Play serves critical welfare functions in cats throughout their lives, meeting predatory, cognitive, and social needs that remain unfulfilled without it.
Play in cats is not trivial entertainment but a behavioral necessity. The predatory sequence of stalk-chase-catch-kill is intrinsically rewarding and requires regular completion for welfare. Cats denied this opportunity redirect the motivation toward human ankles, other cats, or develop frustration-related aggression. Interactive play that allows completion of the full hunting sequence provides the most welfare benefit.