Cat Toys
Cat toys are not just for kittens. Most housebound cats are in need of exercise, so having an assortment of playthings on hand will assure that they do not become inactive and overweight. In the wild, a cat’s survival depends on the ability to catch and kill prey, skills that were learned as a kitten through play-acting. For many housecats, there will never be real live prey, aside from the occasional flying insect. The instinct to chase moving objects remains strong, regardless of whether it’s used for its ultimate purpose, and that instinct can be channeled to delight cat and owner alike. Finding the perfect match between cat and toy is the first step.
Types of Cat Toys
Age and temperament will determine what type of cat toy is likely to inspire your pet. A plaything that is prized by a kitten may hold no interest at all for a mature housecat. A cat may become attached to one favorite object and refuse to respond to any other that doesn’t meet his personal standards. If he prefers that his cat toys have a rattle inside, he may ignore you when you toss him the silent variety. It’s fun to experiment, and find out which of the various cat toy attributes draws a response:
• Rattles
• Rolls
• Dangles
• Flies
• Feathered
• Faux fur vs. real fur
• Contains catnip
• Slim, like a snake
• Plump, like a mouse
• Motorized vs. cat powered
Some toy mice are so realistic, they can startle you when you sweep them from under the couch. Real fur retains a potent scent, and cats respond with enthusiasm when they are presented with a toy mouse fresh from the pet store. For owners who prefer cruelty-free entertainment, there are clever mouse substitutes made by artisans who use environmentally friendly materials - organic cotton or eco-felt. The themes are endless – from an octopus with dangling tentacles to faux sushi stuffed with catnip. These cat toys are sewn or knitted and are far superior to the “Made in China” variety that often have glued parts that can become a swallowing hazard when they are pried loose. Laser pointers provide a fantastic way for owners to give their kitties a workout. It’s important not to point the light directly into the cat’s eyes.
Dangerous Items
Some household objects can lead to injury or death. Here are the ones to avoid:
• Ball of yarn – once the cat starts swallowing, he can’t stop and may choke
• Tinfoil balls – can block intestines if swallowed
• Cellophane – reacts with digestive juices, causes internal hemorrhage
• Rubber Bands – can lead to fatal complications if swallowed
• Superballs – they bounce back hard and hit kitty in the face
• Toys with glued-on decorations – dangerous if swallowed
• Plastic bags – cats can suffocate, just as children can
• Bags with handles – they can get caught in the handles
Great links for Incredible Cat Toys
