The earliest type of play starting at kittenhood is that of play fighting. At about three weeks of age, kittens start to engage in rough and tumble actions with their littermates. They jump on one another and roll over on their backs. At the age of about four weeks, the play fighting becomes more elaborate. There is chasing, pouncing, clasping front legs, vigorous kicking with the back legs. This type of playing has been given the following names:
- Mouse Pounce
- Bird Swat
- Fish Scoop
MOUSE POUNCE
This involves hiding, crouching and creeping forward and then rushing and pouncing on an imaginary rodent, usually its mother's twitching tail or a small object on the ground.
BIRD SWAT
The bird swat starts with the same approach as the mouse pounce but ends with an upward leap and a sharp blow with the front foot. This is seen when objects are hanging down or toys that are thrown to the kittens by its owners.
THE FISH SCOOP
The fish scoop occurs when objects lying on the ground are very still. The kitten suddenly flings out a paw and scoops the object up into the air and backward over its shoulder. It then turns and pounces on it triumphantly. In this example, the adult cat is taking this approach one step further. In this case, the mouse is being totally uncooperative but the fish scoop lesson is still being applied by the adult cat. What he is doing is staying very still just waiting for the mouse to tire out and then at that special moment when he is ready, he will pounce on his prey, fling it in the air and triumphantly throw it over his shoulder!
Cats really do enjoy play and their favorite forms of play imitate the behaviors they would use in hunting: chasing, stalking, pouncing, batting and juggling. There are a variety of toys that can be purchased and many toys the cat will love will be items that are in the home. Paper bags and boxes are a favorite. Cellaphane balls cats love to chase and fetch. Not only will this help entertain your cat, but will give the indoor cat the exercise it so loves. Play with your cats - cats love play and they will love playing with you.