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Older woman kneeling on a backyard lawn dangles a gray toy mouse while a Russian Blue cat leaps toward it. 2 / 38

Grandma Said Cats Don't Play Fetch. Then She Picked Up the Toy Mouse.

AI imagerussian blueplaytimebackyard

Who says fetch is only for dogs? Out on the backyard lawn, Grandma Dottie kneels in the grass with a little gray toy mouse pinched between her fingers, and Sterling is mid-pounce, front paws stretched out and green eyes locked on the prize. Behind them, potted plants line the wooden fence, a blue watering can waits by the flower bed, and a basket of garden gloves sits on the stone path. Dottie's grin says she has played this game many times and still loves every round.

Plenty of cats enjoy a version of fetch, and Russian Blues are often among the playful ones. They are smart, curious cats that like interactive games with their people. Short play sessions with a wand toy or small plush mouse let a cat stalk, chase and pounce, which satisfies natural hunting instincts and helps burn off energy. Ten to fifteen minutes a couple of times a day works well for many indoor cats. Ending each session with a final 'catch' helps them feel satisfied rather than frustrated. If your cat plays outdoors, a supervised yard, a harness, or a secure enclosure keeps the fun safe, and putting toys with strings away afterward prevents accidental swallowing.

The mouse may lose this round, but nobody in this yard is keeping score. A sunny afternoon, a soft lawn and a partner who never gets tired of the game is about as good as playtime gets.

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