5 Online Games that Cats LOVE

Many cats love screens, and the best online games for them involve moving prey: mice, fish, bugs and birds. One of the easier parts of owning a cat is that they enjoy the virtual world. Whether it is an animal documentary, a kids' TV show or a video game, they love the action. Leave a cat in front of an iPad or TV, and you will probably find them there when you return. Here are five games and videos every cat parent should try, plus how to set them up safely and how to turn screen time into real play. For more on cats, see our new pet parent hub.

1. Catching Mice! Entertainment video for cats

This video has mice running around and squeaking to tempt your cat. They will go wild trying to catch the mice, and may even try to get under your device to see where the mice went. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW-KIjHjjHM

2. Catching Fish, one-hour version

Another video for your little predator, who gets to chase and swipe at fish. It runs for an hour, so it keeps them entertained when you are busy or have to step out. Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr292PG5vs8

3. Animal documentaries

Cats love watching BBC and Animal Planet. You can find a lot of their videos online or on YouTube. Your cat may not appreciate the bigger animals, so go for birds, mice, meerkats, fish and anything else that looks prey-like, and they are likely to be captivated.

4. Fruit Ninja

A well-known human game that cats cannot keep their paws off. Our aim is to slice the fruit, but for your cat the fun is watching the screen react to their claws. They love the sounds and visual effects. You can download the app from your app store or play it online: https://www.crazygames.com/game/fruit-ninja

5. Cat Alone

In Cat Alone, your cat has to catch different things like ladybugs, flies, butterflies, cockroaches and worms. Every time your cat successfully taps a prey, the app makes a sound that rewards the kill. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

How to set up a safe screen session

1. Use a stable stand. Prop a tablet in a sturdy case so a swipe cannot knock it over. A device lying flat on the floor works too, if the surface is not slippery.
2. Keep the volume low. Cats have sharp hearing, and a gentle volume is enough to hold their attention.
3. Protect the screen. A screen protector helps against claw marks, and keep the charging cable out of reach.
4. Turn off notifications. A sudden call or message can interrupt the game, or pop up in the middle of a swipe.
5. Stay close at first. Watch how your cat reacts before you leave them with it.
6. Close other apps. Your cat should not be able to reach settings, purchases or messages.

Keep it short, and keep it varied

Screen games are a fun extra, not a replacement for real play. Ten or fifteen minutes is plenty for most cats, and they can get bored of the same video quickly. Rotate between mice, fish, birds and games, so each feels fresh. When your cat loses interest, switch it off.

Turn screen time into real play

The best use of a screen game is as a warm-up. After your cat has chased on-screen prey, bring out a wand toy or a ball, and let them catch something real. This gives them a satisfying finish to the hunt. A few easy ideas:

• Drag a feather wand along the floor, like a mouse.
• Hide a small toy behind a cushion for them to find.
• Scatter a few paper balls for solo play.
• Set up a cardboard box or tunnel to ambush from.

Which games suit which cat?

• Shy or calm cats: Start with the fish video or a gentle documentary.
• High-energy cats: Try mice and Cat Alone. They are fast and noisy.
• Cats who love to swipe: Fruit Ninja suits cats that enjoy pawing at things.
• Cats that get bored easily: Mix videos and real toys across the day.

Common mistakes

• Leaving your cat alone with a device for hours.
• Using a screen as the only way to entertain your cat.
• Playing a game loudly, which can startle your cat.
• Forgetting that a swipe can open apps or buy something.
• Leaving a charger or cable where your cat can chew it.

Indoor cats especially benefit from variety. Read indoor vs outdoor cats for more ways to keep a cat busy, and the truth about cat training for fun things to teach them. You might also enjoy 5 things your pet is really thinking and cat breeds in India. For good everyday habits, visit pet life in India. If you ever have questions about your cat's wellbeing, speak to your veterinarian.

We also discovered that cats really like Disney movies, especially the ones with cats in them. Try these at home and let us know what you think. Tell us what you play to entertain your cat when you are busy or away from home.

Frequently asked questions

Do all cats like watching screens?

No. Many do, especially when there is movement, but some cats ignore screens completely.

Are these games safe for my cat?

They are a harmless pastime when you set things up carefully and keep sessions short and supervised.

How long should my cat watch videos or play games?

Ten or fifteen minutes is plenty for most cats. Switch off when they lose interest.

What kinds of videos do cats like most?

Videos with prey-like animals such as mice, birds, fish and meerkats tend to be favourites.

By Team Stepevoli.