Wrestling not only tones their muscles and perfects their biting and clawing techniques, it also teaches social skills. Youngsters learn proper feline etiquette and how it interact with both siblings and adults, like their mother. Exuberant kittens soon realize that claws hurt and that those uninhibited bites on Mom’s tail result in a hiss and a swat.

The sideways shuffle, back arched high as they tiptoe around other kittens or objects, is used in defensive situations by adults.

Other play behavior includes the mouse pounce, bird swat, fish scoop, for your kitten to learn about objects. She discovers that a batting paw sends a ball or pencil rolling and bouncing across the floor, but that a bopped shoe just sits there. Play teaches her that a toy mouse stays put while she naps, but that a moth flutters away and hides.

Even more, play is a creative expression of your kitten’s emotions. As your kitten grows up, between play and serious business, even through the same skills are needed. Kittens and cats play because it’s just plain fun.

Interactive Play

Playing with your kitten cements the bond of love and trust between you. Those who play together stay together. In effect, your kitten looks upon you as a “supper cat,” who supplies food, grooming and fun times, just like Momma–cat did.

Kittens want something to chase and capture that can be bitten, clawed and “killed.” Your wiggling fingers are enticing, but don’t encourage hand and finger games or your kitten will inevitably get in trouble when she draws blood. Besides, what’s cute in a kitten becomes downright dangerous in a full-grown cat.

Variations of Toy

Light, easy-to-move-and-bite toys get raves from feline critics. Fishing-pole-style toys provide great interactive games. Movement that crosses her line of vision horizon-tally stimulates her chasing reaction more quickly than does movement directory away from her. Try rolling an object in front of your baby, and watch the fun. Some kittens even enjoy games of fetch.