Did you know that cat toys do more than entertain our feline friends? In fact, toys help them access their primal urge to hunt, which assists in both their mental and physical wellness. By eliminating boredom and helping to keep them active, cat toys have been shown to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety exhibited by indoor cats while decreasing the likelihood of them being or becoming obese.
Additionally, playing with your cat is more than just enjoyable. When you engage your feline companion in a game of chase or supply them with an exciting new toy, you are promoting bonding and building a stronger relationship with them. Many cat owners also find that proper toys help shy cats or foster cats come out of their shell and become more confident.
While there are many reasons that you should purchase a few toys for your new kitten (or kitten at heart), it is important that you do your due diligence regarding which toys are safe and suitable for play. In this blog post, we explore some of the more common types of toys to help you determine the best cat toy for your pretty kitty.
Teasers
By utilizing a small toy attached to a long pole, teaser toys allow you to dangle the bait in front of your cat, encouraging them to leap, pounce, and dash across the floor while keeping your hands safely away from errant claws and overzealous teeth. Using the stick, maneuver the plush toy or feather under furniture or around corners to engage your cat in the thrill of the chase.
When purchasing a feline teaser toy, look for sturdy construction that will withstand the rigors of rough play. Some teasers also feature interchangeable toys so that you can give your cat some variety.
Plush Toys
Many cats love to carry their prey in their mouth; plush toys allow them to recreate this instinctual behavior in the comfort of your home. Many plush toys utilize catnip in addition to the stuffing to attract your cat to the toy. You can also toss the plush toys across the floor to encourage your cat to stalk their prey.
In order to ensure your cat’s safety, make sure that the toy is sturdy and well-crafted. If your cat chews or claws a hole in the exterior or pulls the detailing off of the toy, we recommend replacing it immediately to avoid potential choking hazards and possible digestive system obstructions. Plush toys come in many shapes and styles, from realistic mice toys to adorable, brightly colored unicorn plush toys.
Balls and Springs
When your cat bats at these toys, they will go skittering across the floor and encourage your cat to follow them. Many rowdy cats enjoy chasing them through the house, following them down the hallways and underneath furniture. Much like when cats hunt in their prey in the wild, balls and springs react erratically, which keeps your cat alert and focused. While they may seem simple, many cats spend hours with self-directed play.
Purchasing high-quality balls and toys that are made specifically for felines is imperative. Pet toy manufacturers utilize rigorous testing to ensure that the toys are durable enough to withstand sharp claws and teeth. Only give your cat balls which are designed for cats, since other balls may pop or fall apart easily. It is also important that they are large enough that your cat cannot accidentally swallow them.
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Catnip Toys
Containing the all-natural substance nepetalactone, catnip causes many cats to react with zany behaviors, including rolling, racing around, and general hyperactivity. Studies have shown that over 50% of the feline population reacts to this herb which is a member of the mint family. Pure catnip is non-toxic and is completely safe to use with cats of all ages. Often, nepetalactone stimulates cats when the essential oils are inhaled and has a sedative effect when it is ingested.
For ease of use and general cleanliness, toys containing catnip are popular among many cat owners. They also allow your pet to play with them more than once. Many cats love to roll in loose, dried catnip, which is extremely potent, and playing in it releases more of the aroma that cats find to be intoxicating.
Laser Pointers
While many cat owners utilize laser pointers, they may cause feelings of depression or anxiety. This is due to the fact that your cat is not able to ever “catch” the red dot which may translate into the cat feeling frustrated.
However, many felines are inexplicably drawn to laser points, making it compelling for their owners to use them. If you do choose to play with your cat with a laser pointer, it is important to follow a few simple rules. Never shine the laser at your cat and pay close attention that the beam is not directed at their eyes. Additionally, in order to avoid burnout, try using the laser pointer to have your playful kitty scamper across the floor, then point the beam at a plush cat toy or cat ball so that your cat can feel they have successfully caught their prey.
Now that we have let the cat out of the bag about the benefits of feline toys, we hope we have encouraged you to look at playtime in a whole new light. When choosing a toy for your cat, consider their individual personality as well as their play-time preferences. The right toy will do more than entertain your cat, it will keep them mentally and physically active.
Keep your frisky feline friend engaged with a new healthy cat toy. If you have any questions regarding our extensive selection of cat toys or would like assistance selecting the best cat toy for your kitty, we invite you to reach out to a member of our friendly and highly-trained sales staff, many of whom are cat owners themselves!