Toys play a crucial function for stimulating your feline. They help keep their behaviour and overall well-being in addition to giving them exercise. They’re especially essential for cats living in indoor environments, which may not get the same amount of stimulation as those who live outdoors. With a myriad of choices it can be difficult to decide which toys are the best for cats. Take a look at our suggestions for keeping your cat active and safe.
What are the reasons Cats Have Toys?
As humans, cats require both mental and physical exercise in order to remain well-nourished and content. Being active and getting enough mental stimulation can help to reinforce your cat’s healthy habits and makes them less likely to suffer from behavioral issues. If your cat doesn’t receive adequate exercise, they could be disruptive and engage in actions such as excessive activity at night and scratching surfaces they don’t want or playing aggressively.
The act of playing also strengthens the bond between animal and human. When you play alongside your feline friend, you’re creating trust and bonding as well as toys keep them entertained even when you aren’t there.
What are the best toys to My Cat?
The type of cat toys that best suit your cat is largely dependent on the cat’s temperament and behavior. The majority of cat toys are designed to satisfy their natural urges such as chasing, pouncing scratching and climbing. Your cat might be interested into one of these actions more than the other; or they may be more suited to various types.
We advise against buying excessive toys until you’ve figured out the preferences and habits of your cat so that you don’t waste cash on items that accumulate dust.
Cat Toys for Cats to Think about
Cats love balls: A few cats are fond of ball chases and bats. You can try a normal ball, one that has bells inside (a “jingle ball”) or a motorized ball or even a paper ball that has been crumpled. It’s the Sphero Mini is a motorized ball designed for kids, however cats are awestruck by it!
Toy mice and various hunting games: Cats are natural predators and toys that draw on their instinct to hunt can keep them amused for long periods of time. This Pawboo cat toy motorized hunter toy that cats love.
Fishing poles/feather teaser toys These toys like the Feather Teaser as well as The Smartykat Loco Motion Electronic Toy can encourage bouncing, leaping and stalking. Be sure to ensure that toys that have strings are used only under supervision and that they are kept in a safe place away from cats following time, so that you can avoid accidental consumption.
The laser-pointer is a popular choice for cat owners. likely seen a lot of YouTube videos of cats who are enthralled by laser pointers! They’re a cheap and easy to give your cat an exercise. Be sure to choose one that is safe for pets.
Interactive feeding games: Food-related puzzles can stimulate your cat’s brain and help them to be entertained even when you’re not there and the indoor Hunting Feeder from Doc Phoebe and Phoebe is a fantastic choice.
Climbing toysfor cats: Cat trees and perches provide your cat something to climb up when you’re away in addition to places to rest. Cats enjoy having high surfaces to climb on.
Posts with scratching: Cats love to scratch. It’s an instinctual response that helps to stretch, strengthen shoulders and back muscles and show their joy. It also helps keep their nails in a trim state. The right scratching posts can allow your cat to scratch the area you want them to scratch – and also save your couch from being destroyed! We recommend at minimum one scratching post for each cat to prevent territorial issues. While vertical scratching post are the most frequent however certain cats prefer horizontal scratching surfaces like the jute mat for their door or a corrugated cardboard scratcher.
The catnip-infused toys are popular with cats. Some love catnip (although it’s important to remember that the majority of cats don’t show sensitivities until the age of four to six months old, so for kittens that are young you should hold off). It’s relatively easy to find toys that are infused with catnip like these mice infused with catnip.
Items for the home, such as cardboard boxes. Cats are fond of making use of cardboard boxes and other hiding spots to play in. They love being able to have a dark, secure place to retreat and watch the world around them. In a box they feel safe since they are in a safe space. The cats are also curious and naturally drawn to the surface of cardboard to scratchat, as well as dark areas to investigate. Making holes in the cardboard box can give hours of entertainment to cats, since they are able to hide in their surroundings (practicing their stalking instincts). When you put snacks or toys in the box that your cat can pick up it is also a great way to tap into their instincts of predatory. You can also connect multiple boxes of various dimensions to create an maze or obstacle course that your feline can enjoy. They are among the most basic toys available and you can simply repurpose an old shipping container! Be sure that there aren’t any staples within the cardboard which could harm your cat. Remove the tape to ensure they don’t chew it or take it in.
The most effective cat toys are designed to stimulate their natural instincts to chase or pouncing, scratching and climbing.
Cat Toys You Should Stay Clear of
Remember that some toys are not safe for cats. Contrary to what is commonly believed it is not recommended to play with yarn balls or strings. If they are swallowed, strings, yarn, ribbons and similar substances can be stuck in your cat’s digestive tract, causing severe injuries that could be fatal to your cat if not treated.
Plastics can also cause intestinal problems So keep plastic bags away from reach. Also, keep an eye on the toys your cat chews on. If your cat is destroying an item of soft play using strings or other dangerous objects, get it out immediately.
How to Play with Your Cat
To get your cat to engage to play, put together a variety of toys. Place your cat in a place that they can concentrate on you. Toys should be placed across the room but keep it away from their the reach of. You’ll know that it was successful when your child jump on, hit, or even chase after the toy. You could also throw toys around or throw a ball at them.
It can take some time to find the perfect balance in letting the cat get the toy, and keeping it out of reach in order to keep their attention. Keep track of the things that work while you experiment and don’t be afraid to experiment with new movements or strategies!
What NOT to Do When Playing with Your Cat
Certain types of games aren’t as desirable. For example, playing with littermates is an essential aspect of a kitten’s socialization process. However, without the companionship of a littermate the majority of kittens turn towards their human friends.
Cat play-fighting may be cute, but playing with your cat or kitten can lead to scratching and biting and it could be difficult for you to change this habit later. (Which means guests in your home could also inadvertently become targets for play-fighting–something you probably want to avoid!)
Avoid fighting by refusing to engage or accept it, instead, redirect the urge to something more appropriate, such as toys. Keep your kitten’s nails trim will help reduce the damage they cause to the skin that’s not properly protected.
Get rid of damaged Toys immediately
If you spot any damage to the toys of your cat like a damaged item or piece of it breaking off, it is important to remove the toy of your pet and throw it away. it. Every size of piece could pose danger of choking, and sharp pieces of ribbon or rope can be extremely risky in the event of intestinal obstructions or punctures.
Talk to your Veterinarian for more advice
If you’re unable to locate the ideal pet toy or are concerned about the safety of their toys to your veterinarian for advice. They’ll be able to give you additional recommendations on how you can keep your cat engaged in a safeand healthy manner.
Menu