Grandma Is Playing Fetch in the Backyard, but Not With a Dog
The backyard is a little wild around the edges, with a weathered wooden fence, a blue watering can, a coiled hose, and pots of herbs crowded by the shed. Odessa has crouched down in the grass in her olive hoodie and jeans, a little ball cupped in her fingers, smiling warmly down at Marmalade. The game of fetch is on pause while the two of them catch their breath. Marmalade sits at her knee with his plumed tail curled high, his chin tipped up and his golden eyes fixed on the ball, whiskers bristling forward. He has the look of a cat who is absolutely ready for one more throw, as long as it is on his terms.
Fetch is usually thought of as a dog game, but some cats genuinely love it, often with small, lightweight toys like crinkle balls, pom-poms, or soft mice. Cats that fetch tend to do it because the chase mimics hunting, and bringing the toy back earns another round of fun. Short, energetic play sessions a couple of times a day can help indoor cats stay fit, reduce boredom, and ease nighttime restlessness. Letting the cat catch the toy at the end of a session gives a satisfying finish. When playing outdoors, stay with your cat, keep the area secure, and bring them inside when the game is over.
Odessa will toss the ball across the grass again in just a moment, and Marmalade will bound after it with his tail streaming behind him. Whether he actually brings it back this time is entirely up to him, and that is half the fun.
