Cats are excited and playful creatures by nature. If your cat isn’t playful or has lost the spark for playing, then this is a worry. In this CatsandWoofs article, we will explain why your cat is not playing and how to make them play.

Why Doesn’t My Cat Play ? 

1. Not Feeling Well: Cats are good at hiding pain and illness. If the cat has sudden changes in behavior, lethargy, or discomfort, and takes excessive rests, it may show that they are ill and less likely to play. Take them to the vet for checkups.
   
   
2. Disturbed: Cats do not like changes around them. A new environment, new member of the family, new animal, or new objects can be a reason for their disturbance and make them less playful. They need reassurance and care through positive reinforcement during this time.
   
   
3. Had a Bad Experience: It can happen when an individual hurts them or due to other things. The cat may stop playing with specific people they had a bad experience with. Cats can become frightened by loud noises, leading to them not being playful.
   
   
   
4. Got Bored: Cats are predator animals by nature. If they play without ending up with their prey or catching the toy, they can get frustrated and stop playing with you. An example is laser pointers. Cats have their personal liking for toys, and if the toys they are provided with don’t excite them, they usually get bored and start playing less.
   
   
5. Matured: Another sign of not being playful is maturity. During kitten age, cats usually play and run around the house, but over time, the excitement of the cat drastically decreases. Playing less in adulthood is a natural behavior for cats.
    
                              
   

How to Make the Cat Play? 

• Socializing the Cat: Socializing the cat from kitten age with people, objects, toys, and other animals can make the cat playful and excited for a long period of time. 
• Proper Diet and Fresh Water: Proper diet and fresh water will ensure the cat’s good health and spark for playing. 
• Regular Playtime: Regular playtime with the cats, making it a routine, is a great way to exercise and give them a sense of accomplishment. 
• Giving Treats: Treat giving can be done after the cat achieves something or has a good session of playing. This will enrich their mood and encourage them to play with you. 
• Provide the Cat with Interactive Toys: Provide the cat with interactive toys. 
  
• Loving and Caring: Loving and caring is the best way to build a strong bond with the cat and maximize their good mental health and playing behavior. 
  
  

Playing with your cat can boost their confidence and strengthen the bond between you. It also helps them develop territorial behavior and a sense of ownership. Some cats might be less playful due to their innate nature, and this isn’t something to worry about. The type and duration of play can vary from one cat to another, so it’s important to find what works best for your cat’s personality.