4 Types Of Play Cats Crave

There are four kinds of play and cats want them all

From the time they’re kittens cats are hardwired to play in ways that build their hunting skills. Remember you have a furry hunter on your hands. Is there anything like the fierce focus of a cat pursuing prey? From cheetahs to lynx, you can see the same sharp concentration in them all.

Hunting is comprised of four sequential steps: Stalk, Chase, Pounce and Capture. A cat needs all four to fully satisfy that play/hunt urge.

black and white cat crouched and staring at a toy

1. Stalk

Mother Nature gave cats soft paws to move stealthily so their target won't hear them coming.

2. Chase

Chase is the sudden burst of energy to run toward prey while maintaining steady eye contact. Here I come!

orange and white tabby cat leaping off couch

3. Pounce

Pounce is that final exuberant leap onto prey. Almost there!

4. Capture

Capture is the sweet moment of success. Well done, kitty!

orange tabby cat staring at laser pointer on wood floor

What about laser pointers?

Some cats go bananas for a laser pointer. The intensity of the light and the quickness of its movement are irresistible. A laser is fun because kitty can Stalk, Chase and Pounce. But Capture is impossible because it’s a light, not an object that can be seized or bitten. If you have a laser loving cat, balance it with other kinds of play that include Capture so kitty can have that triumphant moment of: I got it!

A variation with the laser is to point it at a small toy. That way kitty can follow the beam plus get a satisfying grasp on something 3D.

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