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Behavior and interaction: Playtime
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Kittens At Play – A Time To Develop Their Potential

Mentor Q&A

What is the best way to play with my kitten?

Is it true we should not let our kittens around catnip? How old should they be before having it around?

My 10-month-old kittens insist on shredding any kind of paper. Why are they doing this and how can I stop it?

I've always wondered why kittens will occasionally take that classic 'halloween cat' stance - arched back, hair on end, sideways walk – while playing. It seems a kind of mock defense, trying to appear larger than they are and they seem to outgrow the behavior.

Our 5-1/2 month old kitten has a wonderful disposition. She has one habit we don't understand. She'll run over to a doorframe and jump straight up. She can now jump higher than the doorknob. She does it several times. It's quite funny but why does she do it?

What ways to kittens like to be played with?

What kind of toy can my kitten play with?

Can cats play with feathers?

Our 7-month-old male cat is very wild. He runs full force and jumps on everything. Why?

Why does my kitten (or cat) put her toys in the water dish?

I would like to know how long kitten play lasts?

Why is my kitten so wild?

My 9-month old kitten puts his toy mice in his food bowl. Why? Sometimes 2 or 3 at a time.

What is it about used Q-tips that my kitten likes? We certainly don't encourage this behavior, but inevitably he gets hold of them – perhaps sneaking into the bathroom during the middle of the night - and he eats off the cotton tips and uses the paper sticks as "chew toys"!

How much time do you need to play with a kitten?

My kitten knocks everything off the counter or table...its not like he is interested in it but just wants to knock it down. Is this normal?

My 9-month-old kitten is fairly normal, but occasionally will fly through the room, climb furniture, jump on the counters, etc. This behavior only lasts a couple of minutes, then he returns to being our "normal" loving kitten. I'm just curious as to what causes these outbursts of energy?

My kitten (about 8 mo. old) jumps into our bathroom sink and runs with his front paws, like he is exercising and his back paws stand still. His ears go back and he purrs loud while doing it. He does it almost every day and does it for a couple minutes. And then he lies down in the sink when he is done. It is really kind of cute and funny. Any idea why he might be doing this?

How can I get my kitten (Chloe) to play with my six-month-old, but not use her claws when they're playing together?

Is it safe for kittens to play with string?

Is it safe to let your kitten have tinfoil?

Often when my 8-week-old kitten is playing with my hands, she has her back arched with her hair standing on end. Her claws are out and she sidewinds. Is this normal? What does this mean?

We have two 6 mo. old kittens that love to go outside to play after dark. They run from side to side of the yard and will occasionally go across the street. Neither one is interested in going beyond the garage during the day. Why don't they enjoy going out to play as much during the day?

There was an answer to a question about how much time you should spend playing with your kitten and the answer was two play sessions. How long should these play sessions last?

I have a one-year-old male red point Siamese kitten/cat. He is extremely healthy & playful. However, he only likes to play with those little fur mice or other fur-covered toys (rather than balls or feathers). He usually plays with them until they are completely shredded (in under one day), and then eats the pieces of fur. I am pretty sure that this isn't too good for him, but hate to take away his favorite play toys. Our vet said it was "hunting behavior" but that he shouldn't be eating the toys. Any thoughts?

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