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How many of us have found a really cute looking cat toy and been so excited to rush it home to our feline friend, only to discover that they are more interested in playing with the twist tie that was attaching said toy to the packaging?!  Or perhaps jumping into the cardboard box that you bought your bundle of new toys home in?  Quite often simple toys can provide hours of entertainment, what’s more, the right ones don’t have to be costly.

Cats are athletic creatures with amazing strength and agility. Nature made them into perfect machines for leaping, jumping and dashing. Just because your house kitty doesn’t have real prey to chase doesn’t mean she can’t act out her inner predator.  In their natural habitat, cats love to observe, chase and pounce.  Importantly, toys and regular playtime gives them an outlet for their energy, mental and physical stimulation, and a chance to bond with you.

Typically, cats most enjoy playing with small, light objects that are “flickable,” which they can swat and then chase.  Very simple toys can provide hours of entertainment – rolled up balls of paper, ping-pong balls, cardboard boxes, tents made of newspaper – are all ideal and cost little.

‘Fishing rod’ toys which feature a feather or small item on the end of a string or wire, such as the famous “Da Bird” toys are a good choice. The owner jerks the string to create rapid movement just out of paw reach or along the floor. The particular advantage of such toys is that it keeps the owner’s hands away from those sharp claws and the cat does not learn to grab hands or feet. Cats need to learn to play gently – what may seem cute and funny in a kitten becomes far less so, particularly to children, as the cat gets older and stronger. (We have a large range of the Da Bird toys in stock at the Hospital).

Some cats go wild for the little red light of a laser toy, chasing it around the floor and up the wall. The cat gets a good workout, and you don’t even have to get off the couch! Just be sure never to shine the light in your cat’s eyes, as it could damage them. When the game ends, offer your cat a toy to finally grab.

There are a range of puzzle-feeder toys on the market; each requires varying degrees of paw or nose dexterity to free the kibble (dry food). Some cats will enjoy the challenge of working out how to access the food hidden in a ball or maze; others will become bored or frustrated.  Any food consumed in this way should be considered part of the daily food allowance to avoid weight gain.

Some cats that have previously been uninterested in toys may respond to toys containing catnip.  Catnip is a member of the mint family that contains an odour that has a powerful effect on some (though not all) cats.  Catnip is safe, and your cat won’t get addicted to it!  Some cats can get over-stimulated to the point of aggressive play, while others just get relaxed. Genetics determines if your cat is affected by catnip. The ones that do react usually develop sensitivity to it when they’re about six months old.

If you are going to buy any cat toys, it is important that they don’t contain any harmful components. Remove eyes or other small decorations that your cat could chew off and swallow. Also, keep any toys that could be harmful to your cat out of reach when you can’t supervise their play, including those that contain; ribbons, string and tinsel.  It is also important to keep other potentially harmful items around the house hidden, such as, paper clips, pins, needles, rubber bands, dental floss and plastic bags – all things that your kitty might find fun to play with but could cause serious injury if they are swallowed or if they become entangled.

Like a young child, your cat can become bored with their toys. To keep them interested, rotate your cat’s toys weekly, making only a few available at a time.  Provide toys that offer a variety of uses—at least one toy to carry, one to wrestle with and one to roll.   If your cat has a favourite, like a soft “baby” that they love to cuddle, you might want to leave that one out all the time.

Remember – the right toys do not have to be costly!  Providing toys that are interactive and appeal to your cat’s natural instincts will ensure your kitty has endless amusement.  This kind of play is important for your cat, because they need active “people time”—and such play strengthens the bond between you and your cat.

Dr Niquet

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