip toys,
you can sew up any size or shape of material remnant with polyester fiberfill
and a bit of catnip inside. The best materials are ones that can stand
up to clawing, such as denim.
Most cats can't read.
Paper bags left open on the floor are
perennial play favorites. Kitties like little hidey holes and a paper bag
is a perfect one. If you have more than one cat, be sure to stick around
after opening the sack. You may see a rousing game of hide-and-seek or
what-is-that-thing-in-the-bag.
Some other good, and inexpensive,
toys are ping-pong balls and pipe cleaners. Both are very light weight
and go far when tapped by a kitty paw. You can find pipe cleaners at craft
stores. Just twist one around your index finger to form a curlicue, then
toss it toward your cat. Some cats bat them around; others fetch them back
to you; still others straighten them out.
Eventually, your kitty will find his
own favorite toys. Just be sure to check each new toy item for safety before
letting your cat play with it. If it can be swallowed or torn up and swallowed,
it is not safe.
Have fun!
-- Alice