Cat - Inappropriate Play

My cat's play is starting to lead to injuries. What can be done?

Although play is usually considered in connection with kittens, adult cats will also indulge in playful behaviours. In some cases, play can include a number of components of the cat's predatory behaviour including the stalk, pounce, and bite, which can lead to problems if this is directed at people. Under stimulation, an excess of energy, a lack of appropriate play training and lack of appropriate opportunities for play can ALL lead to aggressive responses which inadvertently lead to injuries to people.

Cat play is best stimulated by moving objects that can be stalked, chased, swatted, or pounced upon. The provision of ample opportunities for independent play aids in stimulating natural play behaviour and also reducing inappropriate play with owners. You will also need to anticipate your cat's desire to play and initiate interactive play sessions with appropriate toys. Successful interactive toys include wiggling ropes, wands, dangling toys, and those that are thrown or rolled for your cat to chase.

For self-initiated play your cat can be provided with toys that roll such as Ping-Pong balls, toys that dangle, battery-operated and spring-mounted toys and toys attached to scratching posts. For cats that enjoy exploration, climbing and perching needs to be encouraged and hiding treats in various locations stimulates searching behaviour and may encourage climbing. Catnip toys and toys with food or treats that can be obtained by scratching or manipulation also help to stimulate self directed play and exploration.

Cats with a strong desire for social play may benefit from the addition of a second kitten to act as a playmate but generally it is more successful to take on a sibling pair at the beginning than it is to introduce a second cat at a later date. This is due to the fact that most cats have very limited ability to tolerate the close proximity of strangers. More information regarding this is included in the handout on introducing a new cat.

How can I tell if play is about to become aggressive?

Often it is possible to see a change in your cat’s behaviour that will signal to you that the play session is getting out of control. The first sign may be intense movement of the tail from side to side. The ears may go back and the pupils, the dark part of the eye, may become larger. At this point it is best to end the play session before your cat becomes too agitated.

What should I do if my cat becomes aggressive during play?

Wherever possible ignoring your cat, or perhaps even walking out of the room, will teach your cat that there will be no interaction or reward when play becomes too intense and highly aroused.

Since aggression in play is associated with high levels of emotional arousal any punitive intervention which increases your cat’s level of arousal should be avoided. All physical punishment must be avoided! Firstly, pain can cause aggression and if you hit your cat, you may increase the level of arousal and thereby the level of aggressive behaviour. Secondly, painful punishment may cause problems of fear and owner avoidance and thirdly, attempts to correct the playful aggression with physical contact may actually serve to reward the behaviour.

What should I do about my cat that hides, stalks or jumps out at family members and me?

A familiar component of aggressive behaviour which may be associated with play is hiding and dashing out and attacking people as they walk by. Often the kitten or cat waits around corners or under furniture until someone approaches. This can be a difficult problem.

It is helpful to keep a diary of attacks in order to establish if there is any pattern to the behaviour. It is also beneficial to know where your cat is and an approved cat collar (one that has a quick release catch or is elastic) with a large bell on it is helpful. If your cat always attacks from the same location, you can be ready, anticipate the attack and become pre-emptive. As you prepare to walk by the area, toss a small toy to divert your cat to an appropriate play object. At the same time prepare yourself with protective clothing such as thick socks, boots, and gloves so that if your cat should attack you can stand absolutely still and not react. Removing the reward of a retreating victim can go a long way toward bringing this sort of behaviour under control.

Is there a way to prevent this behaviour?

Preventing this sort of behaviour involves providing ample outlets and opportunities for appropriate play, offering owner controlled play sessions and generally ensuring that your cat has adequate stimulation and exercise.

If your cat does not seem to be interested in play sessions, try other toys. Some cats prefer small, light toys that are easy to manipulate. Others prefer balls or small stuffed toys but always make sure the toys are safe and not small enough to be swallowed. Provide play sessions when your cat seems interested and avoid sessions at all other times. For example, if your cat seems to be interested in night time play, try to circumvent problems by offering play at approximately the same time that your cat would begin. It can also be helpful to try to keep up your cat's interest in the toys. This can be accomplished by a daily rotation of toys so that your cat is presented with a few new items daily. Pick up all the toys and place them in a box or basket out of your cat's reach. Every day take out a few toys, or a bag or box and set them out for your cat to play with. Set aside some time for interactive play with you as well.

Cats can be trained to do a number of tricks which for totally indoor cats can provide an excellent way to stimulate your cat, to interact with your cat in a positive way and to gain some verbal control over your cat. Using a few choice food titbits as rewards, most cats can be taught to sit, come, fetch, or 'give 5'.