Do Cats Play Fetch? The Surprising Answer
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Cats can be a ton of fun, but dog lovers, they are often seen as less interesting or interactive than their canine counterparts. Cat lovers know that could not be further from the truth, though!
Cats are curious and playful animals that love to play with a variety of toys. Many cats can even be trained to perform tricks and play games. One of the games that dog lovers might want to know a cat would play with them is fetch. But cats do not play fetch…do they? Some cats will play fetch!
Do Cats Play Fetch?
Some cats absolutely will play fetch with you! This is a pretty variable thing, so not all cats will agree to participate in this game. Most cats can understand the concept of playing fetch, but some simply will not have an interest in this type of game.
Some breeds of cats are known to not only enjoy fetch but also have a natural understanding of how the game works, like the active and dog-like Bengal. Fetch does not come naturally to all cats, though. Some cats may have to be taught how to play the game. Because not all cats are eager to please, it may take time to fully train your cat to participate in this game. It is also possible that you have a cat that simply will not play fetch, no matter how hard you try.
How Can I Train My Cat to Play Fetch?
If your cat is fully or partially one of the breeds that are known to naturally love to fetch, like Bengals, Siamese, and Maine Coons, then you may only have to throw a toy from time to time and wait to see if they pick up on the concept of the game. If fetch does not seem to come naturally to your cat, then there are techniques you can try to encourage your cat to fetch.
Clicker training is often recommended for training your cat to play fetch. Delicious treats that you can instantly reward your cat with when they perform a task correctly are a great way to get and keep your cat’s attention and interest in the game. Your training will start with getting your cat interested in the fetch toy; then, you will move on to getting your cat to open their mouth for the toy or put it in their mouth. Continue to work through the steps of the fetch game until your cat masters the game.
If your cat needs a great toy to get the playing started, we recommend our Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. These sturdy, dual-layer sticks are hand-made in the USA and filled with 100% organic catnip. Choose from a fun range of pastel colors and give your cat hours of playtime!
In Conclusion
Some cats may naturally know how to fetch, but it is not a game that most cats are naturally going to participate in. You may have to train your cat to play. If you have a high-energy or curious cat or a cat that loves to hunt, then fetch is likely to be well received by your cat, although some training may be necessary to master the game. Do not be discouraged if it is taking time to teach your cat how to play fetch. This is not a game that most cats will learn in a couple of days. Be prepared to spend a little bit of time every day working on the game.
Featured Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock
