Questions tagged [play]
Play between pets and pets and their owners. Solutions to encourage healthy play time for pets, what is normal and how to curb destructive play habits.
122 questions
4
votes
1
answer
773
views
Teaching dog to bring Frisbee back
I've got a 9 months Labrador.
We'll go for a one hour walk once or twice a day and play with a Frisbee. She's crazy about it, really loves it.
So because she likes it so much I use this to exercise ...
3
votes
4
answers
460
views
How can I improve my relationship with my Husky, and it's living situations
I just got a Husky puppy just over week ago, she is now nine weeks old (her name is Nova). She has several bad puppy habits I am attempting to train, and her living situation could be improved but I ...
user12665
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Kittens Playing or Fighting
I have some 12 week old kittens that just met. We kept them separate for a couple days so that they could play with each other under the door, then we propped the door open just a bit. They liked ...
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How do I calm my boyfriend's overly excited dog?
Every time I come over my boyfriend's place and my boyfriend and I hang out the dog suddenly becomes overly excited. He doesn't seem aggressive towards me because we get along just fine usually. But ...
- 41
3
votes
0
answers
5k
views
Neck biting without release during play
My German Shepherd male is 7 months old and has been socialized and exercised since he was 10 weeks old with trips to the local dog park (almost daily).
Recently, his behavior has changed toward one ...
- 31
6
votes
2
answers
8k
views
Cat meowing when playing
I have a 2 years old cat that likes playing cat and mouse with me and my girlfriend. If I walk from my bedroom to my living room, he gets playful and he chases me and tries to grab my leg with a soft ...
- 163
2
votes
1
answer
302
views
How to prevent wastage of food by my cat who loves to play with her food more than eating it?
Cat food is costly and I really can't afford huge wastage of food. But the situation is becoming more and more unmanageable for me as the days progress.
If I don't free feed my cat, she will continue ...
- 4,233
2
votes
0
answers
208
views
Help: My German Shepherd has lost his spark
I have a female German Shepherd, 8 months old. When she was young she was playful but also annoying. Things like chewing me so hard dthat I could not walk because you can't walk with a dog hanging on ...
4
votes
1
answer
204
views
How to play with my cats?
My cats are four years old and one of them always meows while I am using the computer, if I go to see what she wants, she just walks away, circles the sofa once and then stands there staring at me. As ...
- 183
3
votes
1
answer
348
views
Biting and fur pulling while playing
I dog-sit a 7 year old Labradoodle. He loves to play with our neighbors dog and they have gotten along great until recently. Our dog recently was neutered and since that time he has been biting our ...
- 31
4
votes
1
answer
179
views
Is it safe for my cat to carry/jump around with heavy toys in her mouth?
I got this automated toy for my cats:
https://www.amazon.com/SmartyKat-Hot-Pursuit-Concealed-Motion/dp/B06WP7F8YC
My female cat really, really likes the toy. She grabs onto it and carries it around, ...
- 143
2
votes
0
answers
108
views
Why my cat uses paws to bring food from plate to floor and then eats it from floor? [duplicate]
My cat doesn't like to eat from plate. She rather likes to eat from floor.
In case of large food such as a piece of fish she will kick the food on plate a few times. Then she grabs the piece with ...
- 4,233
8
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Dog running away with toy
I have searched this site and didn't find a question with the specific issue we're facing.
We've tried to teach our dog fetch and came across an issue we didn't know we we're having prior to this and ...
- 554
11
votes
4
answers
19k
views
How to prevent my cat from deconstructing cat fountain?
Since vet stated that it might be better for them to prevent dehydration I bought a cat fountain for my girls (Catit Flower Fontain). However they seem obsessed with deconstructing it into basic parts ...
- 471
9
votes
3
answers
13k
views
My cat is biting and scratching me and diving at me with claws out
I am a 73 yr old disabled lady. My son thought it would be a good idea for me to have a kitten. He bought a cross Maine Coon, 10 weeks old, now almost 16 weeks.
He is a beautiful kitten, when sleeping ...
- 91
1
vote
0
answers
60
views
Puppy Showing Signs of Aggression Towards Other Dogs - Should I Expose Him to More Situations or Not?
My 14-week old puppy is starting to show a bit of aggression towards other dogs -- if they're close enough he sometimes barks/growls if they're separated, or if they're playing at puppy kindergarten ...
