Playing With Your Cat or Kitten Play is an essential part of a cat's life. A kitten will begin to play as young as two weeks of age. If your cat is kept indoors most of the time, then it is a good idea to provide a few cat toys for play time. Cat toys may include crumpled up bits of paper, ping pong balls (these are light and are great for a cat to swipe at with a paw), card board boxes which most cats love to hide in, bottle tops, and much much more. Be creative! Although string or wool is commonly thought of as an excellent cat toy, it can also be a danger to them if swallowed and should be kept out of reach if you are not home to supervise. You will also find some excellent cat toys at your local pet accessories store. Cats love to climb. "Scratching/Climbing posts"(sometimes called "gymnasiums") provide hours of fun where a cat may jump, sit, climb and scratch at will. There are many varieties on the market to choose from. It should be sturdy and with at least two "ledges" for your cat to climb onto and explore, or where it can sit and watch the world go by for hours if it chooses. Playtime is a fun way to bond with your cat. It may help a cat feel secure - especially if you have only recently adopted it into your home. Another benefit is for the cat who does not like to be picked up or held for too long, play offers you a way of spending quality time with your pet.