We all
think play is fun, but did you know that play can actually improve your brain?
It seems to be true for people and many other animals, including cats. We
prioritize play for our human children – and it turns out we should as research
indicates that children are happier and better adjusted if they have free play.
Would it not stand to reason that play might also benefit our cats?
Cats are
not human, of course. They cannot handle many human medications and they cannot
consume some of the foods that we do, but it seems that felines’ brains are
enough like ours that they can also benefit from play much like us.
Interestingly, there are species that are even more different from us than cats
are that also seem to reap the benefits of play, including octopuses.
Lab studies
on rats have proven that social play triggers the brain’s reward center
receptors, making one feel happy and satisfied. Those same receptors are also
triggered by certain drugs and other pleasurable experiences.
Opportunities
for active play provide both a physical and mental outlet for felines. They can
practice the physical skills they would need for survival in the wild, such as
chasing and catching prey. Practicing these skills helps your cat feel secure
in her ability to survive. Plus she is doing what comes naturally to her. These
types of games get her moving, in turn helping to reduce the risk of obesity,
which has been proven to shorten cats’ lives and heighten their risk of
debilitating diseases such as diabetes.
Any game
that lets your cat engage in her naturally inclined activities is
beneficial. It’s even better if you can
find a game or toy that uses a few of your cat’s senses. Toys that challenge
her to think are fantastic for her brain chemistry. If you can participate and
drag or roll the toy, then the game is good for both of you!
In our fast
paced world, we just don’t seem to make play a priority. It’s good for your
body and brain as well as your cat’s body and brain. If you don’t want to do it
for yourself, then do it for your cat! Go on, play!
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