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A smiling silver-haired grandma holds an orange ball in the backyard while a white cat runs toward a second ball. 8 / 34

Everyone Said Cats Don't Play Fetch. Nobody Told Pearl.

AI imagewhite catplaying fetchbackyard

The backyard is wide and green, with a wooden fence, a watering can, and pots of herbs along the edge. Dottie kneels in the grass in her cream cable-knit cardigan, silver curls catching the light, holding a little orange ball in one hand with a delighted grin. Another ball has just bounced away, and Pearl is in hot pursuit. The white cat is caught mid-stride, low to the ground, front paw reaching forward, eyes locked on the target, looking more like an excited puppy than the typical aloof housecat.

Yes, some cats really do play fetch. It's not as rare as many people think, and it often starts on the cat's own terms, with a favorite small toy dropped at a person's feet. Fetch taps into a cat's hunting instincts, combining chasing, pouncing, and carrying. To encourage it, use lightweight toys sized for a cat's mouth, keep sessions short, and reward returns with praise or a small treat. Daily play helps keep cats fit and mentally sharp, which is especially valuable for indoor cats. If you play outdoors, choose a safe, enclosed area and keep an eye on your cat the whole time.

Pearl looks like she could keep this up all afternoon. Dottie, laughing on her knees in the grass, seems happy to keep throwing as long as Pearl keeps running.

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