Play is a vital part of proper cat care. It keeps our feline friends in good physical and mental shape and can even be used as part of behavioural therapy. But what do you do if your cat does not want to play? Check out this blog post for the best tips and tricks for getting your cat to play.
Always Start with a Vet Check
The first thing you need to consider is your cat’s play. Their lack of interest in play might indicate some underlying health conditions that might make your cat feel poorly. It’s worth paying special attention to conditions that might limit your cat’s mobility or ability to catch the toys, such as:
- Obesity
- Poor Dental Health
- Joint Problems
You might have a new cat that has not started playing yet or has never been overly playful. In that case, it is still important to ensure they are in good health and nothing physical stops them from being active; however, it is generally less worrisome. Some cats need time and adjustments to start playing.
However, if your cat used to play and then suddenly stopped, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Do not wait until the problems get more serious.
Consider Your Cat’s Energy Levels
Cats’ energy levels fluctuate during the day. On the one hand, they are crepuscular animals wired to hunt most intensely at dusk and down. On the other hand, living with us, they often adjust their daily rhythm to our schedule.
Many cats will be particularly active at these times of the day:
- At dawn
- Around the time you get up from bed
- After you come back from work
- At dusk
- Late at night, when you start getting ready for bed
Watch your cat’s energy levels closely and try to engage them in play sessions when their activity peaks.
Establish Playtime Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and they generally like routine. At the same time, I have often noticed with my cats and cats I looked after as a cat sitter that the more regularly you play with them, the more engaged they become. Even if your cat does not play yet, try to establish regular play sessions during which you show them their toys and try to get their attention. Do this even if your cats do not engage in the play yet. Use this time to test new toys and playing techniques.
When you try to engage your cat, watch for subtle signs that the toys are catching their interest. Perhaps they are not playing yet but have started observing the toy or displaying more engaged body language (e.g., dilated pupils, “curious” ears moved forward). These are good signs!
Separate Your Cats During Play Sessions
If you have two or more cats living together, try playing with them separately. Remember that cats, even those living in colonies, are solitary hunters. The presence of furry flatmates might distract your cat.
Personally, this tip I got from a behaviourist was a massive game-changer in our multi-cat household. Before, we often had a problem with Oscar playing nicely only until Kala entered the room (and vice versa). Simply closing the doors and allowing them to enjoy 10 minutes of sole play time each fixed the problem.
Try Stimulants
There are several natural stimulants you can use to help your cat “get into the mood”:
- Catnip
- Matatabi / Silver Vine
- Valerian
Remember that different cats are responsive to different stimulants. Famous catnip works only for one in three cats, so test the alternatives.
Select the Perfect Toys to Keep Your Cat Engaged
Cats can have strong preferences for certain toys, and they can be VERY peculiar about that.
Check Different Types of Interactive Toys
If your cat does not want to play, it might mean you have not yet found the right toys. Felines can be very peculiar regarding their favourite toys, and sometimes, finding the right plaything might take a while.
For proper play sessions, we are generally looking for interactive toys. All kinds of wands and teasers are great, as you can control the movements of the “prey” and the dynamic of the “hunting.” For more ideas, check our blog post reviewing the best hunting toys for cats.
As you are testing different toys, observe which features grab the most of your cat’s attention:
- Wands / Teasers / Strings
- Feather / Wiggly Worms / Small Soft Toys / Hard Objects
- Plastic Wires (more dynamic movements) / Elastics (more jumpy and less predictable movement)
- Jingle Bells / Beads / No Sound Effects
At the same time, some cats have truly quirky preferences when it comes to toys. For creative alternatives, check out our blog post on everyday objects that make great cat toys and explore our tips and tricks for playing with your cat without using any actual toys.
Rotate Toys to Prevent Boredom
Sometimes, cats can get bored, so it is important to gather a couple of suitable toys and rotate them every couple of days. It is best to hide the toys you are not using so your cat can “forget” about them. This way, they will get more excited when you eventually take it out again.
Stick to Toys That Work
Cats can be quite particular about their favourite toys, so it’s important to understand your cat’s preferences. If your cat loses interest in toys quickly, try rotating them to keep things fresh. However, if your cat loses interest in play when you change toys, it’s best to stick with their favourite one.
