Make Time to Play

Kali

You hear so much from the dogs that I thought it was time for me to take over our family Substack. I’m Kali, the cat who LOVES Mom. Ella was my best friend, so you probably heard about me in her book, Pawsitive Perspectives.

Mom has spent a lot of time working at her computer this week, so she just took a break to play with me for a bit. I might be almost 11 years old but still enjoy my toys. My favorite is the shoelace that Mom moves around so I can grab it, roll onto my back, and paw at it. My Uncle Scott and Aunt Anu gave me a fuzzy kicker that I enjoy. That’s not the only thing I kick. I often get a hold of the dogs’ tennis ball. I roll the ball away and pull it back to kick. Some of their other toys are great, too. I like their stuffed squeaky carrot. I also play with my brother, but sometimes he annoys me.

Now that I’m an indoor cat, playing keeps me physically active, stimulates my mind, and allows me to engage in instinctual behaviors like hunting, stalking, and pouncing. The stimulation of play prevents boredom, sharpens my brain, improves my coordination, and makes me happy.

Play is important not only for cats but also for people. Taking time to engage in play can enhance your mood and assist you in coping with stress. Playful activities benefit the brain. Play sharpens your mind and fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Regular social engagement enhances cognitive flexibility and memory.

In today’s world, where many people feel lonely, play can serve as a tool to create a sense of belonging and build a supportive network that helps mitigate feelings of isolation. The social nature of many play activities strengthens bonds between individuals by fostering empathy and trust in relationships.

While engaging in playful activities may seem frivolous or unproductive, prioritizing play can lead to a more balanced, joyful, and meaningful life. Advice from the National Institute for Play is to “Start small. Reflect on what made you happiest as a child or ask loved ones what they’ve seen you enjoy most. Embrace play not as a luxury but as a necessity and watch as it transforms your outlook on life.”

What’s your favorite way to play? I’m sure your pet would love to play with you.