Why Cats Go Crazy, and How To Play With Them

I love animals. Now with that being said I have had a bad history with cats. I'd rather own a dog, but I still love all animals!!

Did you know: Feral cats go hunting up to 40 times a day, while domesticated cats sleep a lot more. When they are awake, they spend most of their time ripping up your sofa and puking under your bed. Not running around catching stuff. So they end up with a lot of pent up energy. And when they switch into crazy cat mode, it's because they need to burn some catty energy off.

But it also might mean you need to play with them more. There's actually a technique to play with them correctly. Hey... Cats are high maintenance, You knew this going in right?

Cats generally need a place to climb up high. Which is why you see this stuff for sale that allows you to build a catwalk in your home. They feel safer up higher at times and makes them feel like they are stalking that felt mouse you bought them the other day.

Also, most cats don't appreciate being pet on there belly. Dogs... Yup. Dogs are really secure in their doghood of being a predator. Cats... Its a soft weak spot they want to protect. Stick to a couple of light scatches on the head and on thier cheeks and upper shoulders where their scent glands are. When your cat rubs on you or the corner of your couch, it’s the chin and the head that make the contact. Scenting stuff makes kitty feel at home and happy.

Here are three ways you might be playing with your cat wrong:

1. Stop making it too easy. Cats want to chase something before they catch it. And it also gets their heart going, so they burn more energy.

2. Stop waving toys right in their face. Cats can't see very well inside about ten inches from their cute little noses. So that's why they sometimes lose interest if you dangle something too close to their face.

3. Make sure you let them catch it eventually. It makes them feel like they killed it, and their brain releases endorphins that make them feel happy and less likely to stalk your feet and try to kill your big toe.

[Via: Laughing Squid]