A fun, comprehensive guide to the key to cat happiness—play! Millions of households in the United States have at least one cat as part of their family. Yet despite their popularity, cats continue to be misunderstood by their owners. This lack of understanding can lead to bored, frustrated, and under-stimulated cats, resulting in health and behavior problems. In Play with Your Cat! , animal behavior expert Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado shows cat parents what they may be missing: interactive play. Using an evidence-based approach and the latest scientific research, Delgado: shows why cats need play and how it is essential to their well-being - provides readers with techniques on how to engage their cat in play - reveals how to use play to improve problematic cat behaviors     Playfully written and with fun illustrations, Play with Your Cat! is an essential read for cat parents looking to understand their feline friend—and have some fun in the process. “Whether you are living with your first cat or have lived with them your entire life, there are many revelations to be had in Dr Mikel Delgado’s Play With Your Cat . This marvelous book is equal parts education, motivation, and most importantly, an invitation to become invigorated with a deeper understanding of all cats, including those you share your home with. Trust me, Play With Your Cat is an indispensable addition to any cat lover’s library!” --Jackson Galaxy, New York Times bestselling author and star of My Cat from Hell “ Play With Your Cat is one of the most important cat behavior books written in recent years. Every cat parent, no matter how experienced, will learn something new and come away with new ideas on how to make playtime more satisfying for both cat and human. After all, the point of play is not just to keep our cats happy, it's also a wonderful way to deepen the bond between cat and human.” --Ingrid King, founder and publisher of Purrs of Wisdom, and author of Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher   “ Play With Your Cat provides a fun and truly fascinating deep dive into the science behind how and why cats play, leaving readers with easy, actionable tools for more meaningful connection and playtime. This is essential reading for those wanting to strengthen their bond with their cat!” --Hannah Shaw, author of the New York Times best seller, Tiny but Mighty   “Cats love to play: here is THE book that shows you how to join in! And your cat will thank you for it.” --Dr John Bradshaw, author of A First Guide To Cats   “ Play With Your Ca t is a must have for every cat lover! Dr. Delgado's guide to cat play and behavior will give you new insights into tapping into your cat's inner hunter - in a fun, engaging way. Just like the love of our companion animals improves our lives, we can improve theirs by making sure we provide them with regular play and enrichment. This book is a great way to have a more positive relationship with your cat!” --Dr. Marty Becker, “America's Veterinarian,” author, and founder of Fear Free Pets   “In Play With Your Cat! feline researcher and cat behavior consultant Mikel Delgado offers an innovative, research-based approach to playing with cats. A delight to read, this book is loaded with practical tips ranging from the best cat toys to when, where, and how playing with cats can satisfy their natural desires. Whether you live with an indoor or outdoor cat, a kitten or an aging cat, or a cat with significant handicaps, this book is guaranteed to enhance the quality of life of your feline friends and your relationships with them.  Every cat owner should read this book and have fun with their cat!”     --Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard To Think Straight About Animals   “Your cat sitting on her cat tree, silently gazing at you? She wants you to read this book. If you've never played with your cat, you are about to enter a new dimension of cat-keeping. Cats love to play, it's fun to play with cats, and...I really can't see any reason not to find out how in this engaging book by Mikel Delgado, with ridiculously cute illustrations by Lili Chin. Dr. Delgado walks the cat walk and mines the cat research to help cat people imagine their cat's perspective, and how to mimic the lizards, mice, and birds they might like to play with. If you don't think your cat is interested in play, you're about to find yourself cat-schooled.” --Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside of a Dog and The Year of the Puppy   “Many, if not most cats love to play because it helps them develop social skills and learn rules of social engagement, it exercises their senses and at the same time gives them physical activity, it provides cognitive enrichment, it trains them for unexpected situations, and because it's fun--it inspires them and makes them happy and it feels good. Playing is good for cats of all ages in many different ways and