WHY DO CATS PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD? Satisfy Your Pet’s Yen to Hunt
It may be difficult to imagine your friendly household kitty as a wild predator that stalks, throws, and swats at prey before eating it. But your cat’s wild roots are the reason they play with their food. This instinctive predatory behavior is motivated by a variety of factors. Your cat may be mimicking the stalking behavior of their wild forebears by batting at their food, or they may be looking to have a little fun. Just like human children, some cats allay their boredom by playing with their lunch. In an amusing example late last year, a nurse living in England caught her cat on video bringing a live mouse into her house and setting it down beside the cat’s food bowl, where the mouse proceeded to gobble down its kibbles. This behavior may be a sign that your pet could benefit from more mental stimulation and exercise. Give them opportunities to pounce, chase, and stalk things that move using lasers or fishing pole toys. Puzzle feeders or timed treat dispensers also can add a little spice to your cat’s meals. Engage in interactive play around dawn and dusk, when cats tend to be most active. Two play sessions of 10–15 minutes should be enough for most mature cats. Consider getting a secure harness and leash for your cat and training them to walk with you outside. Or, if you have the
resources to create a catio, time spent outdoors can provide the natural stimulation your pet is seeking. In a related behavior, your cat may bring home a dead
mouse, spider, or squirrel to eat or store it on its home turf, where it feels safe. This behavior is so natural that it is difficult to prevent. You can hamper their hunting behavior, however, by having them wear a collar with a bell or keeping them inside at prime hunting times. A cautionary note: If your pet is playing with food instead of eating it and loses a significant amount of weight, set an appointment with your vet to check for health problems. Assuming your cat’s health and appetite are good, playtimes can help you get to know your pet better and form a deeper, more loving bond. So, the next time your little predator starts throwing kibbles, consider it an invitation for some fun!
N ePwo lSi cCi eVs C
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Clients Spreading the Word
Jamie Condron Taya Jae Ruth White Jake Dahlman
• At the time of scheduling a
dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need
to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded. • Due to the increasing cost of
credit card processing, there is now a 3% service charge added to all clinic services and products. If paying with cash, check, or PIN debit, there is no charge.
We Reward Referrals!
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator