Safe toys

Just like any child in the family, a kitten needs safe toys of her own to play with.

When purchasing toys for your kitten, follow these simple guidelines:

• Choose sturdy toys without small parts that can be swallowed. Discard any broken toys
• Provide a variety of toys and put them away between play sessions
• Despite the traditional image of kittens playing with balls of yarn or string, these are dangerous if swallowed
• Avoid games that teach your kitten to pounce on moving fingers, hands, feet or legs. These could encourage serious aggression later

In addition to providing toys, make sure to give your kitten plenty of opportunity to play with other kittens, especially those close in age, to promote positive social behaviour.

Fun games

Keeping your cat active is easier than you might think, and makes a big difference to their quality of life. Play games that direct your kitten's playful energy away from you.

Chase
Chasing ping-pong balls is great fun.

Toys
Homemade or pet shop toys help to encourage your cat to get moving.

Dangle toys from a string tied to a stick like a fishing pole, but keep the pole low to discourage risky leaps or let your cat play in a box or paper bag.

Catch the light
Shine a flashlight on the floor and walls and let your cat play.

Hunting
Put your cat's food in different places each day (including on top of tall furniture).

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