The Cosy Cabin offers much more opportunity for the cats to play than did the Cosy Apartment. Because Imogen doesn’t care to be too close to Brazil, any proximity between the two distracts Shimmer and shuts down Imo’s drive to play. I had to play with one in the bedroom and the other in the sitting room.
Now, I can use the red dot with both cats simultaneously, while flinging about a string-toy for the kittens. Imogen likes to chase the red dot in the kitchen and down the corridor to the bedrooms, and sometimes into the bathroom. She slides on the linoleum and spins about, which I think she likes. Brazil thumps about the carpeted sitting room, trying to squash the dot. Valkyrie and Xandria pursue the string-toy, the former often jumping high into the air; Xan’s stubby little legs can’t give her much height, but she manages to tackle the toy nonetheless.
I need to involve the others in play, too. Neville has no interest in such fun, preferring to watch disdainfully from his heated cat-bed. This I understand. But Moxy and Indigo should be more active. I wonder if Moxy has ever played, as he seems a bit fearful of toys. Indigo I worry about the most, as she appears interested in little but eating, sleeping and having some petting time with me. This pair will be receiving some special attention in the near future. And of course Sable is a ways from any kind of interaction, though I did try to interest her in the red dot. It drew no response.
But to see Brazil rush about the sitting room - whereas previously he would lie on a cat-tree and wait for a toy to come to him - and Miss Silky run and twirl in quest of the red dot, is both gratifying and entertaining to me. I think it is the same to them.
The hard part for the human is to keep each hand moving!
ReplyDeleteIt had occurred to me that it was lucky timing that you moved into a house just as you were taking on eight cats. More elbow room!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry too much about Indigo. Some cats just find that eating, sleeping, and petting is enough for a happy lifestyle.
It's wonderful to hear about how the cats are adjusting to the Cosy Cabin - especially now that they are playing and interacting with each other.
ReplyDeleteEastside cats is right. I have had to attempt that a few times. I enjoyed the great news about those who are playing and settled in. I have expectations that it will apply to all of the rest who are still a bit wary, soon.
ReplyDeleteI've forgotten Indigo's age. About 4 or 5 years? Too bad she is not more interested if bouncing about and playing. Good thing is she loves being around you and getting petted. Moxy may think only live mice are good toys, but hope you don't get any inside.
ReplyDeleteWe initially under-estimated her age, and determined a little while ago that she is about ten.
DeleteIt must feel good to have more space for you and the cats
ReplyDeleteThey are sure enjoying the new romper room!
ReplyDeletePlaytime is fun time for sure!! Sad that Indigo and Moxy don't want/know to play, too.
ReplyDeleteOur pup Dalton is like that, too. He is rarely seen with any toy, whilst Benji 'hunts' them out of the toybox. The only and rare time that Dalton plays with a toy is when Benji convinces him to have a tug of war. At least they play fight/wrassle together. No toys needed for that!
It must be entertaining to have such a disparate rate of ages amongst the cats. Perhaps Indigo has decided that her childhood is in the past? In any event, have fun with the players.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that most of them enjoy playing. Some never see the appeal of it, Eric being one. He was quite a lazy cat until he went outdoors. The only toy he played with was Scruffy Rat who later became known as Fred Bare.
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