Feral Trio: Play

Play is a great way to give a scared cat a positive association with you. The first time I try playing with a scared cat, I'll usually use a laser pointer as this will allow a cat to interact with me at a safe distance. I always finish our play session with a treat so that the cat "catches" its prey. Then I transition to rope-like toys, as those seem less threatening to scared cats than feather toys. Because play is not a necessity, cats don't have to play if they don't want to, so it's a sign of progress when they begin to play with toys in your presence and especially with you.

[@pawwalker3492]

I love that you give cats a treat when they "catch" the laser.
I wonder how many people don't realize the frustration cats feel when they lose all the time

[@AllisonHelpsCatsLLC]

I've talked to many people who don't realize the downside to a laser. There are also a lot of people who do and for that reason won't use it. I don't recommend it for a social cat; just for scared cats.

[@pawwalker3492]

@@AllisonHelpsCatsLLC - our cats are pretty social and very much like to chase that Red Dot!
Of course, they catch that prey-treat every few minutes.
Good for scared cats. I have to remember that.

[@AllisonHelpsCatsLLC]

@@pawwalker3492, how old are your cats and do your cats like other toys? There's so many types--turbo tracks, battery-operated, forage boxes, wand toys, and tunnels. A variety is good.

[@pawwalker3492]

@@AllisonHelpsCatsLLC - right now we have Mom Kewpie, who's 12 YO.
Her kitten/cats Buddy and Amazing Gracie - my Diabetic Alert Cat, untrained. They just turned 10 April 1st.
We have a few butterfly toys that flutter on a small wire. A few Cat Tracks. Lots of crumpled paper balls 😸
We interact with feathered fishing poles. Buddy loves to fetch little micies. Gracie like to forage for her kibbles.
So far, so good? We are fostering a senior deaf cat who's a bit reticent about playing.
Grizz was a street cat for ten years, and totally abandoned by his family five years ago. Took him in Dec 23rd.
We had a cold snap where temps went into the negative. I couldn't stand to see him be outside anymore.
The vet said he didn't have long to go, so we wanted him to be at peace, and warm, and cared for.
He put on some weight, and has come around a bit. He looks sad all the time. But he's still with us!
And he can be here as long as he's around. He does have a nice little catio to enjoy the Great Outdoors.
I'll get an auto-turbo track. Maybe that'll brighten his day, and life. he's really a very sweet guy.