Play is a fundamental welfare indicator and behavioral need in cats. Providing appropriate play opportunities improves physical health, mental wellbeing, and human-cat bonds.
Cat play is both a welfare indicator and a welfare intervention. Regular appropriate play reduces obesity, provides mental stimulation, expresses natural predatory behavior, and strengthens the human-cat bond. The absence of appropriate play opportunity in many indoor cat environments contributes to behavioral problems and frustration that are preventable through simple daily investment in interactive play.