Cat TV with rules for cats: how to play

You'll need

• cat tree or perch in front of a window
• wand toy
• food puzzle
• a few treats

Set up

Put at least one tall cat tree in front of a window in a social area of the home, so your cat can watch outside, climb and scratch. Keep a wand toy, a food puzzle and a few treats ready for the play part.

How to play

1. 1

   Provide several cat trees, at least five or six feet tall, and place them in front of windows in social areas of the home. From up there your cat can watch outside, climb and scratch.

2. 2

   Let your cat settle on the perch and watch the outside world. This window view is the cat TV part of the game, and a high perch with a view lets your cat see who is doing what outside.

3. 3

   Watch your cat, not just the view. Some cats become distressed by activity outside, such as seeing dogs or other cats. If your cat gets agitated or upset, close the blinds during active parts of the day.

4. 4

   Pair the window with real play. Interactive toys and food puzzles work well, and playing before meals follows the hunt, then eat pattern.

5. 5

   Let your cat catch and 'kill' the toy periodically so they do not get frustrated. If you use a laser pointer, let it land on a treat, so there is always a reward and closure.

6. 6

   Keep it short. A good maximum is 20 to 25 minutes. If your cat flops or walks away, that is enough for now, even if your cat comes back for more later.

House rules

• Cat TV is not instead of play: provide interactive toys and food puzzles alongside the window perch.
• If outside activity upsets your cat, close the blinds during active parts of the day.
• Do not leave your cat alone with toys that could be shredded and eaten, or ones they can get tangled in.
• Check toys regularly for signs of wear and replace them when needed.
• Let your cat catch and 'kill' the toy periodically to stop them getting frustrated.
• If you use a laser pointer, let it land on a treat so there is a reward and closure.

Make it easier

Very short games of one to two minutes are fine. Older cats will often enjoy three or four short sessions a day rather than one long one.

Make it harder

Younger cats will be happy to play 10 times a day or more, so add short wand sessions and a food puzzle through the day. Swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting.