New cat - another questions - play!

SavingPennies_2

Hi Everyone

thanks so much to those who replied to my previous post. I have recently got a cat and am fairly new to it. I have another question that would appreciate some advice on.

New cat is 9 months, rescue cat with lovely nature, confident and easy going, happy to sit on my knee, be cuddled, picked up etc.

I have read that cats especially when indoors need to get out their energies and instincts to hunt through play. We are hoping to keep her indoors most of the time.

Ive been playing about 3 x10 mins a day with her, mostly with ribbon or toys on a string. She loves to pounce, swipe, kick and chew said toy and I thought it was a bit of fun for both of us then when I sense shes had enough, toy goes away an she has something to eat or a cat nap.

My OH (who also has little experience with cats) is concerned that I am encouraging her to be aggresive and that as she is young she is still learning/developing her personality. She has never scratched or bitten us so far deliberatly but Ive been caught a few times during play which I have no problem with, but she is so lovely when not in "hunting mode" I wouldnt want to change that and he seems to think I might.

I thought I was doing to right thing but now Im confused. This isnt about whose right or wrong between us I just want do do whats best. Please advise!:o

Poppypig

I'm sure you will have a relaxed, happy and loving cat if you continue to play with her in this way.

Just be careful to encourage her to hunt and pounce on the toys, and not on your hand or foot, and she should be clear about what she can and can't "kill".

SavingPennies_2

Thanks Poppypig, thats a relief - I dont want to create a monster lol! What should I do if she accidently (or deliberately!) pounces on my hand or foot? Say no in a firm voice? Stop playing immediately? I will certainly make more effort to keep my hands out the way so it doesnt happen anyway. I think my OH finds it strange to see our sweet and loving cat turn into a "killer" at the flick of a ribbon as he hasnt been around cats much but I thought all cats were like that by their nature.

Poppypig

It's probably a good idea to stop playing with her if she keeps clawing at your hand, but otherwise I would have thought it's enough just to distract her with a more interesting fast moving toy.

You could try challenging your boyfriend to try and make a piece of ribbon or a toy as entrancing as possible for the cat (by moving it quickly, then stopping suddenly, then dashing off again, as if it's alive). Hopefully they'll both have so much fun he'll forget about his worries.

no1catman

Something else to try - is an empty box. Cats seem to love boxes - you can 'play' via a pencil sliding up and down a corner, or a small ball inside the box.
But beware of reading a newspaper on the floor - the cat will sit on it! However, this can be used for play - using yesterday's paper. With cat nearby, move paper in-front back-an-for a couple of inches. the cat will pounce on it, move again (with cat on it) cat turns around and pounces scratching at the paper (I did say to use yesterday,with a couple of more sheets - cover the cat; move the bottom paper slightly - cat emerges turns around and dives back in!! Great fun!

Whilst, it may be an 'indoor' cat there ay be times when it does go out. It needs the confidence through 'play' to cope with the outside world.

paddypaws101

No you are not going to turn her into a ravaging monster with your play sessions, quite the contrary in fact.
If she 'catches' you with her sharp claws during play you could use a pair of pet nail clippers and take off just the teeniest tip of her claws so they don't 'hook' into you. This part would naturally be more worn down if she was running around outside on hard surfaces. The sharp ends would also be more necessary if she had to climb or defend herself outside.
If she likes to play and pounce then look at toys such as 'Da Bird' and cat play cubes. I have made a DIY version of a Hi-cat pole so my cats can climb up high inside the house, other people will buy a multi level cat tree.

SavingPennies_2

thanks guys really helpful once again. I have ordered her a few toys online including da bird and I am going to get a cardboard box from work and use of the free newspapers they stick through the door that I never read to make something for her to play with/in.