I can't get my indoor cat to play.

[Kita]

We added our sweet cat to the family when she was two. I have bought so many things for her to play with, and she may like them at first, but then she stops. Laser lights make her highly agitated so I can't play with her that way. She does get the wild times where she runs around like a bolt of lightning, eyes wide open and pupils dilated, so I know she has energy and wants to play. Some toys scare her and she wants nothing to do with them. She's an inside cat and I worry about her not getting exercise or being happy. Anyone else facing this issue? Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[KittyJ]

What kind of toys do you have for her? She might like something simpler. Or more complex. Was she previously an outdoor cat?

 

[SirMeow]

I used to like playing with cats using a laser pointer, but I'm not so sure of them now for two reasons.

1 They can never catch the dot, so I think it must be frustrating for them. Just because they may not obviously show it, doesn't mean they don't feel it. Think how many "can't catch the dot" funny memes there are out there.

2 Just how safe are they? I've had a 1mW laser (standard laser pointer) shone in my eye and it hurt like hell. Just how much worse is it for a cat's eye that's built to see in low light and hence amplifies the light? It might cause immediate damage for all we know. Not worth it.

 

[johnkasper]

I want to know what type of toys she plays with.
I have a cat. she loves to play with me instead of toys. So in this case, I am blessed. My cat is very naughty and always wants to play with me. I have a severe depression for the past 2 years. A few times ago, I decided to get an ESA letter because I wanted my cat as emotional support for my health condition. So applied for an ESA letter with My ESA Therapist in Pennsylvania. I got a letter with a simpler and easy process. Now my cat helps me to get better with my depression. She is more than a friend of mine. I forget everything when we play together.

 

[Mars]

I used to like playing with cats using a laser pointer, but I'm not so sure of them now for two reasons.

1 They can never catch the dot, so I think it must be frustrating for them. Just because they may not obviously show it, doesn't mean they don't feel it. Think how many "can't catch the dot" funny memes there are out there.

2 Just how safe are they? I've had a 1mW laser (standard laser pointer) shone in my eye and it hurt like hell. Just how much worse is it for a cat's eye that's built to see in low light and hence amplifies the light? It might cause immediate damage for all we know. Not worth it.

I happen to agree with SirMeow, I never play with a laser pointer with my cat.
It must be sooooo frustrating for the little predators; where they see it and then it's gone, and then it is there again, they pounce......and get nothing; but hello, now that dot is on the wall, they jump high....and get nothing, yet again the clawed paws open and close on thin air.
It is an exercise in frustration. Entertaining only for the humans.

 

[FF]

I happen to agree with SirMeow, I never play with a laser pointer with my cat.
It must be sooooo frustrating for the little predators; where they see it and then it's gone, and then it is there again, they pounce......and get nothing; but hello, now that dot is on the wall, they jump high....and get nothing, yet again the clawed paws open and close on thin air.
It is an exercise in frustration. Entertaining only for the humans.

I understand how cats might feel that way, but on the contrary, my cat purrs and gets very excited on the rare occasion when I bring out the pointer (most of time time I have lost it somewhere).

As for the harms to the eyes, I agree and that is why I don't use it much.

 

[Mars]

I understand how cats might feel that way, but on the contrary, my cat purrs and gets very excited on the rare occasion when I bring out the pointer (most of time time I have lost it somewhere).

As for the harms to the eyes, I agree and that is why I don't use it much.

Yes, the harm it may inflict on the super sensitive eye of the cat, is definitely a valid reason not to use the laser pointer.
I agree that the cat may show initial enthusiasm, and as you say, start purring, all in anticipation of the 'hunt'; but then there is never any 'kill'. I therefore feel that the cat ends up frustrated.
That is just how I feel, and why I don't use it.

 

[Ariannajono1]

It sounds like you've tried a lot of different things to engage your cat in play, but she still isn't consistently interested. It's not uncommon for cats to be picky about their toys or to lose interest quickly, so don't be too discouraged.

Here are a few additional ideas that might help:

1. Try making your own toys: Sometimes simple homemade toys like a crumpled-up piece of paper or a cardboard box can be just as engaging for a cat as store-bought toys.
2. Set up a play area: Designate a specific area in your home where your cat can play and feel safe. Add some perches, tunnels, and hiding spots to make it more interesting.
3. Rotate toys: Instead of leaving all of your cat's toys out at once, try rotating them every few days to keep things fresh and exciting.
4. Use food puzzles: Many cats enjoy playing with food puzzles, which can provide mental stimulation and encourage exercise.
5. Consider a cat tree or outdoor enclosure: If possible, consider adding a cat tree or outdoor enclosure to your home. This can provide your cat with additional opportunities to climb, play, and explore.

Remember, every cat is unique and may have different preferences when it comes to play. Keep trying different things and observe what your cat enjoys the most. With patience and persistence, you can find ways to keep your cat engaged and active.