Whether they love chasing after teaser toys or bunny-kicking a plushie, every feline has their own style of cat play – but what does each one really say about them?
It all links back to their natural hunting instincts, which is why it’s so important to provide them with the best cat toys to help them to express those urges. Cat play is also essential for keeping them fit, healthy, and entertained (and it can also help to strengthen your bond together!)
Below, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan reveals the five styles of play you need to know and what they mean about your cat. With more than a decade and a half of experience as a vet, she’s here to answer all your play-related questions.
What are the different types of cat play?
Stalking: “[This behavior] can often be seen during play, where your cat has a flattened body position and slow creeping movements. This would have been essential when sneaking up on prey to make a successful catch.”
Bunny kicks: “[These] are also instinctual. Many cats will lie on their side, hold onto something with their front paws, and then kick or scratch at something with their hind paws. This same movement can be seen in wild cats attacking their prey, or during fights with other cats. While it sounds cute, bunny kicks can be both a self-defense and attack move.”
Pouncing and chasing: “[These] are the most common types of cat play. This is driven by the urge to catch things that would be essential to their survival in the wild.”
Gentle tapping or batting: “[This] allows your inquisitive cat to tentatively explore an object without fully committing. But it could also be a sign that your cat isn’t feeling particularly high energy at the moment!”
Hide and seek: “Some cats will also engage in a bit of hide and seek. In the wild, this would not only allow your cat to sneak up and pounce on their prey, but it would also keep them safe from being attacked themselves. Hiding allows your cat to feel more secure and it would have been a protective mechanism for them.”
Why is cat play important?
1. Cat play boosts physical health
Just like we humans need to keep moving to stay fit and healthy, the same is true for our feline friends who can easily pack on the pounds and develop health issues if they're not getting enough activity into their day. That'
This is particularly a problem for indoor cats, who tend to live more sedentary lifestyles and don't clock up anywhere near as many steps as their outdoor siblings. Regular play sessions will keep your little one fighting fit and because they're engaged in an activity and not bored, playtime can also help prevent over-eating.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Play is an important part of staying physically healthy. Young kittens learn fine motor control, balance, and coordination through play. Older cats need play to remain physically fit, especially if they don’t go outdoors much and don’t rely on hunting for survival. Play will help your cat maintain their muscle mass, reduce their risk of weight gain, and keep their heart and digestive system healthy."
2. Play can strengthen your bond
If you're wanting to strengthen your bond with your kitty and spend some extra quality time together, play is an ideal way to do that. Toys give you a really great opportunity to interact with your feline friend on a deeper level and this daily ritual of spending 15-20 minutes having fun together can help you grow closer.
It's an especially great idea if you have a kitty who isn't all that cuddly and doesn't really like spending time on your lap as this will help you to engage with them in a way that they feel comfortable with.
Dr. MacMillan says: "There are many ways that you can strengthen your bond with a pet, including play. Play is a great way of having multiple positive interactions with your cat, where you can both enjoy being in each other’s company. Your cat will actively start seeking you out if they enjoy being around you."
3. Play socializes cats
Not only is cat play a great way of providing your kitty with the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive, it can also help to make them better behaved. If you have a feline friend who is constantly trying to climb up the curtains, uses your couch as a scratching post, or deliberately tries to knock your belongings off of shelves and cabinets, scheduling in regular play sessions can be a great way of putting a stop to this.
Often, these unwelcome behaviors aren't a result of your kitty deliberately trying to upset you but are more their way of communicating to you that they're bored. Cats will get very creative when their needs aren't being met and are more than happy to make up their own fun, so by engaging them in regular play sessions you're helping them to learn what's appropriate and what's not.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Play will increase the chances of living with a sociable cat. In my experience, a cat that plays is much less likely to suffer from anxiety or lack of stimulation which can lead to undesirable behaviors. More play sessions are one of the things I recommend if there are tensions between cats in a multi-cat household or if your cat is prone to getting into mischief through boredom."
4. Cat play is fun
It’s easy to focus on the sensible benefits of cat play, but don’t forget that cat play is fun for you too. Watching your cat backflip if they’re surprised by a teaser or charge after a laser dot, is pretty funny, and can be beneficial to your mental health as much as the cat.
While we’d never recommend exploiting your cat for silly videos, it can be fun to play and record your cat, to share with friends and family. There’s a reason cat videos are among the most watched footage on the internet.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Play is great fun for cats, but also for owners too. One of life’s great joys is watching your cat zooming around after a favorite toy. Play can be a great way for you both to de-stress."
5. Indoor cats need play
Learning how to entertain indoor cats is more important than it is for outdoor cats, who are able to roam about and find plenty of things in nature that they can chase and interact with. For indoor cats, they're pretty reliant on us to come up with ways to engage their minds and bodies - thankfully, the huge array of cat toys available on the market these days tick both those boxes nicely.
We recommend you invest in a selection of toys, including flapping fish, laser pointers, catnip toys, puzzle toys and wands. The best automated cat toys are also well worth the money as these switch themselves on and off and are a great way of keeping your kitty amused when you don't have the time to play. Encouraging your feline friend to engage with a range of toys will help satisfy all their different instincts and help ward off boredom and relieve stress and anxiety in cats.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Indoor cats lead a more sedentary lifestyle than cats that go outdoors. This can lead to issues like weight gain, poor digestion, urinary problems, and behavioral issues. Cats need to be stimulated both mentally and physically, which play sessions can help with. So, make sure to spend some extra time on play if you have an indoor kitty and invest in a variety of different interactive toys to keep things fresh."
6. Play comforts cats
Cats are incredibly sensitive creatures and any changes in their environment can cause them to feel stressed and anxious. While big changes, such as moving house, are obvious examples, even seemingly small changes, like moving their litter box or changing their feeding time, can cause them to feel out of sorts.
Not only is play extremely comforting for cats, but if you schedule it at a regular time each day, you'll help create a routine for them and a sense of certainty and predictability, two things that our feline friends greatly appreciate. If you notice your cat has suddenly become withdrawn or seems to be hiding themselves away, try bringing out a few toys and seeing if you can get them to interact.
Dr. MacMillan says: "Some owners make play sessions a regular part of their day. If your cat learns when they are likely to get a play session, this can be of great comfort to them. Many animals thrive on routine and feel more secure when they know what to expect from their day. Play and exercise also help to release feel-good endorphins, which will make your cat feel more relaxed afterward."
If your cat wants to play all the time, this feature explains why. You might also want to find out why your cat watches TV. Does your cat play with yarn? Here’s why it’s not a good idea.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This page was last updated on February 25 2025 by Megan Milstead.
