Research overview: play between cats and humans

Play is a key part of the human-cat bond and an outlet for predatory motivation, and this overview surveys research on interactive and object play in companion cats. It covers how cats respond to toys that mimic prey features such as small size and erratic movement, the role of the predatory sequence in sustaining engagement, how play wanes with habituation but revives with novel or changing stimuli, and the welfare benefits of regular play. It discusses age effects and the link between insufficient play and behaviour problems. The topic provides an evidence base for enrichment recommendations and for understanding why cats engage so intently with prey-like toys.