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Training for smart moggies

Play makes you smart –- particularly when the type of activity addresses the grey matter first and foremost. Our velvet-pawed friends like to be challenged on a regular basis; not just physically by chasing after little balls and pretend mice, but also mentally. A great way to motivate Felix to thoughtful and deliberated action is with intelligence games. Give it a try!

Intelligence games, also called interactive toys, mainly consist of untreated wood. These have been available for dogs for some time now, but clever cats can also get a kick out of this form of meaningful activity. The prerequisite is that Felix loves treats and is willing to stretch himself to earn them. You’ll need your pet's favourite treats and an intelligence game. This might consist of a wooden board with several recesses to fill with treats. These recesses are then loosely closed off with wooden balls. Felix now has the task of despatching the ball with its paw in order to get at the tasty reward. That will challenge and stimulates him in every sense!

Don't despair if it doesn't work first time. Some little tigers need a bit of time to suss out the system. You should always play together with your cat. Afterwards, the game should be put away so that moggie can't accidentally choke on the small parts. Guide your pet and demonstrate how it works the first time by rolling a ball to the side and letting the treat out of the recess. After watching, “learning by doing” is the order of the day and Felix can have a go himself.

For those who don't know if their cat will enjoy this form of activity, try it out first with three empty yoghurt pots. Place something really enticing under each one after first showing it to your pet. Now your moggie has to make an effort and nudge the pot to get at the reward. You could also use empty film containers, if you still have some. There's no limit to the imagination! Some cat owners demonstrate their immense creativity by building complete “facilities” using tubes, planks with slots and other refinements from which the cat can retrieve the treats with its paw. This will keep Felix on his toes and not only physically fit, but mentally, too!