- 251
5
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How to teach my cat not to bring toys to my bed?
My cat sleeps on my bed by my side. Even if I make separate bed and put her there she would not listen and come to sleep by my side. Anyway I kind of like it and has no problems.
But the problem lies ...
- 4,233
4
votes
1
answer
288
views
My dog acts afraid of me after playtime
I have an almost 2 yr old red nose pitbull mixed with boxer and lab (possibly?) who is the sweetest, most playful thing you ever met. My wife and I take turns playing with her twice a day, once in the ...
- 171
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
my cats won't play together (not neutered or spayed)
I have a 1 year old female cat who as a kitten up until now used to play with me as if I am another cat, she runs, and I'll have to follow her, then it's her turn to chase. I do that because she's ...
- 2,125
2
votes
1
answer
682
views
My dog won't go and play in the yard anymore after I told him to stay on the deck once
I told my dog to stay on my deck while I cut my grass one day, and now he will not leave the porch at all, no matter what I do. How do I get him to go and play in the yard like he used to.
2
votes
1
answer
193
views
How can I tell if my cat is getting enough stimulation?
I have a 13 month cat, a domestic short hair brown tab. I've seen people equip cats with wheels these days like hamsters but that seems to be mainly bengals with much more energy and need to exercise. ...
- 211
3
votes
1
answer
482
views
Overweight lazy cat won't play
Two months ago I took in my grandmother's cat after she passed away. He's a 13 year old tomcat who has been rather spoiled - my grandmother would feed him by hand - often 'luxury' stuff like prawns ...
- 484
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What are some good dog toys for solo play in an apartment?
The title basically says it all. I'm looking for suggestions for fun, stimulating dog toys that my dog can play with alone (i.e. without me having to do anything to get the toy to work, not when she'...
- 1,474
1
vote
2
answers
4k
views
Kitten becomes hyper after a play session
3-4 month old male kitten. Whenever there is a play session, he remains hyperactive and aggressive after the play session. His eyes bulge, he doesn't seem to recognise me & tries to bite me & ...
- 235
2
votes
1
answer
640
views
Should I stop younger buddy cat from playing rough with older cat?
We got a younger sweet cat (now 5!) for company for our older cat (almost 12!) because the older cat is very sweet and loving and loves other cat's company. The younger cat has been the best ...
4
votes
2
answers
242
views
Dog park etiquette rules
I'm working to compile a list of dog park etiquette rules for my clients (I'm a professional dog walker). I started a list here: Top 10 dog park etiquette rules I'd love to hear if you agree/disagree ...
2
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Why does my cat only play with her toys late at night?
My cat has a basket of all sorts of toys. During the day, she will not play with them at all, and I know this for a fact because she takes them out and their scattered around my home. But around 3:...
- 603
4
votes
1
answer
197
views
How to get my younger dog to stop pestering my older dog?
My older dog is an overly-tolerant purebred Newfoundland(True). She and my younger dog have lived together in the same house since we adopted the younger one at 5 months old. The Newfie is seven years ...
- 71
2
votes
3
answers
90
views
Is normal for dog to play biting?
I adopted a dog last week, and she was very nervous when she arrived home, but today I was surprised because she wanted to play a lot with me, jumping, running, but also biting (a lot).
She wants to ...
- 123
4
votes
1
answer
230
views
My cat won't play
I recently adopted a cat, she's five years old, polydactyl, fixed and declawed. My question is, why won't she play and how could I get her to? Also, she sometimes chews on her toe pads, almost like ...
- 71
0
votes
2
answers
177
views
Do we really know if cats are "playing"?
So I have a new kitten (8 weeks). She's adorable as anything but she engages in a lot of "play" fighting (scratching, pawing, biting, pouncing, etc). It doesn't bother me at all ( I find it cute that ...
- 109
6
votes
2
answers
13k
views
Does the cat know it's a game?
My cat particularly likes it when I bring out the cat-teaser (essentially a fake 'bird' on a stick). He makes a great deal of effort in catching it, and I assume he's enjoying himself.
Now my ...
- 345
3
votes
2
answers
415
views
Rottweiler - need a durable chewing toy or ball - desperate owner
I own a female Rottweiler, about 2 years old.
I've tried every kind of chewing toy. The only ones she can't destroy are the silicon made ones, but the silicon ball is too heavy for her and she gets ...
