Playing with your cat

 

Playing with your cat

Play is important for your cat both mentally and physically.  Not only does it give him/her exercise, it is also helpful in bonding with your pet, and controlling their weight.  It will benefit your pet in their muscle tone, agility, and stamina.

Young kittens love to play.  They will play by biting their other kittens, chasing, stalking, and pouncing on toys or balled up paper balls.  When biting, they aren't showing anger, it's their natural predatory instincts.  My cat used to hold onto it's stuffed puppy in it's teeth, and growl, like it had taken down some big foe.  Cats are born predators and they gain confidence in catching prey.  When you play with your kitty, the cat feels like a predator and that makes them feel more confident out conquering prey and territories.

Should you play at certain times of day?

This some depends on your cat and when they like to play.  However, usually early in the morning or early evening is best.  Choose a time when you pet is awake and checking out her/his environment.

Open up a new closet door they have never been in before, and let them explore. 

Remember to not overdue the play or the holding.  Cats like to be very active, but only for short periods of time.  Most cats like being held, but only for short periods of time.  If you cats begins to struggle, or show discomfort with being held, read that body language and put them down.

Toys to use for playing with your cat

Cats are interested in smells, sounds, textures, and movements.  Think of these aspects when choosing toys.  Show him/her a variety of toys made of different textures, and in different sizes and discover your pets favorite.

Cats tend to prefer easy toys that you can find around the house.

New appliance boxes are a cats haven, or paper grocery bags laid on the floor and squished slightly builds their curiosity.

Milk caps or rings, and even ice cubes intrigue your cats.  They also like wadded up pieces of paper thrown for them to go chase.  Be careful not to give your cat anything too small that might get swallowed.  Also, if your pet enjoys chasing string, be sure and remove it after each playtime as they will eat it and have medical issues.

If your kitten or cat likes catnip toys, store them in a plastic container and take them out for special play as the catnip will lose potency over time.

Things to improve your cat's enjoyment

Add a window perch with a view of a birdfeeder
Get a  goldfish bowl or an aquarium for the cats to watch

Get a cat tree or something for your cat to climb on and scratch where they won't be in trouble for scratching.

 Some cats like to watch television, if this is true for your pet, consider getting a DVD or birds or mice for them to enjoy.

 Use a flashlight or led pointer light and let them chase it.

Chase the ball, or follow the string.  My cat loved to fetch too, and he'd bring back the toy to be thrown again.

 Bottom line, bond with your pet and enjoy playing with them.  You'll both benefit from it.

For something special, try catnip flavored bubbles

  Wanna Play?

Playing with your Dog

   Games to Play with Your Dog

Pet owners who often play with their dog(s) develop understanding, respect and communication with their dog.

These activities with your dog will develop communication and working together .  Dogs are social creatures and playing will help build those social relationships.

You can teach your dog to obey by playing games that teach him to follow your instructions, and then be rewarded with a treat.  Have the dog follow you and heal perhaps.  Set up some fun items in his/her way, water, toys, cones, etc. and lead them around, treat as they do well, and show them love for a job well done.

How about games using scents.  Dog have a keen nose, and would love having you spray perfume or meat juice around in a few places for him/her to find.

Finding a Hidden treat-Try having your dog stay or get down, and hide treats.  They have to wait until your done, and say GO, and they have fun finding the treats and exploring.

Or Play Hide and Seek with your dog.  Have your pet sit or down, and wait.  Go hide and then call him.  The dog learns that he has to wait until called.

                               

                               

Playing with Parrots

Playing with Parrots

Playing with your parrot is key to their happiness and makes them a better adjusted companion.  It will help you bond to play interactively with your bird.  You will keep your older parrot more mentally sharp and physically active by playing games.  Playing can the highlight of their day-interacting and getting attention from their human.

Surprisingly, parrots love to hear us laugh.  Some will laugh with you.  Actually as they learn to laugh, parrots will even call to you by laughing to request playing.

They, like most animals like praise.  So, remember to praise and tell your pet you love them.  Stroke them lovingly.

The Moluccan Cackatoo is considered the neediest of all parrots.  They are often not independent, nor do they entertain themselves well.   Playing with these birds is very important.  Owners who have began interactive play with these pets say that their birds are happier, less needy, and more independent.

Repeated playing of the same game with your parrot will help develop their skills in that game.  Try and determine what your birds skills are, and play games that help them tune that skill.  Your pet will feel accomplished and be happier.

Games to play with your bird:

Koosh ball toss, or fetch and catch.  You can also use a small soft stuffed toy too.  Play catch back in forth.  Many birds love the ball even if they can't toss it.  When you toss it, toss it a few inches to the side of the bird.

Parrot Surprise box- place parrot treats or favorite toys in a drawer or box that the bird can get into.   Then let him/her find them.

Singing with your parrot-try holding your bird and singing.  Raise the bird up high during some of the song, and swing him/her during other parts.  Make it fun.

Roller coaster-hold your bird carefully and walk fast through the house and show him/her all types of visuals to engage their minds. Just go easy on them to not make them ill.

Blinking game-blink at them and see if they learn to blink at you.

Copy Cat-or should I say Copy Bird-mimic their behavior and see if they learn to mimic or copy you.

Peek a boo-cover the bird with a light towel and lift the towel saying peek a boo

Teach them to lay on their back in your lap.  You can tickle their tummies or give them toys to fight with upside down.

Finger Walker-Tap your fingers on the table and walk your fingers towards the bird and then either pet them, or tickle their tummy.

Straws on the bed:  If you're willing, take the bird up on your bed, probably with a sheet down over your bedspread.  Dump out some straws and play with him/her.

Handshake- when the bird offers you it's foot, shake it, and set it back down.  Try and teach your bird to wave, or kiss their foot.

Let your bird enjoy the outdoors.  Take it out with a harness.  Talk with your bird as you explore the world.

Rip and Tear-buy some tissue paper and let him/her tear it up and make a mess.  Tear it up along with them.

Spoon feeding-try to see if they will enjoy eating from a spoon.  Realize they will not do this well, and when it spills, laugh and enjoy it with the bird.

Kissing-You may find as you play, your pet will lean over and give you a kiss.

Remember to have fun, praise, and laugh.  Enjoy your pet !

Racoon-poor thing was stuck behind the fence

Racoon-poor thing was stuck behind the fence, He was adorable but stuck between a couple of fences, and we dissasembled the fence to get him out safely.  First time I've ever seen one in real life.

Chip the squirrel pictures

Chip the Squirrel

               Chip

This is our wild yard squirrel. We have affectionately named him Chip.   He and his family have eaten our macadamia nuts, and played in our trees for years and we don't mind.  He hangs by his toes to get the ones at the very ends of the clusters of nuts, it's adorable.  My husband loves to share his store bought peanuts with him too as pictured here.  I hope you enjoy this pictoral of this adorable creature that shares our yard with us here in california.

So, what did ya think?

Black bunny came by for a visit

Black bunny came by for a visit to my yard




I Don't  know why he was so intriged with the compost heap, when our vegetable garden was 10 feet away, but it made it easy to enjoy the visit that way.

Unique Glass Aquarium Coffee Table-Must See

Unique Aquarium Furniture-coffee tables with aquarium under glass-must see, such a wonderful statement to any room.


 

To Purchase this one above, click on page 2 of My Pet Picks page of my store below.  Then click on the Amazon more purchasing options.  Thank you, and enjoy your new aquarium.

Here are a few more beautiful ones available below just by clicking.