Scientists in California are hoping to learn more about cat playtime and are asking for cat parents to help them.
On August 17, 2024, Gizmodo shared the study details from researchers at UC Davis. Here's what you need to know.
According to the publication, researchers at the Animal Welfare Epidemiology Lab at the University of California, Davis, are conducting a study and need help from cat parents.
Related: New Study About Co-Sleeping With Dogs and Cats Has Surprising Findings
The study, which aims to learn more about how cats play, is divided into two parts. The first part requires people to send videos of themselves playing with their cats.
"People will simply be asked to send in a two-minute video of them playing with their cat the way they typically would (any videos shared with other researchers or the public will be edited to only show the cat and their toy if needed)," Gizmodo explains.
In the second phase, which will come later, participants will be sent the same "standard" cat toy and given instructions on how to move the toy in front of their cat.
Researchers really hope to learn more about how cat owners interact with their cats during their typical, normal play time and compare how that differs when cats play with a specific toy in a specific way. They're also hoping to help break some misconceptions about cats in general.
"The main purpose of this study is to explore what kind of behaviors are exhibited by cats and their caretakers when they engage in interactive play and how individual cats differ in their playfulness," the study form explains.
"There are no direct benefits to participating in this survey. However, anyone who provides their email in this survey will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win 1 of 3 $50 Amazon gift cards," the study survey states. "All participants who complete Phase 1 (Normal Play) will also receive a cat toy to use during Phase 2 (Playfulness Test)."
How Often Should You Play With Your Cat?
Cats do need daily playtime, and although they're often able to take care of themselves most of the time, playtime is good for them , and it's good for bonding.
According to PetMD, you should play with your cat several times a day, but the playtime should be relatively short.
The site explains, "In general, you should play with your cat for two or three 10—to 15-minute play sessions a day, depending on their age and energy level."
"A few short bursts of playtime throughout the day are better than one long session of playtime. When play sessions last too long, cats lose interest."
There are many cat toy options that they can play with by themselves, but having toys you can play with together is good for your bond. These include laser pointers, wand toys, and feather teasers.
Playtime is important for their mental health. Too little playtime can lead to less-than-desirable behaviors like being more vocal, extra grumpy, excessive scratching, and other destructive behaviors.
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