Toys are tops. They mentally stimulate a kitty cat, offer entertainment, and encourage movement.
If you have an indoor cat, play is especially important, as they do not enjoy the natural stimulation of the outdoors. They thrive on the extra activity and brain use that toys bring.
If you are away at work (or play), toys help lessen long hours alone.
PetMD points out that “exercise is essential for your cat’s mental and physical health because it relieves stress and boredom, improves circulation, builds muscle tone and can prevent or reduce behavioural problems.”
On the whole, “it is a good idea to choose the toys that encourage interactivity and play on the animal’s predatory nature,” recommends Pawsome Kitty, “such as wands, lasers and basically anything that the cat can stalk, scratch, bite and pounce on.”
But kitty might turn her nose up at it, because kitty is a complex creature.
If you don’t want a pile of purchases or creations that your furry one simply rejects, consider the types of play cats engage in against their temperament. With distinct pussynalities, what works for one feline may not work for another.
Temperament plays a huge part in the success of a toy so before you buy, ask why Mittens would want to.
- Independent cats may prefer to play alone. How about a 3-in-1 circuit ball set?
- Needy cats might love a regular game of wands (as opposed to thrones, because they already have that in you, right?) with you rather than playing solo. Or even ON you.
- A disinterested or indolent cat may respond well to food game toys which render treats for feats of feline brilliance and get Blob up and active. Try this Cat Tumbler with treats inside (treats sold separately).
Pawsome Kitty points out that there are, broadly, two types of play, solo play and together play (usually with a human, but in sociable cats living communally, can be other pets). We’ve found a few toys for both that you can order online from local suppliers.
Solo-play toys
Solo playthings include any items that can be batted around, pounced on, nibbled on, chased or stalked, e.g. stuffed objects that look like rats, balls with bells inside, and toys with catnip or cat mint inside.
- This catnip chew mouse will bring many minutes of mangled fun.
- This indoor grass kit is especially useful for kitties who can’t go outside.
Together-play toys
Interactive toys include wands, lasers e.g. cats will go crazy chasing the small shiny spot on the walls. These toys require a human to activate and give you a chance to bond.
- This feather wand has real feathers to really get kitty up and moving
- Here’s a laser toy for endless fun against a bare wall. Don’t use it on the couch, though!
Homemade toys (thanks, Pinterest)
DIY done right can change your (cat’s) life. Sometimes the simplest materials can be easily upcycled into incredible toys for your number one miaower.
For the Beginner Cat Toy maker
A solo-play food treat bottle. A fantastic way to give a longer life to a used plastic bottle. Make sure it’s perfectly clean, first, hey? And no jagged edges, either.
For the Intermediate Amazing Human Who Makes Life Fun
This cat wand using felt is pretty and pretty irresistible to kitty…
For the Advanced Animal with Thumbs Who Creates the Best Stuff for Felines
Re-use your empty cardboard boxes to make a solo-play kitty house. Works well with carefully hidden treats, too…
Also: Tie a long string to anything that moves (safely). That could be you, the broom, a rafter in the ceiling of a drafty room, etc. NOT the ceiling fan, though, thank you. Make sure it’s long enough to spare human legs The Claws but not get caught on corners, etc. Add feathers at the end for extra appeal. And don’t walk by anything that can be knocked over by a pouncing kitty…
What if nothing works?
She might not be in the mood right now. Especially if the belly is full, or she found a spot in the sun. Give it a break and try again later. And if all else fails, try this feline formula: ignore Mittens and get on with something else. Very intently. Focus on it. Not on her. Being the eternally curious cat that she is, chances are she might soon slink over to see what you’re up to, because why should you be having fun without her? Take it as an invitation to engage, rather than a motivation to interrupt, and try (all) the toys again. Otherwise, you can always play ‘let me sleep in your lap’…
PLEASE! Protect your precious parts! Your cat is armed with feline versions of spears, swords, and knives. Always protect your eyes and face when playing with kitty. Games can escalate quickly, and tooth and claw can do much harm to soft human bits. But you already discovered that, didn’t you?
