Usually playful, your little companion is suddenly ignoring their cat tree, favorite plush toy, or fishing rod. Don’t worry—it’s not uncommon for our cats to go through phases where they play less. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, you might be able to help.
Play in our cats
Play sessions for our beloved companions are largely driven by their hunting instinct. From a very young age, kittens create hunting scenarios: little paw swipes, climbing attempts on siblings, clumsy bites... Through play, young hunters learn that in the wild, prey moves, struggles, and escapes. Solo play is crucial for cats—it acts as a substitute for predatory activity, especially for indoor cats.
My cat doesn’t play—is it serious?
Several factors can lead to a decrease in playtime for our cats.
A health problem
If you notice a significant change in your cat’s behavior, and they suddenly stop playing, it could be a sign of a health issue. Sudden inactivity might indicate pain or illness. In this case, it’s best to consult a vet to ensure it’s not a medical problem but rather behavioral.
That said, as cats age, they tend to sleep more and may feel less like playing.
A stressful event
Moving to a new home, the arrival of a baby or another pet, or a stay at the vet—many events can upset our cats. Your cat may show signs of stress: they stop playing, start hiding, or develop destructive behaviors like scratching or soiling.
Lack of stimulation
Cats are big sleepers! They sleep between 13 and 16 hours a day—lucky them! But if your cat seems unusually lethargic, something may be wrong. Cats lacking physical and mental stimulation may display unusual behaviors: they stop playing, sleep more, overgroom, or scratch the couch...
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