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A laughing grandma in glasses tosses a yellow tennis ball across a backyard as an orange tabby cat springs after it. 34 / 35

Everyone Said Cats Don't Play Fetch. Abuela Rosa Threw the Ball Anyway.

AI imageorange tabbyplaying fetchbackyard

The backyard is wide and a little overgrown, with a tall wooden fence, a scattering of potted plants, and a blue watering can left out on the grass. Abuela Rosa has just let a bright yellow tennis ball fly from her fingertips, and she is laughing at what happens next. Mango has launched himself after it, body stretched long, front paw reaching forward, eyes locked on the ball as it sails past. Her denim shirt sleeves are pushed up, and her glasses have slipped low with the effort of the throw.

Fetch is usually thought of as a dog game, but plenty of cats learn it too, often all on their own. Some cats will carry small toys back to their person and drop them, waiting for another throw. This is a playful version of hunting behavior, and it is a great way to give an indoor or backyard cat some exercise. Lightweight balls, crinkle toys, and small felt mice are easier for cats to carry than heavy dog balls. Short sessions of active play, ideally once or twice a day, help keep cats fit and can reduce boredom-related mischief.

Whether Mango will actually bring that ball back is another question. He might trot it over proudly, or he might decide the game is over once he catches it. Abuela Rosa does not seem to care either way. The fun is already in the throw.

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