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Home > Cats > 6 Common Signs Your Cat Wants to Play with You 

6 Common Signs Your Cat Wants to Play with You 

cat playing with owner

There’s a reason why so many people love cats; they can bond with humans well and share their love through many forms of behavior. With that said, it’s important to know what behaviors they are expressing and what they mean, especially with playfulness, which we’ll be covering in this article.

Stay tuned to see 6 common signs your cat is ready to play!

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The 6 Signs Your Cat Wants to Play With You

1. They’re Energetic

The most common sign that your cat wants to play is when they show a lot of energy. That means that your cat is climbing, scratching, jumping, and sprinting around like it’s nobody’s business. This is the perfect time to catch them during their active periods so you can take full advantage of their physical wellness. You can even try to implement a game into whatever they are already doing to make it seamless!

maine coon cat running over a gray sofa
Photo By: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

2. They Follow You Around

Have you ever noticed when your cat seems to follow your every move? It might even seem like they are stalking you, but this is all part of their game. Stalking is one of the feline’s crucial instincts in nature while they hunt for prey. Of course, they probably don’t see you as prey, but they do want to exert that primal energy outward. In reality, they’re just trying to get your attention so you can join in on the fun!

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3. Body Language and Posture

There are a few things that stand out when your cat wants to play—and we mean that literally. Be on the lookout for raised ears, a lowered tail, and dilated pupils. All of these physical behaviors display their extreme focus on something, usually what they are interested in. It might be something you’re holding or a quick movement that triggers their innate predator instincts!

toyger cat playing outdoors
Photo By: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock

4. Meowing

Another way cats communicate their desires with humans is through vocals. If you hear your cat meowing a lot and they are trying to grab your attention, they might just want to spend time with you and play! However, this could also be a sign that they want food or that they need something else. It can’t hurt to take out a toy to see if that’s one of the things they’re so excited about!


5. Their Location Says It All

If your cat is under a bed or hiding away in a hard-to-reach spot, it usually indicates that they want to have alone time. But if they’re fixated in the room that they always play in, that’s a good sign. This is especially true if they wait in an open area until you come home or walk into the room. Remember, they recognize what environments they want to use for different purposes.

cat playing hepper nest bed


6. They Physically Touch You

One of the more obvious ways that our feline friends want our attention is when they put their paws right on us! You might see them standing on their hind legs, ready to climb up your leg, or you may see them pawing and nudging at your feet and arms. There is no better explanation than that – although you might want to test to see if they just want to cuddle!

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Conclusion

Cats exhibit quite a lot of behaviors, many of which can be traced back to the instincts of their ancient ancestors. They must play with you frequently, as it shows the growth between you and your furry friend. Not only that, but it keeps both of you healthy – mentally and physically!

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Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

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