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A smiling white-haired grandma in a green quilted vest tosses a small ball in a backyard beside an orange tabby cat. 16 / 29

Grandma Tried Playing Fetch With Her Cat. He Took the Game Very Seriously.

AI imageorange tabbyfetchbackyard

A small ball is just leaving Grandma Hazel's fingertips, and she is laughing as she tosses it across the backyard. She wears her green quilted vest over a grey tee, her white hair pinned up, glasses sliding a little as she leans forward. Marmalade sits right in the foreground, orange coat glowing, whiskers forward and eyes tracking the throw with sharp interest. Scattered dog-style toys dot the lawn, a laundry basket with garden gloves sits by the fence, and pots of plants line the edges of the cozy, cluttered yard.

Fetch is usually thought of as a dog game, but plenty of cats enjoy it too. Some will chase a small ball, crumpled paper or a soft toy and bring it back to be thrown again, usually on their own schedule. Play like this taps into natural hunting behavior, giving cats exercise and mental stimulation, which helps prevent boredom and weight gain. Short sessions work best, since cats tend to play in quick bursts. Choose toys too big to swallow and avoid string or rubber bands. If playing outdoors, keep a close eye on your cat or use a secure area so the game does not end with a runaway.

Playing with a pet is good for people, too. A few minutes of tossing and laughing gets the body moving and lifts the mood.

Whether Marmalade actually brings the ball back is still an open question. Hazel seems happy either way, as long as he keeps watching.

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