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A laughing older man in overalls tosses a yellow tennis ball as a white cat leaps forward on a backyard path. 6 / 35

Grandpa Tossed a Tennis Ball Across the Yard. It Wasn't a Dog That Went After It.

AI imagewhite catplaying fetchbackyard

Hank is laughing out loud as he lets a fuzzy yellow tennis ball roll off his fingertips, and Cotton is already mid-bound toward it. She has launched off the stone path with her front paws reaching and her tail flung out behind her, ears pricked and eyes fixed on the ball. Hank leans forward in his denim overalls and a blue plaid shirt, clearly delighted that his cat has decided fetch is a game for her too. Clay pots, a green watering can, a coiled hose and an abandoned garden glove are scattered around the cheerful, messy yard.

Fetch is usually thought of as a dog game, but a surprising number of cats enjoy it. It taps into their natural chase-and-pounce instincts, and some cats will happily carry a small toy back to their person to keep the game going. Lightweight balls, crinkly toys or soft pom-poms are often easier for cats to carry than a full-size tennis ball. Short bursts of play, a few minutes at a time, match the way cats naturally hunt in quick sprints. Regular interactive play helps keep indoor cats fit, eases boredom and can reduce unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture. Ending each session by letting the cat catch the toy gives a satisfying finish to the hunt.

Who says only dogs get to play fetch? Cotton clearly did not get that memo, and Hank could not be happier about it.

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