How Kittens Play

Once a kitten has grown beyond the infant phase, after three to six weeks, and begins imitating adult cat behavior, the eye/paw coordination begins developing. Kittens will attempt climbing and jumping during this time but require supervision, because complex motor skills will not fully blossom for at least another few weeks.

  1. Object Play

    • Kittens play with random objects as a natural means of honing their predatory skills. At this phase, kittens view everything as a toy, from stuffed animals and draperies to ping pong balls and dust bunnies, and will bat them around instinctually.

    Locomotory Play

    • Locomotory play involves any activity in which the kitten is in motion. This includes lying on its back and swatting at the air, jumping from chair to chair or shuffling sideways across the room with an arched back in a seemingly maniacal movement. Kittens in a locomotory play state of mind may act alone or with other kittens and humans. During this sort of play, kittens require close supervision to prevent injury.

    Climbing

    • Climbing and other physical challenges promote the evolution of self-assuredness in a kitten. A playground composed of inclines, mazes, tunnels and see-saws, all of different textures, help build confidence while releasing energy that may otherwise be redirected into destructive behavior.

    Social Play

    • Kittens form social relationships quite readily during their first two months. Exposing kittens to men, women and children of all ages helps them grow into confident adult cats. Social play continues to peak through the third and fourth months of life, though it may be inhibited by a mother cat who is not well adjusted to people.

    Play Fighting

    • Play fighting is another form of social interaction but must be closely monitored to prevent serious confrontations. Stalking, pouncing, pawing, biting and other predatory patterns increase around the third month. Kittens removed from their litter before reaching this age may act out toward their caregivers. Providing appropriate toys to accept this type of activity helps redirect the kitten's attention away from other objects or living creatures.