Oscar is a perfect example of a cat who will only ever play with one type of toy using only one play setting. For a long time, he only played on a bed with a wiggly worm wand. Now, he is only interested in chasing measuring tape when it is hidden under the carpet or behind the corner. And he will literally not touch any other toys. This is exactly what I mean by saying cats can be VERY PARTICULAR about their toys and play habits…
Keep Playtime Exciting and Interactive for Your Cat
Finding the right toy is not enough. You also need the right playing technique and setup!
Choose Engaging Setup
The environment in which you play with your cat is as important as the toys you are using. Generally, when hunting, cats try to quietly creep toward the prey and pounce at it only at the very last moment. For this reason, your cat might not want to play in the middle of open spaces.
When choosing the space for your play session, try to pick areas with furniture. Instead of playing in the middle of your living room, go to places where your cat will have some hiding spots. Try to be creative with your setup. For example, you can encourage your cat to use vertical spaces by placing the toys on top of shelves, wardrobes, and bookcases. Or you can place a lot of cushions on the bed and let your cat hunt in between them.
Let Your Cat Stalk and Pounce
Cats are methodical in their hunts. Instead of chasing the prey, they stalk and creep, waiting for the right moment to pounce. Try to recreate this dynamic during your play sessions. Avoid moving the toy mindlessly here and there, as this is not how wild counterparts of indoor cats hunt.
Partially Hide the Toy
Partially hide the toy behind some furniture or under a carpet. Then try moving it very slowly so it starts disappearing from your cat’s sight. Most cats will not be able to resist the temptation!
Enhance Playtime with Tunnels and Activity Mats
Using a tunnel or a playmat tends to make cats more playful and engaged because these accessories provide amazing ambush space. I tested this with my cats and cats I pet-sat for. In most cases, even disengaged felines would suddenly show considerably more interest in playing if you gave them a tunnel or a decent activity mat.
Watch for Your Cat’s Individual Preferences
As always, different cats will have different preferences. If you want your cat to start playing, you need to pay attention to what works for them and what does not. If your cat is particularly stubborn, you can even try to note your observations down. With time, you will discover your cat’s perfect play setup.
Use Positive Reinforcement
After the play session, no matter how short it might be, reward your cat for their hunting efforts with some healthy treats. Not only are you reinforcing that playing is desirable, but you are also emulating the natural order of things. After all, what do wild-living cats do after catching and killing the prey? They eat!
Adapt Play to Your Cat’s Age and Abilities
All cats need play, even disabled and elderly ones. And they can do so if only we adjust the playing setup to their unique needs. Blind cats might need toys with jingles and beads as they rely on their sense of hearing. Cats with mobility issues might prefer playing on a bed or sofa where you hide the toy under one cushion placed in front of them. They will play, but we need to make it possible for them.
It is equally important we adjust our own expectations and stay flexible in our thinking on what “counts” as play. For example, some elderly cats with joint problems might not be interested anymore in chasing and pouncing at their prey. But they might be very interested in following it with their sight. In this scenario, your cat does not even have to move around to be mentally engaged in such a play session. As long as play stimulates your cat, it is valid and important.
Be Persistent and Patient
Sometimes, getting your cat to play takes some effort. They might be too stressed after adoption and a change of environment, or perhaps they were orphaned in early kittenhood and did not learn certain things about “being a cat.” They might be recovering from a sickness or have health conditions that make playing more difficult. Give yourself and your cat plenty of time, test different toys and movements, add accessories, and keep trying. Your cat will eventually get into it.
I remember that after we adopted Oscar, it took two long months before he started playing. In the early days, I tried to play with him using different wands, but it seemed he did not know what to do with them. Maybe no one ever played with him; maybe he was just stressed with all the changes. But I persisted and tried to play with him every evening. One day he eventually looked at the toy and caught it in a very clumsy way. And then he started getting into it. And while he always stayed very particular about his playtime habits, he is now a cat that plays regularly.
Why My Cats Won’t Play: Final Thoughts
Play is extremely beneficial for cats, but unfortunately, not all cats are equally playful. If you have a cat that does not want to play, it is always best to first have them checked by a vet. Sometimes, a lack of interest in playing might be caused by health conditions. At the same time, your cat might not want to play simply because you have not yet discovered the right toys and techniques.
I hope the tricks and tips included in this post will help your cat start playing again. Please let us know if you found them useful, and share your own hacks to encourage your cat to play. We would love to know and test them!