![[IMAGE]](newcats.gif)
animated image (c) Kitty Roach
Cats instinctively play in order to
sharpen their hunting skills. Even adult cats need a play period every day.
![[IMAGE]](a-kitten.gif)
Cats can get all the exercise they
need in a very small space. Scheduling a daily playtime is not only good for
your cat, but theraputic for you as well!
![[IMAGE]](katyarn.gif)
Cat toys should be selected
carefully! Ribbons, strings, rubber bands, and the like should be avoided; the
cat's rough tounge prevents him from spitting it out if he starts to swallow it.
Also toys with small parts such as beads or bells that could come off are not a
good choice; they too can be a choking hazard.
![[IMAGE]](cattoy.gif)
Good cat toys include empty spools,
old socks, or wads of paper (not foil or cellophane). There are also specially
designed cat toys found at pet supply stores; these may also tickle your pet's
fancy.
However, one of the most important criteria in play for cats is near-constant
motion, so expensive toys are not really necessary. Some cats think the world's
best cat toy is a brown paper bag - they simply must climb inside and
investigate! Another great toy is an ice cube in a bowl of water!
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