These are toys which we have used for our cats. They are simple toys which keep our cats busy for long lengths of time.
What Types of toys for cats are available? The toys for cats industry has started adding so many new toys.
Here are some basic types of toys cats love.
Indoor Toys
Indoor toys that kitties Love are
- Balls
- Cardboard boxes
- Toy mouse
- Climbing ledges
- String toys for chasing
- Laser dots to chase in the dark
All of my cats loved these. These have been in my house for as long as I can remember.
Chewy Toys
The thing about chewy toys is that they need to be safe and the material needs to be durable.
Teething kittens especially enjoy chewing toys.
But do note that all cats may not really like chewing toys as much. One of the popular toys are Catnip Chew mice.
Top 10 Toys for Cats
These toys are cat approved. Each cat has her own personality. While my male cat LOVED a toy, my female beauty looked at it with disdain.
So you need to understand your cats personality before you buy a toy.
I would have saved a fortune if I knew this 7 years earlier…
In general both my cats have given these toys their stamp of approval.
Balls
Balls are always an attention-getter with the cat. In some ways, it mimics a mouse as it rolls about and goes under stuff.
The cat loves trying to chase, roll on it and attempts to get it out of the tough to get to spaces.
My male cat was the goofy one.. he loves it..
My female cat thinks it’s okay. She may once in a while indulge us by showing she cares enough to chase it.
My male cat thinks they are the Best.
Cardboard Boxes
I have seen my cat spend hours playing with cardboard boxes.
The large cardboard boxes can be used to put the cat in and the cat can scratch up the box from the inside.
You will find the cat jumping in and out and even sleeping in the box.
Toy Mouse
A mechanical toy mouse will be very effective in keeping the cat busy as it provides an opportunity for chase and hunt which cats love.
Do be careful of small parts and ensure that the cat does not take it apart.
Climbing Ledges
This provides the cat with a lot of fun as well as keeps it active.
If you cannot get premade ledges then you can arrange wooden planks on counter tips and shelves and with some rope or possibly tape ensure that it is stable.
Lay some treats on the highest ledge with the cat watching and soon it will figure out how to get there.
String Toys for chasing
This is a very simple toy that basically has a string and some object at the end. You can make this at home.
My son ties a stick or broken broom to the end of the string and runs around the house. The cat loves chasing this around.
You can also but a more sophisticated one which may be a rod with a fish/mouse or something with tail-like endings that can be dragged around.
Laser dots to chase in the dark
Yes, this will have to have you operating it.
But in the dark, you will find the cat going crazy with the laser dot darting around the room on the walls and the floor and even the ceiling.
It can be a lot of fun for you as well.
Catnip Chew Mice
Catnip make the cats go crazy use that with a mouse-like chewable toy and you have a winning combination.
The smell of the catnip and the mouse-like structure of the chewable toy will keep your cat engaged and happy for hours.
Cat Tunnel
These are hollow pipes or tubes that are interconnected and can be of many types.
The cats can crawl through the tunnels and it is especially fun for them to retrieve treats form that or toys.
If you have more than one cat then you will find that they create their own games.
Cat Scratching Pole
It is not exactly a toy but hey, a cat needs to scratch.
A scratching post is definitely a must-have for any cat home.
This is where they vent out their scatch frustrations and also stretch and do their calisthenics.
Cat Activity Centres
There are many such products now that will have a few activities that are possible.
This gives the cat variety and it can choose what it wants to do. The activities differ along with the models.
How do I keep my cat entertained?
Boredom can be destructive for a cat. If you are one of the owners who have to leave your cat at home and go to work then the possibility is that the cat is getting bored at home.
Lazy and bored cats are not fun pets at all. So how do you keep your cat entertained when you are not at home?
The best way is to get some toys that will keep the cat entertained.
Just any toy would not do the trick you will need to choose toys that will arouse curiosity and also pose some kind of a challenge to the cat.
Cats can be kept entertained in many ways such as building climbing structures or spaces, leaving the TV on, leaving a fake mouse on the floor and empty cardboard boxes. We will also look at toys that are useful.
The key to keeping the cat entertained is focusing on activities or toys that provide mental stimulation.
How do you Mentally Stimulate a Cat?
To mentally stimulate a cat here are a few ideas
Use their Curiosity
Cats are very curious creatures. Their inquisitiveness can be tapped into to mentally engage them.
Cardboard boxes that are partially open, long rods with feathers or tail -like attachments at the end, yarn, and other items that you would be surprised interest a cat.
Show them Moving Objects
If there are objects that are moving it tends to captivate a cat.
So TV is interesting as there are many moving objects in that.
The cats love to watch pigeons and birds from balconies and also fish in the fishbowls, although the interest may not be entirely due to the moving of these objects alone in this case.
Tease with hard to get items
Food kept in a box but visible from the outside, dry treats kept on high places with climbing access, paper bags with stuff in them or even bugs or mice hiding in holes can keep the cat occupied for a long time.
Make them chase stuff
Some cats love to chase balls and small insects, bugs and mice.
If you have a house with bugs and mice your cat would certainly be happy.
Toys that move like a battery-operated mouse that scurries around the house will be an excellent way to get the cat involved for hours.
Get another Cat
Well, it seems to be a ridiculous suggestion but another cat can be an excellent way to keep the cat busy and active.
They will be busy playing fighting and loving that you do not have to bother keeping your cat entertained anymore. Problem solved!
How to Choose the Right Toys for your Cat
Choose according to the age of your cat
Younger cats may like to run around and possibly chase moving toys but they may not be as effective with older cats. You may need to choose lower activity level toys for them. So keep your cat’s age in mind.
No Small Parts
Do not choose toys with small parts or that may break easily into pieces that the cat could swallow.
Safety
When getting toys also ensure that they are safe and either the materials or the activity does not cause harm to the cat.
Uses their Natural Instincts
The natural instincts of the cat include climbing, hunting, and chasing. SO toys that bring out these in the cat are going to be very engaging for the cat. So a toy mouse that moves and which the cat can chase, a climbing tree or ledge, a laser dot or shiny balls to chase, etc. are good choices.