My Resident Cat Won't Play Anymore With Toys, What To Do?

Ouna

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Hello, it has been almost two weeks since I've adopted a new kitten. My resident cat who is almost 2 years old was not kin of her at first, but after two days, they started to chase each other and play together and groom one another.
My resident cat is a siamese so he's extremely active, he loved playing with his toys, we used to play fetch with him, he loved paper bags and so on. When the new kitten came he no longer do those things anymore. I have a morning and evening playtime routine for 10-20 min, the kitten plays but he just sits and watch her, he doesn't engage anymore, when i start playing with them, he seems interested but when the kitten jumps to fetch or play with the toys he stops. When they're playing together with no one interfering it only last for 5 min and then they go to the tree house and sleep.
Since he's not using all his energy, at night time he wakes up and then for 3 hours straight he will keep meowing loudly and running around the house. I have downstairs neighbors and I've received countless complaints, please give me tips on how to get him to play again.
IMG_20190123_140322.jpg
 

radarlove413

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We had a similar problem when we first introduced our second cat. Since it was early in their relationship, Dunlop got too scared to play near Donatello, since a few times Don had thought it was an attack and responded negatively. Dunlop did not want this, so he'd only play when Donatello was done.

We had to build up his confidence again, so I'd put Donatello in a room and have solo play with Dunlop, then switch them out. Then, a bit of group play. It took them about 8 months before they could really play with toys around each other again. (During this time, they were finalizing the who's alpha and territory thing)

Now, they both can play with toys around each other. Not together, but they'll take turns! So Don will play for a few mins, then Dunlop goes for it while he watches.

Maybe try playing with each of them separately until they relax, then joint play sessions? It's still super early in their relationship so it sounds like a bit of stress to me :)
 

Kefa

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I think you are going to have to play with him in another room, he is being overly polite, and as long as she is there he is going to defer to her.
 

rubysmama

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Mamanyt1953

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I think that the answer to your dilemma is going to be having separate play sessions. Seems he's more interested in watching the kitten than in getting involved himself. And I can see why! I would be, too, come to think of it. SO...separate play sessions, and some together, so he gets the fun of watching! As with everything "cat," this is going to be a bit of trial and error and error and error.
 

1 bruce 1

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Picture yourself with a 3 or 4 year old human child. They're the light of your world and the center of your being.
One day you bring home a newborn baby that needs constant attention, constant interaction, holding, feeding, rocking, etc.
The older child is going to get his or her nose out of joint a bit over this sudden change. Some kids might adore the new baby, then get upset when they realize it's not a new doll or realize that this baby will take a lot of Mom's time and attention away and might need that extra attention and encouragement to be "Moms helper".
It's the same with dogs, it's the same with cats, it's the same with any animal on this earth that works as a unit, a pack, colony, whatever.

My honest thoughts are your Siamese has adjusted pretty well. They were playing, things were OK, but now he's realizing this kitten isn't a toy or isn't a visitor and is staying for good, and he's working things out in his head. I wouldn't get too upset at this, he's just sussing things out and watching this kitten.
What we've done with dogs and cats both is keeping the games separate initially (play with one, then play with the other, then once they're both a little tired out, bring them together so no one is hyperactive annoyingly crazy with energy.) If the Siamese doesn't want to join in the game, but is interested and watching, I'd let it go for now provided he has his time with you without the little one present.
With dogs, we try to get the older dog(s) to play tug of war with the pups. It's not dog vs. pup to get the toy, it's dog and pup vs. the toy and they seem to have a good time with this. With cats, it's not cat vs. kitten to get the toy, it's cat and kitten vs. the toy.
When Baby Girl arrived, Queen Bee was beside herself and even thought Baby Girl was kept separate, Bee made a point to walk by her every day, beat the living crap out of her pen, then walk on to make a point on who was the Queen of the house. We let it slide, they're not the best of pals but they will do that cooperative kill thing like they're a bonded from birth mother and daughter.
If both cats are food driven, you might do this cooperative kill thing before their meal. Let them work together to stalk and pounce and catch this feather thing, and once the game is done, then they eat. It can really foster that "we hunted together, now we eat. We're a group now" feeling.
 

tarasgirl06

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Welcome Ouna Ouna and furmily to TCS! That is an adorable pic and they seem to have made very fast friends. "Experts" recommend keeping the new cat sequestered from the other cat(s) for around 2 weeks in his/her own room before starting introductions. It sounds like they have been very good! and as other posters have said, time, love, and patience will make for success. The separate play leading up to group play sounds like a good suggestions, too. Play right before bedtime can help to induce sleepiness so that they will join you and not make noise to upset the neighbors. Best of luck, all, and please, more pictures and progress reports! :yess::happycat::lovecat2:
 

GreyLady

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I have the exact same thing with Noodle and Grey Cat except Grey doesnt meow he just sleeps and gets fat -_- I have to separate Noodle away while I play with Grey she just has too much energy and he doesnt want to get in the way. They will play together with the stationary ball-in-tracks thing, and sometimes Grey will go for a toy or laser while she's there, but only if he knows he can get it before her and she's fast! So I separate them to play more with Grey. He's also 9 so playing with her and getting annoyed by her probably eats up most of his play appetite too, unlike your Siamese. No harm in playing separately and that way they wont form competition with eachother.
 

1 bruce 1

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I find that the "fishing pole" type toys are the crowd pleasers with cats of all ages and personalities. Our favorites are da Bird and Cat Dancer. If you're in the US, those are widely available in most places that carry cat products.
I actually tied a toy (without the hook, I'm not quite that dumb) to an old fishing pole once. :lol:
 

tarasgirl06

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Skill level is difficult because when that cat latched onto the toy my gut reaction was to reel them in :lol:
I know, I know! My Rani angel used to get the lure in her mouth and lead me wherever she wanted, all over the house. I had to follow. There was no negotiating.:salute:
 
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