Cats and their instincts: Why playing is so important

Cats are natural-born hunters and players. It is their innate hunting instinct that lets them play for hours with a piece of string or a darting mouse. But how can we as cat owners encourage these instincts and keep our furry friends happy and healthy? We'll give you a few tips on how to support your cat's natural hunting and play behaviour. 

Why is play behaviour important for cats? 

Play is not only an entertaining activity for cats, but also a way to sharpen their hunting skills and stay physically and mentally active. It helps them to reduce stress and can even help to reduce unwanted behaviour such as excessive scratching or restlessness. 

Natural materials for cat toys

Wool felt is a great material for encouraging your cat's hunting and play behaviour. It is soft, easy to grab and has a pleasant texture that cats love. It also has a natural smell that is magically attractive to cats.  
We also like to rely on wool felt, as it is a natural, pollutant-free material. The natural nature of wool felt makes it attractive and safe for cats to play with. 
Whether colourful, minimalist or in fish shape: HIER you're guaranteed to find the right wool-felt toy for you. 

Lick mats for cats 

Lick mats are an innovative way to encourage your cat's play behaviour while also controlling their food intake. These mats feature small raised grooves in which you can hide catnip, pastes or even frozen treats. Your cat will be busy licking the treats out for quite a while, sharpening their senses and fine motor skills at the same time.  

Catnip: the magic herb 

Catnip is another tool for stimulating your cat's play behaviour. The herb often triggers euphoric behaviour and can put your cat in a playful mood. You can use catnip in toys like the MINT BALL or sprinkle it on the floor so your cat can romp about. 
We explain the effect of catnip in detail HIER. 

Interactive play 

Cats love interactive toys that appeal to their hunting instincts. Strings with a toy at the end, like the KNOT BALL are great for motivating your cat to play. Interactive play can also strengthen your bond and bring you even closer together. 

Encouraging your cat's natural hunting and play behaviour is crucial for their physical and mental health. By using natural materials like wool felt, lick mats and catnip, along with interactive toys, you can make sure your cat is happy, active and content. Give your furry friend the joy of play and let their natural instincts come alive! 🐾🐭🎾