Feature / Pickup
When you play with cats and toys,
A blissful time for the owner.
So this time,
Assistant Professor, Yamazaki University of Animal Health
The main thing that Maki Arakawa is crazy about
How to choose cha
Precautions when playing, etc.
Enjoy more time playing with cats and toys
I was taught how to make it.
SupervisionYamazaki Animal Nursing University
Animal Clinical Nutrition Education Laboratory
Maki Arakawa Assistant Professor
Master / Certified Animal Nurse / Pet Nutrition Manager / Cat Healthcare Professional
Obtained CATvocate.
As a certified veterinary nurse, researches nutrition and veterinary nursing education for the prevention of urinary diseases in cats.
Supervised by "The Great Things for Cats (SHUFUNOTOMO)".
Toys for cats
Not only does it help eliminate lack of exercise
It also has an important role in the mental aspect.
What kind of effect does a toy have?
Let's know.
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Meet the cat's hunting instinct - Cats are originally hunting animals. Hunting instinct remains even for indoor cats. Toys are an indispensable item to satisfy the hunting instinct of such cats. When you chase a toy, "dopamine (fun / pleasant)" is secreted in the cat's brain, and when you catch a toy, "endorphin (elevation / happiness)" is secreted.
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"I caught it!"
To the satisfaction of the cat - In order to satisfy the cat's hunting instinct, it is important to "capture" it. At the end of the play, let the cat catch the toys and satisfy your hunting instinct. For that purpose, toys with "substance" such as cats and balls are effective.
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For solving lack of exercise and building physical strength - Even indoor cats can do some exercise by moving up and down in the cat tower and moving around the house, but that is not enough. Actively exercising through play is essential for maintaining the health of cats. Eliminates lack of exercise, prevents obesity, and develops the muscle strength and physical strength of cats.
In addition, playing with toys is very important for cats from the following points as well.
- ●The stimulus to play with toysThe tension of lifebecome,Stress reliefNS. It reduces the risk of self-harm, such as stress-induced aggression, destructive urges, and excessive grooming as the hair becomes thinner.
- ●Enough in the daytimeEliminate energy divergence and boring timeBy letting me do it, it will be quiet at night according to the owner's life rhythm. It helps prevent behaviors such as waking up the owner and running around in the middle of the night.
- ●Playing together isImportant communication with cats.. Build a relationship of trust between the owner and the cat. By observing the movements of cats in daily play, you can quickly notice illnesses and injuries.
Use "toys" when playing- Cats have a hunting instinct to scratch and bite against moving objects.
When playing with the owner's hands and fingers, the fingers are recognized as "toys (= prey)", and
I have a habit of scratching and biting. Be sure to use toys to satisfy your hunting instincts.
Safe space
Secure- Make sure you have some space when you play.
Also, don't forget to check the safety, such as putting only things that don't hurt even if you hit them, so that it's not dangerous if the cat gets absorbed in playing. 
Even for a short time
I'll play- It depends on the cat's physical strength, age, and cat breed, but it is best to play for 10 minutes at a time and at least twice a day. If you don't have enough time for the owner, you can do it for 5 minutes at a time. It's a good idea to play it in small steps. It depends on the cat breed and age, but try a total of 15 to 25 minutes a day as a guide.
Prepare multiple toys,
Clean up after playing- Cats are tired of it, so even the toys that they were crazy about will become unresponsive if they continue to play. Let's give variations to toys, such as this one today and this one tomorrow. Also, let's clean up properly after playing. In addition to keeping the cat sharp, you can prevent accidents such as accidental ingestion while the cat is playing alone, or jumping from the cat tower with a stick-shaped toy in its mouth.
Decide when to play- Cats love routine work and hate breaking the rhythm of life and changing the environment. It is recommended to decide the time to play as well as the time to eat.
Cats have been said to be nocturnal, but in reality they are "crepuscular" and become more active in the morning and evening.
It is recommended that you take a little time every day during this time to play routinely.
Match the age of the cat-
<Kitten>
Anyway, it's curious and active, so let's play a lot. For growing kittens, toys are also very important in the sense that they can move and satisfy their curiosity and touch various things.
Also, by playing with toys and moving your body firmly, you can build muscle and promote healthy growth.
<Senior cat>
In seniority, basal metabolism declines. You will also lose muscle and exercise and spend more time sleeping.
If you consume the same amount of energy as before and lack exercise, you will be more likely to gain weight. Obesity affects the functions of the heart, kidneys, joints, etc., so it is important to devise ways to prevent fattening. At least once a day, try to exercise moderately in the morning and evening when the cat is active, and aim for a healthy and long life.
As we grow older, various organs and functions decline. We recommend not only toys that visually capture movement, but also toys that stimulate hearing and smell. Try leather toys that smell or make noise. It is also a good idea to put your usual rice a little higher and create a situation where you can eat it by exercising a little.
