Cat Toys

Cats can play with anything that excites their curiosity, imagination and interest. Like play for all animals, cat toys help cats learn the skills necessary for survival. Choosing the right cat toy can not only make your cat happier, it can contribute to its total well being.

• It is said that, to play with a toy with a cat, you should let the cat ‘catch’ the toy somewhere between one in three, or one in six, times. This is because a cat who catches - or cannot catch - a toy every time will soon get bored.

• As cats eat meat in the wild, most cat toys involve chasing, chewing, scratching , or otherwise catching prey, in some degree.

• The most common - and loved - cat toys simulate small rodents, bugs, bird or snakes. A string may be considered a snake, whereas a fluffy toy most resembles a bird, or perhaps a small mammal.

• Interestingly, if a cat eats food during a game, it is likely to stop playing. This is because in the wild, eating signifies the end of the chase, and time to do something different.

• Do not choose a toy that appears threatening to a cat. Cats are trained to run away from larger predators, whilst stalking smaller ones. Needless to say, they will prefer toys that seem to act like prey, rather than frighten them.

• Beware of cats when playing. Overenthusiastic cats can easily scratch hands, faces, or even eyes badly!

Finally - don’t forget a cat’s favorite toy will be other cats, or you, its owner. Make sure to take time out for your cat every day, to keep it happy and in best shape.

What is your cat’s favorite toy?

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