of best cat toys It stimulates cats’ natural hunting instincts and can withstand daily rabbit kicks, bites, scratches and licks without compromising safety. Playing with toys can help kittens learn about the world, keep cheerful cats out of trouble, and keep cats of all ages, including seniors, engaged and active.
We spoke to cat experts to get the scoop on their tried-and-true favorite cat toys.
Why are toys important for cats?
Toys provide a variety of benefits for cats, including:
Teach your kitten proper play
Kittens often explore their world through their mouths, gently biting your hands, fingers, and even feet. It is also important to guide the kitten. Adult cats with a tendency to chew will seek out surfaces that are suitable for their natural behavior.
“If your cat bites your hand playfully, keep your hand limp to prevent it from moving around or getting excited,” she explains. samantha bellcat expert Best Friends Animal Association.
Then, she says, slowly and calmly remove your hand from the cat and put the toy in its place. If your cat or kitten becomes aggressive toward a toy, reward it with praise or a treat.
prevent boredom
“When cats don’t have much to do, they eventually get bored and try to find ways to occupy their time,” says certified cat behaviorist and owner Joey Rusbardi. class act catis a cat behavior consulting and training service based in Minneapolis.
It’s safe to say that your cat won’t always appreciate your chosen behavior, whether it’s scratching your furniture, knocking on your houseplants, knocking things off countertops, or meowing for attention. Rusbardi recommends engaging in daily interactive play with your cat so that it can satisfy its natural hunting instincts.
Relieving tension in multi-dog households
If your cat isn’t getting along, try using toys to relieve tension, she says. Dr. Rachel Gellera certified cat behavior and retention specialist, All Cats All the Time Inc.. She says establishing an interactive play routine can distract your cat from potential conflicts and redirect your cat’s focus to positive activities.
Finishing the play session with a snack, snack, or meal will help everyone forget about their worries and take a peaceful nap.
bond with cat
Perhaps most importantly, playing with your cat creates positive interactions and fosters a strong bond between you and your beloved cat.
Tips when buying cat toys
What’s so good about cat toys? There are several important factors to consider before purchasing.
Choose visually stimulating cat toys
Suggests considering options that look and move like real prey, or where small objects appear and disappear under fabric or in holes or tunnels. Dr. Paul MillerDVM, veterinary ophthalmologist and clinical professor emeritus. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
She says that while color isn’t that important, cats may see blue and yellow toys best.
Provides an attractive aroma
Not all cats respond to Actinidia or its pungent scent. But for those who do, plants can evoke responses such as affection, relaxation, happiness, or playfulness.
Choose rechargeable cat toys
Many electronic toys are motion-activated, making them a good option for cats because they provide entertainment even when you’re not at home or busy in another room. Choose rechargeable toys for added longevity and convenience.
popular cat toys
Your cat’s interest in toys will naturally wane over time. To keep playtime fun, stock up on a variety of cat toys and rotate them during and outside playtime.
Toys that activate movement
Motion-activated toys reproduce realistic prey-like movements. These serve as a great alternative if you can’t be on the other side of the cane. of SmartyKat® Hot pursuit The toy is activated by your cat’s touch and has three speeds.
wand toy
Once you discover your cat’s play and prey preferences, get fully involved and embrace a little silliness, says Bell. They use toys like sticks to imitate the movements of their prey. Pet Fit for Life® toy.
If your cat is serious about spinning for flying or flapping prey rather than crawling or jumping around, it’s easy to deal with. Purchase replacement feathers, mice, or worm attachments.
fabric dancer
A cloth toy with a simple yet effective design. Cat Dancer® Cat Charming Toyimitating the unpredictable movements of prey such as insects. Colorful twirling ribbons can be used to dance in the air or glide on the ground.
catnip kickers
Kickers are perfect for cats who like to sleep on their sides while nibbling, chewing, and kicking toys. Usually luxuriously stuffed with Actinidia leaves and flowers, they elicit the playful enthusiasm of cats attracted by their alluring scent.
play and collection mat
Cats are naturally drawn to toys with holes, storage spaces, or tunnels, providing an attractive environment for both play and safe relaxation. Specially designed cat play mat provides an ideal space for hiding. toy mouseweave cane toys throughout and hide treats for engaging foraging activities.
puzzle feeder
Turn mealtime into captivating hunting time puzzle feeder. These functional toys challenge cats to outwit their “prey”, reduce boredom, and slow down their eating habits.
Scratcher and scratch post
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so make sure you provide plenty of suitable surfaces for your cat to flex its claws on. Cats have their own scratching styles, including preferred scratching direction (e.g., vertical or horizontal) and material (e.g., sisal rope, cardboard, carpet), so it’s a good idea to provide multiple options.
Safety considerations for cat toys
When purchasing cat toys, consider durability. You don’t want toys with small pieces that break easily and pose a choking hazard if swallowed. Toys with strings or wires are great for interactive play, but be sure to put them away after playing with your cat to prevent them from getting tangled.
Also consider size. Toys must be larger than a quarter to prevent choking hazards. a A cat’s hook-like tongue can get caught on small toys and cause them to be accidentally swallowed.
If your cat shows a temporary interest in a toy, or if you’re still exploring your cat’s play preferences, making your own toy can be cost-effective, although it may not be as durable as store-bought products. It can be a highly effective and environmentally friendly option. Create engaging feeding puzzles using common items like empty toilet paper rolls and egg cartons.
Keeping in mind that safety is your top priority, always supervise your cat while playing with toys to make sure he is safe and free of potential dangers. Participating in safe and stimulating play not only brings your cat joy, but also contributes to his overall well-being, promoting a long, happy, and healthy life.
Featured image: Adobe/New Africa
