Great Toys for Cats

Author: Samantha Markham

Author: Samantha Markham

Cats can be very particular and many owners will have experienced the frustration of buying a new toy only to find that kitty is not interested. Of course, cats are very intelligent animals, so it is important that they are provided with proper stimulation, especially if they spend the majority of time indoors. However, which toys will keep a cat occupied and which will be ignored? Here are just a few of the cat toys that you may like to consider for your feline friend. Fishing/Wand Toys Fishing or wand toys are incredibly simple; they consist of a stick with a piece of string and some fluff or feathers on the end. Despite the simplicity, a cats interest in this toy will last as long as you are willing to play. One of the main reasons that these toys are so effective is that they appeal to the cats natural instinct to hunt small mammals and birds. Therefore, swiping, chasing and pouncing on the small toy at the end of the stick is great fun for them. There are many wand toys to choose from, but generally it is best to go for a lightweight model, as this will provide more fun for your cat. However, depending on how rough your cat likes to play, you may find that the end of the toy gets broken and will need to be replaced. Jingling Balls Another very simple toy that appeals to the natural inclinations of the cat is a ball. A ball gives the cat an opportunity to chase and, as the cats paws bash the ball, it will roll across the room. This is the type of toy that a cat can amuse itself with, but there is an opportunity for human involvement if you care to join in. I specified jingle balls, because cats particularly enjoy balls or bubbles that make a sound, but you may find that your cat likes an ordinary ball just as well. Small Fabric Toys Again, typically it is the toys that do something, like make a sound or have some visual stimulation, that are most popular with cats. A small cloth or fabric toy that does nothing will not be as successful however. Unless, of course, it contains catnip, which is a real winner with the majority of cats. Springy Toys Like a fishing or wand toy, spring toys are incredibly popular, because they allow the cat to swipe and bat at something. If possible, it is a good idea to get a scratching post with springy toys attached, as this will also encourage your cat to use the post. Again, these types of toys are great for cats that are left indoors for the majority of the day, as it gives them an opportunity to amuse themselves. Laser Pointing Toys One of the more modern cat toys is the laser pointer, which is another activity designed to appeal to the cats natural hunting instincts. Opinion is divided over whether these toys are enjoyed by cats. Some owners claim that their cats are mesmerized by their laser toys and will play for hours at a time. On the other hand, there are cats that could not be less interested if they tried. Therefore, whether your cat will enjoy it or not is down to the individual animal. The good news is that a small laser pointer toy can be bought relatively cheaply, which means the experiment does not have to cost a fortune. From a safety point of view, owners should never direct the laser into the cats eyes. It should be directed at the floor, where, if your cat is interested, he, or she, will chase it. We love our pets. Consequently, the pet toy market is thriving. There are, of course, many other options for your cat, but these are just a few of the toys you might like to consider. About the Author:

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer, based in the UK. She is currently producing articles on behalf of Remmeer.com, an online supplier of unique pet products. Visit Remmeer.com for a great range of interactive cat toys and gifts for the cat lover in your life, such as cat lover ceramic mugs.

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