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Cat Toys

Through play with cat toys, kittens discover the world around them and learn basic rules that will govern the rest of their lives.

Kittens spend many hours playing games, especially those that simulate hunting and violent competition with other cats.

As they grow up, cats become calmer and are not as often excited by stimuli. House cats, however, normally like to continue to engage in some sort of play.

The toys that cats love most are those that tap into their natural curiosity, their quickness and agility, and their technique of catching their prey.

Choosing Safe Cat Toys

There are an assortment of cat toys displayed in pet shops and wholesalers, and whilst they are are wonderful amusements, cat toys should be chosen carefully.

* Avoid toys that have sharp edges or parts that your kitten might swallow

* Choose soft toys that bounce

* Beware of yarn and toys with strings. Yarn or string is dangerous if ingested. Supervise all play with these toys.

However, when choosing toys that will provide stimulating play for your cat and keep him engaged, you must also consider the safety factor. So, just which safe toy will engage frisky kitties when the clock strikes playtime?

The Safety Factor

When considering toys for your kitty, keep this in mind: If it can be swallowed, it is dangerous. The backward-pointing barbs on a cat's tongue make it difficult for him to remove items from his mouth. It is important to stay away from toys that have string or shiny bits of metal that cats might swallow. When choosing a toy for your cats avoid any that may be a choking hazard. Stay away from toys with small parts or toys that have pieces that may become dislodged during a playful cat romp. The same is true for small balls, yarn, ribbon, tassels, rubber bands and bells. Check toys for glued-on decorations or trim. Also, make sure they are not made of a toxic substance. All of these can cause severe injury to your curious pet.

Cat Toy Suggestions

Picking cat toys off the shelves at any pet center or website can be an adventure. Here are some suggestions that might help you overcome the cat toy maze.

Recommendations:

Da Bird looks like a fishing rod with attachable feathers on the end that can be replaced when worn. The package bills this toy as the #1 cat toy on the market and says it is recommended by veterinarians as an interactive exercise toy. Alert: "Hide this toy when not in use or cats will love them to pieces."
Cat Dancer is an interesting toy made from a looped wire with rolled cardboard pieces about 1/2 inch attached at the end of the wire. The package says "Hold Cat Dancer lightly between your thumb and forefinger and play with your cat." Look for the stand that goes with this product so kitty can play when you're not at home.
A-Door-Able Bouncing Mouse is a furry catnip filled mouse attached at the end of an elastic cord that hangs over any size door frame that will jump and bounce as the cat swats the mouse.
Kitty Glow Balls has two balls to a bag. The balls glow in the dark making for nocturnal amusement for your cat. Most cat owners will sleep through this one. Each ball has multi-colored yarn that sticks out from inside the ball making it more interesting for the cat. Beware: Make sure the yarn is only two inches long, in case it becomes detached from ball. String or fibers can be swallowed and become wrapped in your cat's intestines.
Kitty Roller is a colorful plastic cylinder with geometric shaped cutouts that kitty can roll and bat around the floor. There is a ball inside the cylinder and a bell inside the ball.
Crazy Circle is two pieces of plastic that look like a tire shape with a medium- sized ball inside so when kitty bats the circle the ball inside runs around the large tire shape.
Diz Wiz is a bright colored plastic bowl with a 10-inch plastic stick that attaches inside the bowl. At the other end of the 10-inch stick is a swivel-jointed stick that has a string with feathers attached to the end. This toy looks like a spinning top when the bowl wobbles and spins around. Beware: Care should be taken to make sure the spring doesn't become dislodged from plastic.

Toys don't have to be expensive for a cat to have fun. Sometimes cardboard boxes or large paper bags will do or something as unceremonious as a wadded up piece of paper will keep kitties amused for hours. A preference for play toys is very individual according to each cat's likes and dislikes.

Cat Toys with Catnip

Choose from a wide range of catnip filled kitten and cat toys available on the market, like the adorable soft towelling cuddly toys below. Other catnip products include catnip beds, bags, pillows and socks.

Interactive Cat Toys

Shaped like a real computer mouse, the Cy-Purr Mouse features technology that comes alive and keeps your feline guessing. Cat dancer wire cat toy is an interactive cat toy with spring steel wire, and rolled cardboard creating an irresistible lure for cats. Cats are crazy about these particular cat toys because they simulate their favorite games-stalking, hunting, and chasing prey. Sharpen your cat's hunting skills further and provide fun exercise too, with this remote-controlled micro mouse!

Balls

Cats never seem to tire of this tried and true favorite. Cats find it very hard to resist a ball as it catches their eye, rolling or bouncing on the floor. Many balls like the the caged variety (pictured below)have a small bell in them or are made in such a way that they make a sound as they roll. Plastic balls in particular, bounce and roll, providing hours of stimulating exercise and fun, and come in a variety of different colours, shapes and sizes. If you're looking to build an arsenal of surefire toys for your cat, a ball is a must have.

Toy Mice

Fur toy mice are a real attraction for some cats. Some are even stuffed with catnip. Others are sold with a stand to which they are connected with a spring. As well as the classic fury toy mouse, wind-up toy mice are now available in shops with spring mechanisms that will run in circles on the floor.

Homemade Cat Toys

Excellent toys can also be made at home. However,it is important to check these "toys" to make sure they are not potentially harmful to your cat.

Making a Cat Toy: Pom Pom

What you need: Cardboard, Wool, Scissors, Elastic, Little Bell.

Cut two pieces of cardboard into two circles. Put the two pieces together

With a ball of wool, start looping it through the centre of the circles. Make the balls of wool small enough to fit through the hole.Wrap the wool around the loop so it covers it.

Once you've finished wrapping the wool around the cardboard, cut the wool all around the outside. Then tie the centre of the pom pom with another piece of wool so it stays together.

Now remove the cardboard. Attach the elastic and the bell - and you have a pom pom!

Caution: Supervise pets when playing with any toy. Check toys regularly for any loose parts which may be ingested. Discard any toy if it becomes chewed, broken, or damaged.