We all want to buy toys for our kitties and it's really easy to go overboard and spoil them like crazy! But what toys do they really need and do people find are the best?
The first thing to watch for is safety. Many cat toys have dangerous parts. Does the toy have parts that can easily come off and cause choking? Watch for feathers and curling ribbon. Is it washable? Will it easily unravel? Please read this article on harmful toys.
Toy suggestions:
Here's one toy that many cats love. It's almost mandatory for a kitten. You can get a single track, stacked tracks, one with a cardboard scratcher in the middle, some with a toy to swat and even some that attach to the window to save floor space.
Wand toys are good for interactive fun with your kitty. You can get rigid sticks with a something on the end like feathers, ribbons or tinsel. Some cats like to really go after these toys so be careful with the feather and tinsel as they could choke on them. Many go crazy for the kind that's on a flexible stick more like a fishing pole.
Kicker toys are good for all ages. Some cats will wrestle with it. Some will cuddle with it. They are usually filled with catnip and come in a variety of styles - big, small, with a tail and even shaped like objects like fish.
Of course, small toys are always a hit! Balls, mice, springs, etc. Try a variety of items. Your cat will let you know which kind he likes best! Many of them have cat nip in them too, make crinkle sounds or have bells.
Cat nip is enjoyed by most cats. Many of the stuffed toys contain some and even have an opening to add a fresh amount periodically. You can compressed cat nip toys too!
There are many suggestions online for toys you can make yourself as well. Please just keep safety in mind. Make sure they are durable.
There are many suggestions online for toys you can make yourself as well. Please just keep safety in mind. Make sure they are durable.
There are all kinds of electronic toys available as well. Often cats have a short interest in those.
One of the toys a cat likes best is a box or a paper bag (remove handles please). Even better is a box that you put a few small toys into. A crumpled up piece of paper (like the receipt from buying all these toys) is fun too! You don't have to spend a lot of money. Almost anything is a toy for a cat!
Climbers are a good investment for most cats. It gives them a place to scratch, sleep and play. There are so many styles of these as well. You can wall mount items as well and totally "catify" your house.