Are you looking for some games to play with your cat when she wants your undivided attention? Cats don’t need a pile of expensive toys. They need something that taps into that little predator brain—hunt, stalk, chase, catch, repeat.
The trick is variety. The second something gets predictable, they’re over it. (They won’t tell you they’re over it, of course. They’ll just stare at you like you’ve disappointed them personally.)
Here are some games that hold up in real life, including a few that my own cats are… let’s call it very opinionated about.
8 Fun Games to Play with Your Cat
Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but they need attention and love as much as any other animal. If you don’t spend quality time with them, they can get stressed, anxious, and bored. And a bored cat equals scratched furniture, ruined curtains, and broken priceless heirlooms.
Fortunately, cats are easy to entertain if you know what they like.
1. The “You Can’t Reach It” Game
(Luke’s personal favorite, and honestly, he has excellent taste)
Take a toy and slide it just barely out of reach—under the couch, behind a door, under a cabinet.
Now wait.
Your cat will go into full problem-solving mode:
- Paw scooping
- Head tilting
- Mild obsession
Luke will do this for an unreasonable amount of time. Like, “sir, you have other responsibilities” levels of commitment.
Just make sure they can eventually get it. If it’s impossible, the fun turns into frustration, and nobody needs that energy in their living room. Since half of his toys naturally end up under the stove, we have “clearing out the toys” day once a month. It’s Luke’s favorite day. He acts like he’s been reunited with a long-lost love every time we pull a toy out.
2. Play fetch
It might come as a surprise, but dogs are not the only pets that like to play fetch.
Cats are also known to indulge in this game when they feel like it. So, here is how to teach your cat to fetch:
- Pick the right time, usually before meals or when the cat is in a playful mood.
- Find a suitable toy, something small that your cat loves and can carry in her mouth.
- Make sure that you have your cat’s attention, and then toss the toy to the other side of the room.
- Watch as the cat springs after the toy.
- Some cats will pick up the toy and bring it back so that you can throw it again. Reward this behavior with a treat to reinforce it.
- If Nala doesn’t fetch the toy, you’ll have to get up and retrieve it. Throw it again, and encourage her to bring the toy back with treats.
- Keep the game short, no more than 3 to 5 minutes or your cat will lose interest in the game.
- Do not leave the “fetch” toy lying around.
3. Hide in a paper bag
I don’t know what it is about paper bags that cats find so irresistible. But put a paper bag on the floor, and your cat will sneak inside to investigate.
When Nala gets in the back, poke the sides with your fingers. Then step back and enjoy as your cat wiggles around in the bag.
However, do not leave your cat unsupervised around paper bags. While they make a great toy, they could also pose a risk because the handles can get wrapped around the head.
You might want to invest in a crinkle bag made just for kitties instead!
4. Toss a crumpled paper
Cats love to chase, and they love to shred paper. It’s no surprise that paper balls are so enticing.
Take a sheet of paper, crumble it, and toss it at your feline. She will happily leap after it and chase it around the house for hours.
Just keep an eye on Kitty so that she doesn’t accidentally eat the paper.
I sometimes use walnuts and hazelnuts (in a shell) that are too big to be swallowed. My cat loves to push them around because they make interesting sounds as they roll.
5. Tablet games
Do you know that there are apps specially created for cats that you can download on your tablet, phone, or computer?
Yes, we truly live in remarkable times.
These games involve fast-moving fish or mice to spark your cat’s hunting instincts. I’ve experimented with a few, and I can say that they are very well made.
However, my cats still prefer real toys to imaginary ones.
6. What’s under the blanket?
An old-time favorite cat game is what is hiding under the blanket. Get a toy mouse, put it under the blanket, and wiggle it around.
Once your cat notices the moving target, she will leap on it, trying to catch it and dig it up.
Make sure to move your hand away when the cat jumps, or you might end up with scratches.
7. A surprise in a box
Get an old shoe box and cut holes in it. Put your cat’s favorite toy inside and close the box.
Shake it to show your cat that there is something inside, and leave it on the ground.
Before you know it, your cat will be sticking her paws into the holes, trying to get the toy.
8. Chase the red dot
Last but not least, we come to every cat’s favorite game: catch the red dot. Turn on the laser toy, and observe as your cat pounces around trying to catch the fast-moving target.
It’s a perfect toy when you want to get your cat to be more active.
However, keep in mind that chasing something that can’t be caught can be frustrating.
So, at the end of the play session, you must give your cat something to “catch.” A stuffed toy, for example.
Also, watch for signs of exhaustion. A panting cat means that you’ve played too much and your kitty needs rest.
Wrap-Up
The most important thing about playing games with your cat is variety. Cats don’t like to do the same thing over and over again. So, experiment with new toys and new activities.
What do you think about these games you can play with your cat?
How do you entertain your cat? Share with us your games in the comment section.
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