- 131
3
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Why doesn't my cat like to do anything?
So, my cat is about 3 years old. She was never really playful, she only really played with her toys for a day or two (longest was a week) before getting bored of them. I can only keep her in my room ...
- 31
4
votes
1
answer
183
views
Understanding and Encouraging Blanket Spelunking
Of the three cats in my life, the first two were relatively chill, and the latest is by far the most full of energy, vigor, and character. As an example, the first cat never showed the slightest ...
- 1,477
3
votes
1
answer
138
views
Family cat is boring--way to bring out it's playful side?
Our family pet cat is very well-behaved, but she's rather plain. She doesn't do any of the crazyfun things cats do on the internet. Is there a way to bring out her playful side?
3
votes
2
answers
141
views
How do can you tell if your cat is hurting?
I have 2 cats around the same age as each other, but sometimes their play gets a bit too rough, and my sisters cat (the elder one) will hurt the younger, and he will get cuts that bleed. Is my cat ...
- 33
4
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How many toys available at a time, and how often to rotate?
I have a basket with about 15-20 toys of various shapes, textures, colors, and sizes. I keep about 5 to 8 out at a time, the rest remain in the hidden basket (in a cupboard over the fridge).
I know ...
- 1,477
2
votes
1
answer
176
views
Dog isn't as playful as he has been for the past 5 months
My German Shepherd dog is roughly 1 year old, male and he has been playful and energetic. Now, when we try to get him to play, he doesn't seem like he wants to. Could this be related to joint health? ...
- 1,244
7
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Cats and throat-hold -- accept or discourage?
My turn to ask for help interpreting a behavior...
I have a pair of neutered sibling cats, Harry and Hazel, about 7 years old.
Periodically -- usually during a mutual grooming session -- Harry will ...
- 11.9k
3
votes
3
answers
2k
views
How to prevent play-fighting from escalating?
I have a cat who likes to play-fight with me - and she clearly knows it's just a game, because she is usually very gentle about it, never uses her claws and only nips my hand or fingers softly - it is ...
- 31
2
votes
1
answer
135
views
Is this indeed playful behaviour for a dog?
I have a 8 months old Mame Shiba.
He shows very positive behaviour (greeting in the mornings or when getting home, showing his belly for rubs, fetching, etc) but there is one game he seems to love ...
- 123
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Why is my cat growling at the laser dot?
I have recently gotten a laser pointer to play with my two cats (mother and son). The son is overweight and I thought the laser pointer would help with giving him a bit of extra exercise to help him ...
- 101
8
votes
6
answers
38k
views
Is it rare for a cat to play fetch?
I've a 16-year-old cat who loved to play fetch when he was a kitten, and a kitten who presently loves to play fetch with his spring toys--how unusual it for a cat to play fetch? I'd never heard of it ...
- 305
3
votes
1
answer
10k
views
My dog bites me when I hold her collar
I got my dog at a far too young age. I don't blame her problems on that but I would recommend that anyone getting a puppy should only get him/her from a breeder who only lets them go to their new home ...
- 31
6
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Why do my cats play "soccer" with their dry food on the floor?
Only recently, my 1½ year old females cat have been playing "soccer" with a dry food morsel across the kitchen and then returns to the bowl to eat. Why do they play with their food? Are they bored of ...
- 672
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How can I train my dog to fetch (or at least not bark for me to throw the ball)?
I adopted my dog, 8 year old (Nova Scotia duck tolling) Retriever about 8 months ago. She's super smart and learns new tricks really quickly, but I haven't been able to figure out how to teach her to ...
- 766
8
votes
2
answers
33k
views
Why would a cat lick (groom?) her toy?
My cat loves to play with fake mice on strings.
Sometimes, when she catches one of them, instead of biting or "killing" (attacking with her back feet) it, she holds it in her front legs and starts ...
- 768
6
votes
1
answer
4k
views
How can I get a cat to not meow after I stop playing with it?
My cat loves to play fetch. We'll play for about 15 minutes before I end up doing something else. The moment I stop playing fetch my cat will continue to meow until I either play again, or until I ...
- 1,204
12
votes
1
answer
49k
views
Why would a cat ask to play all the time and how to satisfy her?
I have a quite energetic, 1.5 year old female cat, who used to live outside until 6 months old.
We get along nicely, and I try to have play sessions with her 2-3 times a day for at least 5 minutes - ...
- 768