Cats have remarkable hunting instincts that may be provoked by many variables. This behavior makes them a perfect pet for playtime, as they can’t resist toys or smells that trigger their predator prowess. But sometimes, they just seem to want nothing to do with playing.
There are a myriad of possible causes for this, which is why we’ve created a list to show you what may be the culprit. Here are six reasons why your cat isn’t interested in playing with you!
The 6 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Doesn’t Play With You
1. There Could Be a Medical Problem
If your cat is usually playful, but all of a sudden wants nothing to do with their favorite activities, there could be a medical mishap. Your feline may have a health condition that causes them to be sluggish, quiet, or lethargic. This could be an infection with a fever, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory problems, a wound or pain anywhere in the body, and many more. All of these will need a veterinary check and it’s best practice to bring your cat to the vet if their behavior seems out of the ordinary.
In case of an illness, this is also often paired with changes in appetite or drinking, stool consistency, defecation or urination habits, hiding, sleeping more, limping, licking a certain area of the body more, and others. If your cat is otherwise well in themselves, with a normal appetite and drinking, without any changes in their urination or defecation, and bright and interested in their environment otherwise, without wounds or injuries, keep reading our next possible reasons.
2. Their Environment Is Stressful
One of the possible reasons your companion doesn’t want to play could be that they feel stressed, anxious, or frightened at home. This may have been caused by changes in the household, visitors, housework, excessive noise, or new family members such as a new baby or new pets. Cats will react differently to changes in their routine, and some may cope quite well, while others will need a longer adjustment period. In this case, they may hide and show less or no interest in playing. While your cat is getting used to changes in the household, ensure you support them with plenty of safe hiding spots, dedicating an area of your home where they can express their natural behaviors without being disturbed. Ensure there are plenty of resources in a multi-cat household, consider pheromone diffusers, and consult with your vet.
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3. Wrong Type of Toys
No cat is the same, and with that comes different preferences during playtime. Many cats prefer something interactive with their owners, while others only consider something they can do on their own. The simplest solution is to find out what they like; try a handful of toys to see which they favor. That may be a mouse on a string, a moving ball, or a physical playground. Once you find what they like, it’ll be much easier to find other items that they may enjoy!
Well-designed toys will keep your cat happy and engaged. For a sturdy, fun toy that will look nice in your living room, we recommend Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy! These toys are designed to look like prey and double-bagged to stand up to your cat’s sharpest claws and teeth. Plus, they’re filled with organic catnip and handmade in the USA.
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At PangoVet, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
4. Play Time Routine
In the case that your feline isn’t up for a game of cat-and-mouse, see if they change their mind during different times of the day. After all, most cats prefer to play early in the morning or late at night, being crepuscular. This can make it difficult to plan around, but if you keep a consistent schedule of when they are active, you can cater to their needs and make a plan every day during that time. If there is a clear pattern to their routine, they will be far more easygoing.
5. Patience Is Key
Although your cat may seem uninterested in the toys you offer, it could just be their instincts. Cats naturally don’t strike prey instantly; they take time before taking action. This means that it’s important to be patient and wait for them to become fixated on their ‘prey’ before giving up hope. Some people will try to wave a stick in front of their face, but that’s not exactly the best way to go and it may make them irritated. Instead, be calm and try to do things from a distance so they have to come to you.
6. They’re Tired from a Long Day
Last of all, your furry friend may be tired and out of gas. It might just be that they have already climbed around and scratched their cat tree—at this point, they will want to rest for their next day of mischief! It’s important to realize these moments so that you can steer clear of any toy antics so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Find out which time of day they have the most energy; it’ll work wonders! Keep in mind that kittens and young cats are much more playful than seniors and adjust your cat’s playtime accordingly. But, if you think your cat is more tired than usual, consider it a red flag and speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
In Conclusion
If your cat is uninterested in playing whatsoever, there is surely a problem. They are meant to unleash their predator instincts, stalking and batting toys many times throughout the day, depending on their age and lifestyle. Try our tips to see if they react differently; it could be a medical health issue or something as simple as preference. In the end, we hope these six reasons gave you a better understanding of why your cat might not be interested in playing with you!
Featured Image Credit: vubaz, Shutterstock
