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Play is ubiquitous amongst many genera of animals, and cats are no exception. Domestic cat play behaviors are classified as social, locomotor, predatory, or object play (Delgado and Hecht 2019). It has been widely assumed that play is neuromuscular, social, and cognitive preparation for critical adult behaviors (Burghardt 2005). However, research of kittens raised in barren environments provided evidence that play does not seem to be a required precursor for many behaviors, particularly those like predation that are related to survival (Thomas and Schaller 1954). Early experiences can impact the timing and character of play behaviors. Genetics, sex, learning, and characteristics of the queen, litter, and target of play can alter the development of play behaviors in cats (Delgado and Hecht 2019).

Figure 2.3 Kitten object play.

Source: Reproduced with permission from M. Allison. © Meg Allison.

Social interactions begin around 2 to 3 weeks of age in kittens, and social play is apparent by 4 weeks, peaking around 9 to 14 weeks. Social play progresses from chasing and running to stalking and wrestling. Play solicitation behaviors include exposing the belly, pouncing, raising the front paws up, and side stepping (West 1974). As the kitten ages, interest switches from social partners to objects. The first instances of object play coincide with the queen’s provision of prey items to her kittens. Object play is very prevalent by 7 weeks, or the end of weaning, but does not peak until around 18 to 21 weeks of age (Mendoza and Ramirez 1987). Object play in older kittens and adults resembles predatory behaviors such as batting, scooping, pouncing, grasping and biting. Singleton kittens, those weaned early, and those under food restriction tend to display more object play (Guyot et al. 1980; Bateson and Young 1981) (see Figure 2.3).

As most cat owners can attest, object play continues into adulthood (Mendoza and Ramirez 1987). Although there are no studies documenting any long‐term benefits of play in cats, object play is frequently recommended by veterinarians and behaviorists as a tool to provide aerobic exercise and environmental enrichment to cats. Toys that mimic features of a mouse—small, furry, moving in quick motions like prey—seem to elicit the most interest and predatory play response from cats (Hall et al. 2002; Vitale Shreve and Udell 2015). Movement of an object away from the cat elicits a stronger chase reaction (Leyhausen 1979). Repeated interactions with an object can result in habituation, or a loss of interest in that item. Novelty in color, shape, and odor can reduce habituation. Hall et al. (2002) suggest toys that somehow change in shape help maintain a cat’s interest in the toy.