There's nothing quite as much fun as new kittens. They're like little balls of rolling, jumping, and leaping fluff. While they're entertaining on their own, playing with your kitten can help burn off some of that boundless energy kittens have, and it's a great way to bond. Fortunately, finding fun games to play with kittens is easy.
Kittens play not just because it's fun but because they're honing their hunting skills. Inside that cuddly little furball is the heart of a great hunter. The best games aren't just fun, but they also help your kitten develop the natural instincts for the hunt.
Don't roughhouse with your kitten. It will teach him to be aggressive, to bite and to scratch. And be sure not to use your hands or feet as toys. Teaching kittens to bite your hands and feet now can lead to aggressive behavior as they grow. Let them use their hunter's skills on toys. Your role is as the mother or leader.
Playing "hunt" games lets your kitten gain confidence and coordination. You don’t need expensive toys. Simple things like balled-up paper and basic cat toys are fine. Your kitten's imagination will do the rest. Here are just a few ideas of fun games to play with kittens.
Mouse
Mouse is a kitten favorite. Kittens love to pounce. They’ll stalk their mouse prey, tail swishing uncontrollably, their backsides wiggling as they prepare to strike.
You can simulate the mouse hunt in several ways. Use a stuffed mouse, a ball of paper or a felt ribbon on a stick to simulate the movement. The kitten just needs something it can stalk. Pull the ribbon along the floor and around corners. Give it a wiggle.
Be sure to let the kitten "win." Even though these are fun games to play with kittens, it's not all about the play. Just like humans, cats take pride in their victories, and earning confidence makes for a happier and healthier pet.
You can also use a flashlight in a dark room. Kittens will chase the spotlight. But since they can’t ever capture the light, too much of this can cause frustration. Be sure to reward them with praise and another toy.
Rabbit
Another option from the list of fun games to play with kittens is the rabbit. Rabbit simulates the wrestling of prey. In the wild cats will chase and tackle prey, wrestling their targets to the ground and then biting and kicking with their back feet.
All you need is a plush toy. Rolled up socks will also work. You want the toy to be large enough for the kitten to wrestle with, but not so heavy that it can hurt itself in the mayhem.
Bird
Kittens love to swipe at things in the air. They'll jump up on those tiny legs and try to grab whatever is above them. This is their way of honing their bird-catching skills.
Happily, you don't need to hurt any birds to play. As with other fun games to play with kittens, simple props are easy to find. All you need is a toy that dangles from the end of a stick. Wiggle the toy above your kitten's head and watch him jump and swat. Again, remember to let him "win" some of the time.
Fish
You've probably seen your kitten sitting on something and then reach down trying scoop something up. This is how cats fish. In the wild, they'll use those super cat reflexes to grab fish right out of a stream.
Put your kitten on a pillow or something that’s not too far off the ground and wiggle something tempting below them. They’ll lie down flat and reach down with their little paws trying to scoop up their fishy prey.
Once you get going, you surely will discover that there are endless possibilities for fun games to play with kittens, but be sure to play safely. Don't use rubber bands, small bits of string or anything so small that your cat can swallow it (or worse, choke). Don't use plastic bags; your kitten could suffocate.
Be creative and have fun. Your kitten will grow up before you know it, and playtime will slowly fade away. So enjoy these fun times together while they last.