When you get too excited
Calm down once
Especially when you're a kitten, you may be overwhelmed with play. If you happen to hit your teeth, you need to stop playing there. Let's wait for the excitement to subside, and when it's calm, let's resume playing, and finally "capture" and end it.
We also supervise toysTo Mr. Arakawa
I was taught the key points for choosing toys that appeal to cats.
When choosing toys and playing
Keep these three in mind.
- 1. Things that move
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Choosing a moving toy is also an important point for a cat with excellent dynamic vision to satisfy his hunting instinct. You can make the reaction very good by moving the toy on the floor or flying it like a bird.
"Cat jarashi"
Recommended as the first toy! Safely with the owner
It is an easy-to-play shape.
- 2. Those with odor
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It is said that the area of cells that sense the odor of cats is about 10 times that of humans. The odor of prey such as leather, animal hair, and Toba stimulates cats and seems to be very responsive. By the way, the ingredients of catnip and actinidia polygama have an exciting effect on the brain.
"Cat toys Kerigurumi
The strongest shrimp in tough leather "
Leather odor attracts interest,
Cowhide shavings.
It ’s strong, so
It's okay to click ♪
- 3. What makes a sound
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A cat with hearing that is said to be better than a dog. I especially love the rustling and rattling sounds. Bells are often used in toys because the sound of the bells appeals to the cat's hearing.
Also, it is said that they do not recognize colors very much, but the cells that sense light are very well developed, so I am also curious about glittering ones.
"Glitter Parade Cat Jarashi"
When you shake the tape with glitter
Cats are very excited about the shaky sound
Get closer to your hunting style and prey movement
The cat's hunting style is to keep it low and patiently take the time to catch it for the best chance. Therefore, even when playing with toys, it would be nice to have a hidden space under a chair, under a rug, or in a tunnel.Also, since toys are hunting targets (= prey), cats will be very happy if they manage the movement of their prey. Move it horizontally on the floor like a mouse, move it under a cloth, take off from the floor like a bird, and jump up and down like a rabbit. At the end, let's catch it and get a sense of accomplishment!
- Q. Are there any toys such as answering machines that you can play safely when you are alone?
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A. We recommend educational toys that are safe to take your eyes off.
It's better to have a toy when you're away from home, rather than satisfying your hunting instinct. Educational toys such as puzzles and toys whose hood comes out when rolled are recommended. For toys that come out of the hood, be sure to pull out the toys from the hood for one day to prevent obesity. You can also make your own by making a hole in the capsule toy container or a small PET bottle so that the hood will come out, so please give it a try. However, be careful of cats that bite or destroy the plastic container.
- Q. How should I play when I can't move much due to illness or injury?
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A. Do not play forcibly and give top priority to treatment
Treatment is a top priority, so avoid playing forcibly. If you still want your cat to play, I think a hooded educational toy that can satisfy your instincts without making big movements is good.
- Q. I want to finish it, but I don't think it's enough to play ...
What should I do in such a case? -
A. Try using safe toys that you can play alone
If the cat isn't playing enough, or if the owner doesn't have time, try toys that you can play alone, such as throwing a squirrel or an educational toy with a hood. However, to prevent accidents, do not let the toys that have sticks used in the parts or that the parts may come off while you are playing.
- Q. I can't come to play
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A. Don't force yourself to change the time zone or devise a way to move the toys.
When a cat does not come to the invitation, it may be stressful if you invite it persistently. Cats become active in the morning and evening, so please invite them when you are awake during that time. Other methods include trying to imitate the movement of the prey and trying out new toys.
Recommended by Dr. Arakawa
Cat squirrels and squirrels
I had a cat play with me.
Monitor productsnecoco leather cat jarashi bell leather
It seems that your sense of smell is stimulated and you are absorbed in playing. If you move the cat jars horizontally on the floor and let the cats chase after you, I think it will have an even more exercise effect. I think that you can get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction by moving your body a lot and letting it catch you at the end.
Monitor productsKick-free shrimp
Does it smell like Actinidia polygama as soon as it is taken out of the bag?
I jumped in!
The size is easy to hug, and the scissors and tail are
I was crazy about it.
Playing while drooling
Is it just my child?
Plush toys can be played with the movement of biting prey and knocking it down to the ground to catch it. Due to the excitatory action of Actinidia polygama, the behavior of drooling and licking is common.With stuffed toys, you can play with them in a way that is more like hunting by moving them on the spot or throwing them. Please play with care so that the cat's teeth and claws do not hit the owner.
\ Arakawa-sensei also cooperated! /
Playing with toys for cats and their owners has many positive aspects that are not just fun. Play with various toys and find your favorite toy.
I'm curious about the smell of leather!
When I move it, it flutters and I am very excited about the sound of the bells!
The bee (black and white) catches the toy and the leather part
Gajigaji ... Nana (white) rarely squeals,
When I tried to do it, it rang and stopped.
It seems that it was a lot of fun.