Do Cats Play Fetch – Playing With Your Cat

Cats love small toys, whether they are balls or tiny stuffed mice. If you throw those toys for your cat, you might even be surprised if your cat brings it back! You may have thought only dogs did that. Therefore, you ask yourself this: do cats play fetch?

Cats can play fetch. Most cats don’t naturally know how to play fetch, but you can teach most cats how to play fetch. 

A cat that loves to play will love to play fetch. It will take time to teach your cat, but it’s not rare or impossible for cats to play fetch. Continue reading to learn more about this uncommon habit that some cats have. 

Is It Rare For Cats To Play Fetch

It is not rare for a playful cat to play fetch with you.

Many people equate fetch with dogs, but cats can play fetch too. It may be slightly more uncommon than with dogs, but it can happen! 

Cats who like to play may play fetch with you when you throw crinkle balls or even a piece of ribbon. Your cat is less likely to bring it back to you when you call, but your cat will bring it closer to you to throw again. 

Your lazy cat won’t bring his toys back to you, but your playful kitten will always be ready for a more extended play session. You might be shocked to see it happen the first time, but your cat will keep playing if you keep throwing! 

What Percentage Of Cats Play Fetch

Since playing fetch is a learned behavior for cats, it isn’t easy to estimate what percentage of cats play fetch.

While people may think that some cats are predisposed to playing fetch, that is not true at all. You can teach your cat to play fetch, which means you cannot estimate how many cats play fetch. Plus, some cats may play fetch all the time while other cats play fetch once in a while.

If you want to think in terms of percentage, expect that number to be relatively low. Not all cats play fetch, and it is not common that all cats play fetch at all. One can estimate that the number would be less than 50%, though there is no scientific evidence to back that up. 

What Kind Of Cat Plays Fetch

Any cat can play fetch, but certain kinds of cats have a better chance of playing fetch with you.

• Young cats, like kittens
• Active cats, no matter their age
• Lonely cats that may be willing to play with you whenever they can
• Certain cat breeds that are more active than others

Don’t think that your chubby, senior cat will immediately start chasing after balls. Even older cats can have a playful streak.

Almost every cat I’ve come across enjoy playing, so you need to find your cat’s favorite toy. Throwing your cat’s favorite toy will increase the chances of your cat responding to fetch.

Do Siamese Cats Play Fetch

Siamese cats do play fetch more often than other cat breeds.

What comes to mind when you think of Siamese cats? A few things, maybe. Did you picture a cat that is active and clever?

Since playing fetch is an activity that you usually need to teach your cat, Siamese cats are great candidates for picking up the game. They’re smart, and they like to play – what better combination could there be? 

If you’re looking to adopt a new cat and know that playing fetch is a requirement for your new furry friend, consider adopting a Siamese cat. 

Why Is My Cat Obsessed With Playing Fetch

Much like a dog, your cat is obsessed with playing fetch because it makes the play session last longer.

Your cat knows how long you’ll play with him. If you’re the type of cat owner that throws a ball and walks away while your cat throws it around, the session will only last as long as your cat’s attention with that toy.

When your cat starts playing fetch with you, he’s relying on you to keep throwing the ball to different corners of the room so he can continue running after it. 

It can quickly become an obsession for your cat if he likes to play. You’ll only be able to stop when he’s done too! 

Can You Train A Cat To Play Fetch

You can train a cat to play fetch.

As we’ve already mentioned, cats can be taught like dogs. If you do something enough times around a cat, most cats will come to expect it. 

Some people believe that cats cannot learn any tricks as dogs can, but that is not true. It might take a cat longer to learn tricks like playing fetch, but it is not impossible to do.

Don’t stop at playing fetch either. Find your cat’s favorite treats, and you may be able to teach your cat to sit, give paw, and even lay down.  

How To Teach A Cat To Fetch

Teaching a cat to play fetch is a simple process, though it may take a while for your cat to pick it up. 

There are many ways that you can teach your cat to play fetch. To make it simpler, let’s break it down into a few easy steps:

1. Find your cat’s favorite ball. Crinkle toys will most likely be your best bet.
2. Throw your cat’s ball. Make sure that you have your cat’s full attention.
3. Call your cat when he begins to play. 
4. If your cat does not bring the ball with him when he comes, grab the ball and throw it again. This will show your cat that giving the ball back to you means he will chase it again. 

Your cat won’t learn on the first attempt. Keep trying. Don’t give up if your cat doesn’t understand what you’re doing on the first few tries. 

Things To Consider

Since we’ve been talking about playing fetch this whole time, let’s talk about some great toys to choose to play fetch with your cat. 

Balls

If you’ve ever walked down the toy aisle in any pet store, you’ll know that there are dozens of kinds of options with something as simple as a ball.

Choose balls that are light and that your cat can easily pick up. Many cats like ping pong balls, but your cat can’t easily carry them back to you.

Pick these instead:

• Crinkle balls
• Fabric balls with stuffing inside
• Foam balls

String And Ribbon

Some cats will play fetch with toys like strings and ribbons.

You won’t be able to throw strings and ribbons as far as balls, but these toys will flutter to the ground that will attract your cat’s attention. 

Your cat will also be able to easily drag strings and ribbons around the house before bringing it back.

Mice And Other Stuffed Toys

Any stuffed toys, mouse-shaped or otherwise, are also great throwing toys.

Your cats will usually find a stuffed toy that they love. You may find your cat carrying these toys around on a typical day.

Stuffed toys for cats are usually small, soft, and light. This means that your cat can bite onto the toy to pick it up and carry it with him because it isn’t heavy. 

Some companies may try to market “fetch toys” for cats to you. While these toys may be better for cats, they aren’t your only choice. If you want to play fetch with your cat, you’ll need to find the toy that your cat likes best. 

Happy playing!