Choosing the best toys for your cat

Beyond their entertainment value, cat toys play an essential role in exercising your cat, offering mental stimulation and giving your kitty the chance to dig into natural instincts like hunting and pouncing. Playtime is also a great way to bond and show your cat some love. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose the right cat toys for your kitty – and to avoid toys that can be problems.

The different types of cat toys

Most cat toys fall into one of several categories.

Interactive cat toys give you the opportunity to frolic with your furry friend.

Wands are cat chaser toys feature feathers, string or small objects at the end of a stick that you can flick around. This activity mimics the movement of prey and triggers your cat’s hunting instinct. Using wand toys frequently keeps your cat mentally stimulated and agile as they grow older.
Laser pointers cast a small dot of light on floors and walls, which most cats find irresistible to chase. This is a great way to keep your cat active and burn off excess energy. However, it’s important to keep play sessions short and to let your kitty “catch” a treat at the end. This helps avoid the frustration of never being able to catch the laser dot.

Puzzle toys require a cat to figure something out to get a reward. These cat toys are great for mental stimulation.

Treat dispensers allow you to place treats inside a puzzle which your cat must solve to access the treat as a reward. These toys also help fast eaters slow down by making them work for their food.
Interactive feeders follow the same format as treat dispensers but are meant to turn mealtimes into a challenge. These toys promote healthy eating habits and provide mental stimulation, which can be especially important for indoor cats.

Independent toys provide playtime fun for your cat when you’re not around.

Automatic toys are battery-operated devices that move or make noise to capture a cat’s attention. Many products can be set to engage your kitty several times throughout the day, offering opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation when you’re not home.
Catnip-filled toys are very attractive for cats that are sensitive to this herb. The scent of catnip can produce a strong, playful reaction for some cats.
Balls and mice are small movable toys that your kitty can bat around or chase on their own. Many toys of this sort are infused with catnip, making them even more appealing.
Plush toys are soft, stuffed items that your cat may enjoy cuddling with, carrying around or pouncing on. These toys can also be comforting for cats that like to knead and snuggle. When you’re bringing a new cat home for the first time, plush toys can offer a sense of security as a substitute for the kitten’s mother or littermates.

Environmental enrichment toys and other cat accessories provide opportunities for both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Cat tunnels and climbing structures indulge your kitty’s natural behaviors like climbing, hiding and exploring. These toys help reduce boredom and avoid destructive behaviors by giving your cat a safe outlet for their energy.
Interactive mats have various textures, pockets and crinkly sections that let cats explore with their paws and noses. These sensory experiences can keep your cat engaged and entertained when you’re not home.

The benefits of playing with cat toys

Toys offer lots of physical and mental benefits for your cat.

Physical exercise: Regularly playing with toys helps your cat burn calories, which is especially important for indoor cats that may not get as much natural exercise as outdoor cats. Physical exercise is important for preventing cat obesity and all of its related health problems like diabetes and joint issues. Playing with toys also improves agility and coordination and helps promote cat hip and joint health in older cats.
Mental stimulation: Keeping your cat mentally engaged is essential to preventing boredom that can lead to stress and destructive behavior like scratching furniture. Offering your cat a variety of toys that stimulate different senses can keep their mind sharp and engaged.
Cat stress relief: For cats that are prone to nervousness or stress, regular play with cat toys can help to calm a cat’s anxiety and allow them to feel more confident and secure. Playtime allows your cat to release pent up energy and frustration and contributes to a calmer and more relaxed demeanor. Toys that mimic hunting behavior are especially effective at relieving stress, since they let your cat engage in natural behaviors in a safe and controlled way.
Bonding: Playtime strengthens the bond between you and your cat by creating positive associations and mutual trust. Playtime also lets you learn more about your cat’s preferences and behaviors and understand what type of play they enjoy most.
Fulfilling natural instincts: Toys that mimic prey let your cat engage in natural hunting behaviors that are important for mental and emotional well-being. This type of cat toy offers an outlet for your kitty’s predatory instincts and helps prevent behavioral problems that can arise from boredom or frustration.

Safety considerations when choosing cat toys

Follow these guidelines to keep your cat safe during playtime.

Supervise play with small toys with strings or small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Choose toys that are well-made and can withstand active play without breaking into small parts that could be dangerous if ingested.
Select toys that are the right size for your cat. Small toys may be swallowed too easily, and your cat may not find oversized toys engaging.
Avoid anything made from toxic materials that could pose a danger if your cat chews or bites.

FAQs

What toys do cats like the most?

Many cats are fond of wand toys with feathers or strings attached, since they mimic the movements of prey. Catnip toys are also loved by some cats – the scent can stimulate playful and active behavior that provides both mental and physical stimulation.

How do cats like to be entertained?

Cats enjoy engaging in play with their human parents. Activities like chasing a wand toy or laser pointer offer physical exercise, mental stimulation and the opportunity for bonding. Cats also enjoy any toys that allow them to stalk, pounce and chase, satisfying their natural instincts.

Do cats enjoy cat toys?

Cat toys can be quite entertaining for kitties, especially when they promote natural behaviors like hunting and pouncing. To prevent a cat from becoming bored, it’s important to rotate different types of toys and introduce new ones regularly.

What are cat chew toys?

Cat chew toys cater to a cat's instinct to chew and gnaw. Unlike dogs, cats aren't typically known for chewing on things, but they still have a natural desire to bite, play and engage with objects using their teeth. Chew toys for cats satisfy these instincts while promoting dental health and providing mental stimulation.

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Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.