Pelushka Persians

Cat Toys

Selecting the Right Toys for Your Cats Play Preference

There are literally hundreds of cat toys on the market, but do you know which type of toy your cat actually prefers?  Is your cat a birder, a mouser, or a bug catcher?  Does he like toys that make a sound or toys that move quickly across the floor?  Many cats love toys that can be tossed up in the air with their paws, swat at and bitten, and most of this type are filled with catnip to entice play.

Generally, favoured toys imitate the sounds, textures, or movements of prey, allowing the cat to mimic predatory acts that he would perform if hunting for food, and although your cat may not need to “hunt” for his dinner, he will still enjoy the actions and movements involved with the process of hunting from which he will create a form of play.

To try and discover what type of toy your cat likes, buy several cat toys of different sizes, shapes and textures. Try fur, feathers, fabric and leather.  Introduce them one at a time and roll, toss, slide and move them in different ways and speeds to determine his preference. Watch to see which type of toy your cat finds most interesting. For example, you may see a preference to toys that simulate birds such as bird shaped toys, toys that chirp, toys with feathers or toys that create bird-like movements (fluttering toys). Other cats will prefer toys that mimic “catching small rodents”, such toys shaped like mice, toys that squeak, toys made of fur, or toys that have jerking movements. They may also enjoy tossing, biting or carrying their “prey”. Movements that simulate bug catching are a favorite play type of many cats. You can test this by giving your cat a kibble of food to chase, using a laser light on the floor or wall, or by playing with a string with a knot on the end and moving it quickly. When using a dangling cat toy such as a wand, play with your cat by dangling the toy in front of him and slowly move it away. Try the feathery options that fly and mimic bird feather movement. These work really well and will provoke a “pounce” in cats that like that type of play activity. You might find that you cat likes a crinkle (Mylar) ball that makes a noise when he attacks it that simulates some of the movement and sounds of prey.

Once you figure out what your cat prefers, you can vary the sizes and types of cat toys within that category.




Buying and Using Cat Toys

Don't buy too many cat toys at first but have enough to distract your cat. Buy more toys when you know what types your cat prefers.

When choosing a cat toy, consider safety. Make sure that no parts of the toy can be swallowed or eaten. If you are unsure how your pet will react with a toy, make the play time supervised and hide toys when you are not with him and able to observe his behaviour.

Offer your cat a variety and rotate them for play periodically (every 3-4 days) to keep them “fresh”, new and exiting to him.

Consider homemade options. It is easy to create homemade toys of empty paper bags, rolled up paper balls, milk bottle “rings” or empty kitchen /toilet roll tubes. You can also stuff a light weight sock or make small catnip toys of spare fabric. Try hiding some toys or treats around the house so your cat can look for them when you’re not at home.

Finally, no matter which toys your cat prefers, he will always enjoy a play session with you, so please make time to interact with him every day.