How changes in cat play behavior serve as early welfare indicators for pain, illness, and psychological distress.
Cat play behavior is a sensitive welfare indicator that owners can monitor as part of regular wellbeing assessment. Gradual reduction in play frequency is easily dismissed as normal aging but may signal chronic pain, dental disease, or early organ dysfunction. Conversely, frantic or misdirected play that involves inappropriate targets — owner ankles, other pets — often indicates frustrated predatory motivation from insufficient appropriate play outlet. Regular monitoring of play frequency, duration, and target selection provides early warning for both physical and behavioral welfare problems.