A Michael Broad Blog
Cats can play fetch too! by Michael Broad We see lots of videos on the internet of cats playing fetch so it might not surprise informed cat caregivers that around 40% of cats enjoy playing fetch to varying degrees and extents. For me, the evolutionary history of the domestic dog over up to 30,000 …
The infographic summarises the four different fundamental types of kitten play in instinctive preparation for adulthood in the wild. The catch here is that adult domestic cats behave like kittens as humans keep them mentally that way and therefore, they continue to play as kittens into adulthood. We expect that but it is arguably …
It might seem rather strange to state that this article is about the reason why domestic cats and kittens play because it looks obvious: to have fun, to enjoy themselves. There must be an element of fun in play but the primary reason why kittens play, it is believed, is to develop and reinforce …
Does it surprise you that a 1986 study discovered that about 1 in 6 domestic cats play fetch instinctively without training? We tend to think of dogs playing fetch because dogs breeds were created to be working dogs and some fetch something as part of their work – game birds for instance. And dog …
This looks a bit strange – very strange perhaps – but effective. The idea comes from Rebecca Watson in her book The Cat Expert. I like the idea if you have a problem with your kitten or cat attacking your lower leg and/or ankles a lot. Wearing wellies protects them until they get out …
There are four fundamental types of domestic cat play: Play-fighting – practice for defending against predators and subduing prey. The mouse-pounce – practice in stalking small prey animals. The bird-swat – practice in attacking escaping birds by taking flight. The fish-scoop – practice in catching fish. You’ll see them during play either between kittens …
Yes, I know what you thought and what you are thinking now when you are able to see the image more clearly. When people see the photograph most of them see a black cat on fire which makes the image disturbing. But they can’t really believe it and of course they are right. It …
The Telegraph journalist who reported on a study has got the headline wrong I believe: “How to tell if your cats are fighting or playing, according to scientists”. For domestic cats – most often kittens – inter-cat play (between cats) is a form of fighting. Playing with an object is a hunting substitute. Feline …
