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Why is my cat suddenly only playing with me and won't let go of a toy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 12 lbs

I am having isuess when it comes to Hans play time. He has an older sister to play with but he prefers to play with me than with her. He wasn't like this before. He would play with anything and now he only plays with u specific toy. He was the one bothering my other cat to play but now it's backwards. worst part is once he catches the toy i play with him he won't let go. I have to pull it away from him harshly .He runs and jumps like crazy. Why is he acting like this why is he not letting go?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2018

It sounds like he has found a fun game to play with you and that is his new favorite playtime activity! While this may be frustrating for you, its possible he may just really like that particular play behavior. You could try some fixed hanging toys, such as this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-toys/cat-teasers-and-wands/petpals-group-vortex-m-grey-ring-teasing-balls-toy https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-toys/cat-scratcher-toys/you-and-me-sisal-cat-scratch-post As for why he is acting that way and not letting go, I suspect it is truly just that he thinks its a very stimulating, fun thing to do. Here is a little info you may find helpful: https://catfriendly.com/cat-care-at-home/life-stages/ https://catfriendly.com/cat-care-at-home/playing-with-your-cat/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would recommend playing more with him. Sometimes indoor cats all of a sudden go crazy running around and it can be a sign of boredom. If he only wants to play with one toy that is fine sometimes they have an attraction more towards one than another. I would set time aside in the morning and the afternoon to play with him. Since he is a young cat he still has a lot of energy and the other cat in your house might not want to play as much as Han can. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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